Tractor Supply Renews Deal With Lainey Wilson
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, is continuing its partnership with Grammy Award-winning and prolific singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson as a brand ambassador for 2024. In this role, Wilson will continue to authentically highlight Tractor Supply’s commitment to and passion for serving all those who enjoy living “Life Out Here.”
To kick off the renewed partnership, Wilson stars in a new 30-second spot featuring her newest song “Country’s Cool Again.” Viewable on Tractor Supply’s social media and across select linear streaming platforms, the ad gives viewers a glimpse into Wilson’s life on the road, contrasted with her journey back to the farm where she grew up and the joys of Life Out Here. Click here to watch the new Life Out Here ad featuring Wilson.
“When the road turns to gravel, when the city becomes country, and the noise becomes music, that’s when you know you’re out here,” says Wilson in the new ad.
“Lainey’s music and creative process remind us to slow down and appreciate Life Out Here,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer of Tractor Supply. “Her connection to this way of life fuels her, just like it fuels us at Tractor Supply, and we look forward to continuing to share this passion in the next chapter of our partnership.”
“As a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter, Tractor Supply has played an integral part of my lifestyle from a young age,” said Wilson. “Originally from a town of 200 people, to now living out my dream playing music around the world, Life Out Here is true to my core. When I’m off the road, I’m spending time outside back at home on the farm enjoying the little things in life.”
In 2022, Tractor Supply debuted a TikTok-style TV spot starring Wilson, which aired for the first time during the Yellowstone Season 5 Premiere. The spot was inspired by Tractor Supply’s dedication to Life Out Here and featured Wilson’s latest release “Live Off” from her album “Bell Bottom Country.” And last year, Wilson served as curator of the Tractor Supply Emerging Artists Program to support and influence the next generation of country music stars. Wilson advised and played an active role in launching and executing the overall program, and served as a mentor to help launch the careers of rising artists and songwriters and their songs inspired by Life Out Here.
Beginning May 1 through May 15, as part of Tractor Supply’s partnership with Wilson, members of Tractor Supply’s Neighbor’s Club loyalty program can enter for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Nashville, a pair of tickets to Wilson’s show at Nissan Stadium on June 8 during country music’s biggest week and meet-and-greet passes to meet Wilson. Visit Tractor Supply’s social pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to enter the sweeps.
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Regal Ware Welcomes Whittle, Windfeldt to Board
Regal Ware, Inc., a leading privately held, family-owned holding company with brands in the premium kitchen essentials and cookware industry, is excited to announce the addition of Jeff Whittle and Gene Windfeldt to its board of directors. Each brings experience that will enhance the strategic direction of the portfolio.
Whittle joins Regal Ware with a background as an EOS Implementer, having honed his skills in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and beyond, extending his expertise to clients across several states. With an MBA, and a law degree under his belt, Whittle’s career encompasses more than 15 years of legal practice followed by over 20 years of leadership across various sectors, including professional services, enterprise software, and manufacturing. As the former CEO of Royal Seating, he led the company to distribute thousands of SKUs throughout North America, scaling operations efficiently and effectively.
“I am incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors at Regal Ware,” said Whittle. “The company’s ethos and their innovative spirit align perfectly with my professional experience, and I am eager to contribute to the next chapter of Regal Ware’s portfolio success story.”
Windfeldt brings exceptional direct selling experience as the retired president and CEO of The Kirby Company, where his leadership catalyzed the company’s expansive growth, with sales reaching over 660,000 units. A maverick in direct sales and entrepreneurial ventures, Windfeldt’s journey began with Kirby vacuums and culminated in executive leadership roles and the founding of Preferred Credit, Inc. His extensive board service across finance, health, and environmental organizations illustrates his diverse expertise and commitment to community enrichment.
Joining Regal Ware’s board, Windfeldt remarked, “It’s a privilege to align with a company that prides itself on excellence. I am looking forward to applying my breadth of experience to contribute to Regal Ware’s growth and to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide.”
Ryan Reigle, chairman of the board, warmly welcomes the new members.
“Jeff’s extensive operational acumen and Gene’s remarkable track record in direct selling leadership make them outstanding additions to our board of directors. We are excited to have such esteemed individuals join us as we look to our future business portfolio.”
Regal Ware’s decision to bring notable industry figures onto its board underscores the company’s dedication to leveraging high-caliber expertise to enhance its strategic operations. As Regal Ware continues to provide unmatched kitchen experiences and business opportunities to families around the globe, the addition of Whittle and Windfeldt to the board is a step toward a future as promising as its heritage.
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Dash Cooking Systems Customize Kitchens
To achieve customizable home cooking that fits kitchens and lifestyles of all shapes and sizes, the in-house team of creatives, product designers, and inventors at Dash have looked to the future to create appliances that provide maximum functionality in fewer devices. The future consists of appliances that are multi-functional, versatile, and practical thanks to interchangeable cooking surfaces. With three new cooking systems, Dash delivers all-in-one appliances that offer value and convenience, save space, and are dishwasher safe. Ultimately allowing consumers to choose plates and functions to perfectly fit their varying everyday needs.
“As we step into the future of cooking, versatility is paramount. Younger generations seek tools that adapt to their ever-changing culinary interests and lifestyles. At Dash, we’re dedicated to crafting kitchen solutions that meet these demands while inspiring creativity and experimentation in the kitchen,” said Evan Dash, CEO of StoreBound.
The new line of Dash’s MultiMaker systems include:
- MultiMaker Mini Maker System: This do-it-all system allows consumers to easily alternate between removable 4″ waffle plates, griddle plates and novelty designs, including a heart, sunflower, bumblebee, unicorn, dinosaur, jack-o-lantern, snowflake, and Santa. With new additions to the seasonal catalog in the form of 2-Plate Packs, these Removable Plates are infinitely collectible.
- MultiMaker Treat Maker System: The Treat System makes mini treats (and more) using removable plates with 8″ cooking surfaces. Alternate between Mini Donut, Mini Cupcake and Waffle Bite Plates to create customized breakfast bites, party favors, and Instagram-worthy confections.
- MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System: The Flex Press Grill System allows consumers to alternate between removable plates for grilling, griddling and making waffles, with the bonus of functioning as a bistro-style panini press or a flattop countertop grill with dual cooking surfaces.
In addition to bringing multi-functionality into the kitchen, Dash continues to add to its ever-growing catalog of novel products and partnership collaborations. New 2024 product offerings and expanded collections include the following:
- Dash’s Ceramic SmartStore Lightweight Cookware Sets: Each set includes five lightweight cast aluminum pieces that nest conveniently within each other for seamless storage. Centering around various cooking techniques, the Roaster Set, the Grill+Fryer Set, and an Everyday Set are slated for consumer purchase late 2024 / early 2025. Each piece is compatible with all cooktops including induction, oven-safe up to 400°F and glass lids up to 350°F.
- Prepdeck by Dash: Continuing in their mission to help consumers make easy, healthy meals at home, Dash is proud to join forces with meal prep masters Prepdeck to offer a full Meal Prep System that gives home cooks all the tools and space needed to prep, cook, and clean just like the pros and faster than ever before. The Prepdeck Gen 2 Meal Prep System comes with 14 stackable containers in five sizes, eight precision prepping tools, a spacious cutting board, a mobile device stand, and hidden compartments for stashing trash and compost during prep. For home chefs in smaller spaces or with lighter prep needs, there’s Prepdeck Lite, a sleeker System that’s portable and easy to maneuver, making it easy to stay one prep ahead just about anywhere.
“We’re excited to announce that Dash has taken over distribution of Prepdeck, the culinary innovation originally launched on Shark Tank. Together, we’re empowering home chefs to unleash their creativity and make cooking an even more enjoyable experience,” said Dash. - New Novelty Collectables: Adding to their ever-growing catalog of seasonal favorites, Dash is proud to announce two new additions to the Winter/Holiday roster with the Reindeer Mini Waffle Maker and the Wreath Mini Bundt Cake Maker. Dash is also introducing new color palettes and fresh finishes in 2024 that reflect recent market changes and viral trends. Expect to see more muted and neutral colors—ranging from blush, cream, sage, and lavender, all available in a matte satin finish.
- Expanded Zakarian by Dash Collection: The first to marry all the best features of traditional cast iron with premium nonstick cooking, Zakarian by Dash returns in 2024 with new additions to the Cast Iron Nonstick family. Boasting superior searing capabilities, the Zakarian by Dash 9″ Wok with Glass Lid is ideal for quick and easy restaurant-quality one-pan meals. The new Double Burner Grill will also join the Cast Iron Nonstick collection, offering a sleek and stylish high-gloss grill pan that fits over two stovetop burners for extra grill space and easy entertaining. Plus, these new additions and select skillet sizes will now be available in a brand-new hue – Hunter Green.
Dash is committed to helping people make healthy, unprocessed food at home. Grounded in the belief that taking small steps every day to live a healthier life and eating whole, natural foods can make a big impact, Dash provides the tools and content to help consumers make delicious and healthy meals at home.
StoreBound is a family of brands bound by innovation. Leveraging a fully integrated model of concept development, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing, and business management, StoreBound develops quality products and manages their performance at key retailers. With thoughtful, well-designed home and housewares products, StoreBound’s aim is to win the hearts of customers worldwide.
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Tovolo Mini Ice Brings Trend Home
Mini Ice (a.k.a. nugget ice, pellet ice, or chewy ice) has become increasingly popular with consumers due to its satisfying light and “chewy” texture and refreshing chilling qualities. However, to have this at home, consumers have been limited to buying from fast-food restaurants, using poorly designed in-home trays that don’t work, or buying expensive ice-making machines … until now. Tovolo, a leader in go-to kitchen innovations, is changing the game by bringing this trendy ice option to consumer kitchens with two innovative new Mini Ice products.
The Tovolo Mini Ice products are designed to make the popular nugget-style ice easily and affordably. Both designs feature flexible, durable materials that easily release the mini ice; while tight-fitting lids seal out odors and prevent spills. All the materials are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
This whimsical solution is fun to use and satisfyingly addicting! Featuring a compact-sized, squeezable design, the innovative and easy-to-use cylinder makes enough ice to chill more than two drinks–creating 200 mini ice cubes per batch. Simply squeeze to pop the ice free.
- FILL the ice mold to the water-line marker and push in the plunger core/lid.
- FREEZE for 4-6 hours.
- SQUEEZE. When you are ready to use, run the mold under warm water and simply squeeze to pop the ice free.
The set includes two ice cylinders with Charcoal-colored lids. MSRP $17.99
The diamond-shaped orientation of the ice on the Twist & Release Mini Ice Trays makes popping the ice out simple. Featuring flexible, stackable trays that easily release with a simple twist, the set includes two trays with tight-fitting lids, a handy serving scoop, and storage bin to keep ice fresh and clean. Each tray makes 150 mini cubes—enough to chill more than two drinks each.
- FILL the tray to the water-line marker and cover with the lid.
- FREEZE for 4-6 hours.
- TWIST. Run the tray under warm water, remove the lid, and just twist to pop the ice free.
The set includes two ice trays with Charcoal-colored lids, one scoop, and one storage bin. MSRP $19.99
“Our mission is to make innovative and high-quality kitchen gadgets accessible to everyone,” said Elaine Mundorf, product manager at Tovolo. “With these uniquely designed new mini ice-making products, anyone can now upgrade their beverages and enjoy America’s favorite ice easily and affordably at home.”
Tovolo Mini Ice Sets are available on Amazon.com.
Spectrum Diversified Designs, LLC creates innovative storage and organization solutions for all rooms of the home. Spectrum and Tovolo brands are the sources for kitchen, pantry, bathroom, closet/storage organization, and more. By offering unmatched results through customer service and an extensive portfolio of patented designs, Spectrum Diversified Designs, LLC is a leader in housewares committed to developing innovative new items, finishes, and product collections.
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Made by Gather Names Hoke CRO
Kitchenware leader Made by Gather has named Brian Hoke as its first chief revenue officer. Hoke will lead both the sales and product management teams, combining two important teams that bring Made by Gather’s portfolio of consumer brands to market. This investment is a testament to the company’s growth as it continues to expand Beautiful by Drew and look toward the fall relaunch of beloved flagship brand, bella.
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Brian during our time together at Macy’s,” said Shawn Austin, Made by Gather’s President. “Over the past 20 years, I have watched Brian grow into one of the most successful business drivers and leaders that any organization could ask for. As chief revenue officer, we are creating a major step change for Made by Gather that will position us for even more accelerated growth.”
Hoke joins Made by Gather from Vitamin Shoppe where he most recently served as chief merchandising officer. Prior to that he held chief merchandising officer roles at both Sheex and Lord + Taylor and held various senior executive roles at Macy’s – including the divisional merchandise managers of housewares and the small kitchen electrics buyer during his tenure. He has deep experience in driving retail and wholesale businesses and leading large cross-functional teams. Hoke prides himself in being growth minded, a strong communicator, a relationship builder, and has a passion for developing talent.
Made by Gather, the parent company of the rapidly growing Beautiful by Drew, also recently announced the relaunch of flagship consumer brand, bella during the International Housewares Association’s The Inspired Home Show in Chicago. The announcement marked a transformational moment for the kitchenware brand, founded in 2011, as it doubles down on its decade-long promise of bringing functionally-aesthetic kitchenware and delightful innovation to the masses. Hoke will play an important role in bringing bella to market as it hits shelves at most mass retailers this Fall.
“Coming off IHA’s The Inspired Home Show one thing is crystal clear,” Austin said, “the growth we’ve seen over the last couple of years is just the beginning – we are about to accelerate even faster, and we truly have unlimited potential.”
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Milton & King Launches Wallpaper Collection
Milton & King has launched Milton & King Studio, its first in-house wallpaper collection, curated by an internal team of designers.
This new offering now provides the company with the ability to respond quickly to home design trends and quickly adapt to customer feedback, ensuring the fast-growing retailer continues to stay ahead of the curve. The collection itself seamlessly blends creativity with craftsmanship, showcasing unique artworks meticulously designed by the company’s talented in-house artists.
The first wallpaper from the Studio collection is Gardenia Wallpaper, which kicks off the Milton & King Studio launch, setting the tone for the Studio’s commitment to offering unique and inspiring wallpaper options.
Milton & King added to the collection on March 14, with an exclusive Baseball Wallpaper, which pays homage to one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Rafted with precision and printed on high-quality materials, the Baseball Wallpaper design is offered in seven colorways inspired by various team uniforms. The design includes both plain and pinstriped backgrounds, providing versatility. Its easy-to-install nature ensures a seamless application process, enabling homeowners and interior designers to effortlessly transform any space.
Cloud includes three designs and was released on April 4 and includes Dreamy offering a charming and subtle interpretation of the Earth’s sky; Heavenly wallpaper promises to transform any space into a serene sanctuary; and Serenity, a mural featuring a vast and dramatic skyscape with billowing clouds painted in soft whites, grays and golden tones.
The Snake Charmer Wallpaper was added on April 11 and is a sultry and intricate design that weaves together the graceful beauty of snakes with the lusciousness of fruits and florals in a mesmerizing and maximalist repeat. Hand painted in gouache, the design cleverly balances the serpent’s ethereal presence harmoniously with the delicate charm of rich botanicals. Snake Charmer is a visually stunning and enchanting tapestry that celebrates the dark and decadent side of nature’s diverse elements.
“In creating Milton & King Studio, our goal was to provide customers with wallpapers that not only enhance their spaces but also reflect their individual style,” said Bryce Capp, co-owner. “We’re excited to launch Milton & King Studio, which we believe embodies the best of wallpaper design.”
Milton & King Studio’s commitment to sustainability shines through in its manufacturing process. Embracing an on-demand production model, the studio minimizes logistics costs, lead times, and carbon emissions. Their lean manufacturing approach guarantees that less than 5 percent of production goes to waste, as they exclusively produce what is sold. This not only reduces landfill waste but also prevents the accumulation of outdated inventory, ensuring that their offerings stay aligned with current trends.
The Milton & King Studio collection is now available for purchase on the company’s website.
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Zafferano America Promotes Collins, Fleisher
Zafferano America, the manufacturer of award-winning cordless lighting, handmade tableware and colored glassware, has promoted Chris Collins to executive vice president of sales and Neil Fleisher to vice president of sales, lighting division, effective immediately. The two are seasoned veterans in the luxury home retail and lighting industries, respectively, and have proven themselves as exceptional drivers of the brand’s efforts to build a national sales force in North America.
“Both Collins and Fleisher have been vital players on our team, helping to build a sales force that has generated tremendous success in a short time,” says Barrett Gross, president of Zafferano America. “In 2019, we introduced our brand, seeking to educate customers about the benefits of cordless lighting. Now, with the help of our outstanding sales team, the Zafferano name has become synonymous with cordless lighting, and our tableware and glassware divisions have demonstrated Zafferano’s growing presence in home design, as well as our core values — color and light.”
Collins has worked at Zafferano America since the fall of 2022, launching the company’s new tableware division as the first vice president sales & marketing for tableware. Collins’ deep knowledge of the luxury marketplace has helped the company develop new relationships in lighting, furniture, retail and hospitality. Prior to joining Zafferano America, Collins served as president of Arte Italica as well as vice president and general manager of 7W New York.
Fleisher joined Zafferano America in February of 2023 as national sales manager, bringing with him over 40 years of experience as a retail/wholesale lighting industry leader. His expertise and relationships throughout the United States and Canada have proven instrumental in growing the company’s lighting division.
Zafferano America was established in 2019 and has rapidly become the leading purveyor of cordless lighting in the American market, outfitting the most celebrated hotels and restaurants across the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Zafferano’s cordless lamps come in 40 different styles and 49 colors and finishes in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and applications.
Zafferano America also manufactures dinnerware in Italy to complement its lighting designs and world-renowned colored glassware collections. The company is rooted in Venice, Italy, the birthplace of Zafferano’s founder and lead designer, Federico de Majo. Federico’s vision and his love for the color and light of his native city is the ongoing inspiration for the Zafferano brand.
The company’s offerings include cordless lighting, colored glassware, stemware, ceramic tableware and lighting fixtures. In September of 2023, Zafferano opened its flagship U.S. showroom in New York City, which is the first retail presence for the brand outside of Italy.
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Kohl’s Expands Home, Seasonal Decor
Kohl’s has unveiled its new approach to home – a strategy designed to deliver customers a fresh and expanded selection of stylish home and seasonal decor, all at affordable prices. The significantly expanded assortment, available now both in-store and online, offers customers an inspiring and discover-worthy curation of home and seasonal products in new categories and styles for every home.
“We’ve been making meaningful changes to reposition and expand our home offerings over the past year and are excited to unveil Kohl’s new assortment of on-trend and affordable home products to customers nationwide,” said Nick Jones, chief merchandising and digital officer. “As part of Kohl’s broader strategy to drive growth, we identified a real opportunity in home, and we’ve been thoughtfully building the category to position ourselves as a destination for home goods. We’re incredibly encouraged by initial customer response to our home decor assortment, and we see Kohl’s becoming a more formidable player in the home business.”
A Home Assortment, Reimagined
To create a meaningful transformation of its home business, Kohl’s expanded select categories in its assortment by 40 percent, offering newness in areas including wall art, glassware and ceramic home decor, barware, botanicals, lighting and more.
- A Curated Assortment of Unique Home Goods: Kohl’s new home collection will feature a curated mix of unique decorative home products in new-to-Kohl’s categories, such as wall art, botanicals, storage, pet, lighting, frames, glass and ceramics. The assortment is focused on approachable style and affordability.
- Strengthened Everyday Essentials: Kohl’s home assortment maintains some of its key programs that customers have loved, such as bedding and bath, but has elevated the assortment to include more modern aesthetics and frequent pattern and color injections to offer a constant stream of style-forward options for customers’ evolving preferences.
- A Seasonal Decor Destination: Kohl’s new home strategy is also positioning the company to be a year-round destination for everyday occasions and seasonal holidays. It will deliver 60 percent newness in home and holiday decor seasonally to keep customers coming back to refresh their homes for each holiday.
Rediscovering Home at Kohl’s
Kohl’s has created an elevated and expanded in-store and digital home experience, making it easier for customers to find something new and exciting for their home every time they shop. To re-introduce its home offerings to customers, Kohl’s is engaging in a multi-channel marketing approach including immersive digital activations that are rooted in inspiration and experimentation, partnerships with home design experts, a live pop-up experience in New York City, and more.
“We know the way consumers shop for home goods is centered around inspiration, and we have a unique opportunity to re-introduce current customers and invite new customers to think of Kohl’s when looking for inspiration for their home,” said Christie Raymond, chief marketing officer. “We’re prioritizing ways to connect, drive awareness and engage with home shoppers to enhance our credibility in the category, reinforce our compelling value, and provide new ideas and solutions that spark creativity for customers, to ensure Kohl’s is a top-of-mind destination for home decor.”
For more information and to see some of Kohl’s exciting new home products, visit stores nationwide and Kohls.com/home.
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Summer Las Vegas Market Gears Up
With a dynamic showcase of more than 3,500 resources across furniture, home decor and gift categories and enriching programming designed to connect, Las Vegas Market hosts the west coast’s leading buying event this Summer. Registration is officially open for the July 28-Aug. 1 Market at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Market provides a hub to discover the new and next in every category,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “This summer, we leverage the availability of better home furnishings, celebrate veteran and emerging resources across gift and home and embrace top programming to best serve our retailers and designers.”
World Market Center Las Vegas serves as the western shopping destination this Summer with 3,500+ resources, including 450+ temporary exhibitors in The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. With categories catered to every attendee, refreshing merchandise mixes and discovering the perfect match for design projects are made easy at July’s Market.
Permanent showrooms across 35 floors in Buildings A, B and C provide access to top furniture, home decor and gift brands, with highlights including bedding resources and design-forward furniture sourcing. As the national bedding market, buyers can find the greatest collection of mattress and bedding in Las Vegas, with nine floors of resources. Following its much-anticipated Winter launch, a design-driven sourcing destination on B2 makes its Summer debut in July with some eight brands offering on-trend products.
The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas is a must-visit destination within Las Vegas Market to see the latest products and trends in the gift and home industries, offering more than 450 gift and home temporary exhibitors presented in six categories: Design, Gift, Handmade, Home, Immediate Delivery and LUXE. The B6 Home Furnishings Temporaries present 100+ furniture temporary exhibitors, following its relocation from B2 in January.
A full list of Las Vegas Market exhibitors is available at LasVegasMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
Leading Programming Supplements Premium Sourcing
Innovative programming returns to Market with events and inspiration dominating the design and business spaces. Las Vegas Market delivers keynote speakers, product displays, influencer programs and unmatched amenities over four days to round out the west coast’s favorite sourcing event.
Buyers can expect at-Market enrichment with CEU-accredited seminars, influencer and highlighted brand product displays, floor parties and daily amenities across the World Market Center Las Vegas campus. Curated event highlights include a Market Kickoff Party, a seminar and book signing by celebrity designer Roger Thomas, a gift-focused workshop with buying coach Kristin Fisher, an Ahead of the Curve panel in partnership with Luxe Magazine and the annual ANDYZ Awards honoring interior design excellence.
Las Vegas Market inspires with Market Snapshot on all Market social media channels, giving buyers a sneak peek into trending products and brands in the weeks leading up to the buying event. A Market Snapshot display is available in the Building C lobby, showcasing the Summer’s hottest new products. The Summer edition of ANDMORE’s newest influencer program, The ( A ) List, returns to Las Vegas for its sophomore session to bring Instagram fast finds and a Build ( A ) Room display to life, sourcing exclusively from Las Vegas Market exhibitors. A brand-new class of Market Pros also returns on the Market’s social media – @LasVegasMarket – with can’t-miss tips and Instagram takeovers.
Amenities include Buyer Breakfast in the Courtyard, floor parties, B6 Happy Hour and Happy Hour & Music in the Courtyard, Sunday, July 28 to Wednesday, July 31; and Happy Hour in the Expo at World Market Center, Sunday through Tuesday, July 30.
A full list of at-Market events and amenities will be announced in the coming weeks at LasVegasMarket.com/Explore/Events-and-Seminars.
Market Planning Tools
Las Vegas Market makes Market easy with tools to prepare attendees for sourcing and networking at the buying event.
New this summer in digital resources is the Market Planner. Launching in June, this web-based planning tool is an additional outlet designed for pre-show mapping and strategy. The @Market App, ANDMORE’s premier digital tool to navigate Market, returns to Summer Market for onsite exploration and networking before, during and after the event. All app capabilities are now available on iOS and Android devices.
Market information including an exhibitor directory, travel information and on-campus dining options are available on the Las Vegas Market website, LasVegasMarket.com. Find special hotel rates in the city at LasVegasMarket.com/Attend/Hotels, and follow @LasVegasMarket on Instagram and @LVMarket on Facebook to stay updated on featured products and Market tips for optimized shopping and community. The Las Vegas Market Preview Guide gives an inside scoop on Market resources for pre-Market planning, and Buyer’s Guide and EXPLORE – The Gift & Home Temporaries Magazine provide on-site guidance with complete lists of events, product offerings and articles on how to maximize Market.
For Summer 2024, permanent showrooms in Buildings A, B and C are open Sunday, July 28 – Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursday, August 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Gift & Home Temporaries, located in The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, are open Sunday, July 28 – Tuesday, July 30, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Home Furnishings Temporaries, newly located in Building B, Floor 6, are open Sunday, July 28 – Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Registration for the Summer 2024 Las Vegas Market is open now at LasVegasMarket.com/Market-Info/Registration-Details.
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Williams Sonoma, AERIN Expand Collection
Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home, portfolio brands of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer announced the expansion of the popular AERIN collaboration with two new collections. Designed in collaboration with Aerin Lauder, the new AERIN for Williams Sonoma and AERIN for Williams Sonoma Home collections feature a robust assortment of products ranging from tabletop and entertaining pieces to outdoor furniture and embroidered pillows.
The exclusive new collections bring Lauder’s signature style and love for entertaining directly to customers’ homes. Inspired by her garden in East Hampton, the tabletop pieces combine blues and greens with a floral motif. The expansion of the AERIN for Williams Sonoma Home collection includes additional outdoor furniture pieces that features all-weather wicker designed in the elevated but relaxed style of the home.
“Summertime entertaining is my favorite and the new AERIN for Williams Sonoma collections reflect the best of those moments,” said founder & creative director of AERIN, Aerin Lauder. “While the collection is inspired by my garden in Long Island and the furniture was created based on the details of a wicker basket that belonged to my mother, the collections are infused with my own memories and entertaining essentials, as well as the ethos of the AERIN brand.”
“Our team was able to work with Aerin to design collections for Williams Sonoma and Williams Sonoma Home that embrace Aerin’s signature style and combine thoughtful design details with playful pops of color,” said Williams Sonoma President Felix Carbullido. “The AERIN collection elevates outdoor spaces and provides stylish solutions for summer entertaining.”
The AERIN for Williams Sonoma collection includes:
- Blue Swirl Glassware, Mouth-blown glass finished with hand-painted rims to add a bold touch and elevates any occasion. Starting at $79.95 (set of four).
- Confetti Tumblers, Crafted of mouth-blown glass and finished with hand-painted confetti dots and a blue rim. $79.95 (set of four).
- Garden Bouquet Dinnerware, Glazed stoneware featuring hand-painted blooms, flowering vines and scalloped silhouettes, the collection includes a charger, platter, dinner, and salad plates. Starting at $59.95.
- Braided Woven Charger, Handcrafted in a wheel pattern and finished with a braided exterior and protective lacquered finish for easy cleaning. $29.95 (each).
- Braided Woven Napkin Ring, Individually handcrafted from natural rattan and finished with lacquer for easy cleaning. $29.95 (set of four).
- Scalloped Linens, Scalloped edging, and fresh, sunny hues, finished with decorative embroidery, the collection includes a placement and napkin both, available in light blue and green. Starting at $49.95 (set of four).
- Gingham Napkins, Cotton gingham napkins, reminiscent of outdoor picnics and warm sunny months, these napkins feature mitered corners for a tailored finished and are available in light blue and green. $49.95 (set of four).
- Swirl Candle, Features top notes of tuberose paired with the warm, woodsy fragrance of santal, made of soy-blend wax with a clean-burning cotton wick and comes in a reusable glass holder with a blue rim. $79.95 (each).
The AERIN for Williams Sonoma Home collection includes:
- Jane Outdoor Embroidery Pillow, Embroidered vines adorn the pillows with tropical inspiration and tailored from a smooth weave that resists water and fading. Available in cream and green. $69 (each).
- Spiral Glass Bath Collection, Spirals of clear crystalline glass put an elegant spin on everyday essentials, the collection includes a soap dispenser, tissue box cover, toothbrush holder, vanity tray, wastebasket, and water carafe. Starting at $75.
- Pink Onyx Bath Collection, Handcrafted from a single block of pink stone featuring yellow and brown highlights, the collection includes soap dispenser, tissue box cover, toothbrush holder, vanity tray, and wastebasket. Starting at $75.
- Coral Round Wall Mirror, Delicate organic structure of coral reimagined in this eye-catching mirror adding a graceful focal point to bedrooms, dining rooms and entryways. $795.
- East Hampton Outdoor Furniture Collection, Echoes the relaxed style of Lauder’s Hamptons home, this collection combines all-weather resin wicker with a sturdy, rust-resistant powder-coated metal frame. The collection includes a sofa, club chair, coffee table, dining chair, dining table, and table ottoman. Starting at $595.
To learn more about the exclusive collection with Aerin Lauder, or to purchase products from the collection, please visit: www.williams-sonoma.com/aerin.
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Gift for Life Responds to World Central Kitchen Losses
In response to Monday’s announcement that seven World Central Kitchen workers were killed during hunger relief operations in Gaza, Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, issued the following statement:
“We were shocked and saddened by yesterday’s news that seven World Central Kitchen relief workers were killed by Israeli airstrikes while delivering much needed aid to Gaza. WCK sends teams and aid where they are desperately needed, which is quite often into harm’s way, so while this type of danger is not unknown to WCK, Chef Jose Andres has announced the suspension of WCK’s relief efforts in Gaza. Since 2019, our industry has united to support WCK’s efforts to feed communities impacted by crisis, climate and conflict around the globe, and we stand united with Chef Andres, the WCK team and the families who lost loved ones. We also offer our hope for a swift return to peace that will allow their humanitarian efforts to resume.”
Gift for Life has updated the homepage of its website, www.giftforlife.org, with a banner honoring the WCK team members who were killed in Gaza. The banner includes a link to WCK’s webpage with a list of the seven individuals’ names, photographs, countries of origin and WCK roles.
Since 2021, Gift for Life has been uniting the gift and home industry to fundraise for World Central Kitchen’s crisis, climate and conflict-related hunger relief. With the industry’s help, WCK has provided nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals have been delivered to impacted communities. Donations can be made to WCK’s general fund at https://donate.wck.org/giftforlife2024, or to one of Gift for Life’s current WCK campaigns – Home vs Hunger’s Party with a Purpose at High Point Market, Dorothy Belshaw’s Industry Achievement Award at the Retailer Excellence Awards in Dallas or Peter Schauben’s 70th Birthday at Atlanta Market – through www.giftforlife.org/donate.
The Gift for Life Board is comprised of 25 recognized leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries. Current members include: Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective; Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It; Taylor Brunson of Softies; Sheila Charton of Zafferano America; Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.; Cole Daugherty of Dallas Market Center; Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; Lindsay Duncan of Patrick & Company; Carolyn Geremia of Beekman 1802; Colleen Hall of C&F Enterprises; Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts; Angela Jacobson of AMJ Consulting; Russ Jones of Ivystone; Carlos E. Llanso of Legacy Publishing; Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X; Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop/Ari’s Pantry; Julie McCallum of Gift Shop Plus; Kim Mancuso-Telford of NY NOW; Landon Metts of MarketTime; Sarah Mount of ANDMORE; Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co.; Angela Schmook of Road Runners; Michelle Sherrier of MC Design Collaboration and host of The Retail Whore Podcast; Cathy Steel of Steel Associates; and Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.
SoCal Spring Garden Show Set April 25-28
The 34th Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show is a four-day garden event held April 25-28 in South Coast Plaza’s Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wings. Discover dozens of unique plant and garden vendors for all one’s spring gardening needs, explore eight inspiring one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces designed by top Southern California landscape designers in collaboration with South Coast Plaza home boutiques, a dramatic 25-foot natural centerpiece, and this year’s stunning Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE – an exhibit showcasing fresh floral installations inspired by art and artists.
Highlights of the Southern California Garden Show will include:
- A one-stop botanical bonanza with nurseries, horticultural societies, and other vendors offering unique, hard-to-find, and collectible plants for sale at more than competitive prices.
- A stunning floral centerpiece 25 feet high featuring lovely and whimsical depictions of an undersea reef with colorful fish and other creatures, all made with plant materials.
- Stylish and sustainable home and garden vignettes created by Southern California’s top design experts and South Coast Plaza’s home stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Sur la Table, West Elm and more.
- Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE will feature more than 15 fresh floral mannequins and spectacular installations throughout South Coast Plaza, with an additional mannequin at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. The displays will celebrate the art, artists, and creativity, and will be designed by some of Southern California’s favorite florists.
- South Coast Plaza’s collection of specimen palm trees will be open for tours hosted by a horticulturalist from Sherman Library & Gardens.
When: Wednesday, April 24 (Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE debuts)
Thursday, April 25-Sunday April 28
Where: 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa
springgardenshow.com / 800.782.8888
Complimentary admission and parking
Renowned as a leading international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to more than 250 prominent boutiques, critically acclaimed restaurants and the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Orange County Museum of Art. New brands coming to South Coast Plaza in 2024 include Alaia, Amiri, Courrèges, Jacques Marie Mage, Mejuri and Santa Maria Novella, as well as new and expanded boutiques for existing brands Baccarat, Bulgari, Cartier, Chloé, Dior Homme, Eileen Fisher, Gucci, Lanvin, Rolex, Zegna, and more.
South Coast Plaza is in Costa Mesa, Calif. southcoastplaza.com or 800.782.8888.
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West Elm Launches iOS Design, Shopping App
Global design company West Elm, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched a mobile iOS design and shopping app. Developed with the customer journey in mind, the app allows users to filter by need, providing a tailored shopping experience. The app is now available for free in the App Store where customers can explore and shop West Elm’s offerings.
Additional features of the West Elm mobile app include:
- On-demand expert assistance: chat with a Design Crew associate in real-time or schedule a free in-store, in home or virtual appointment.
- Shareable wish-lists: browsing and gifting done right. Share favorites with contacts or social media directly through the app.
- Dynamic registry: explore, track, and manage the West Elm registry on-the-go.
- Timely check-out: use Apple Pay for secure billing and processing.
“Delivering a fun and frictionless shopping experience is always our top priority,” said Day Kornbluth, president of West Elm. “We are proud to introduce a mobile-first, customizable platform, that creates an opportunity for users to experience all that West Elm has to offer through an elevated mobile experience.”
For more information and to download the app today, please visit the West Elm App on the App Store. Join the conversation on social media with @westelm and @westelmkids.
Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people’s lives and space through creativity, style, and purpose. We create original, modern, and affordable home decor, and curate a global selection of local, ethically sourced, and Fair Trade Certified™ products available online and in 100+ stores worldwide. We are a part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, and participate in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the fleet of best-in-class brands.
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Study: Climate Events Affect Interior Design
The American Society of Interior Designers, in collaboration with the Chemical Insights Research Institute of UL Research Institutes, unveiled new research on the effects of extreme weather and climate events on the built environment and its occupants. Focusing on the intersection between science and interior design, “ASID Impact of Design Brief: Climate, Building Resiliency & Human Health” is the first of two free resources from ASID and CIRI.
The extreme weather brief examines the current state of the environment from a chemical landscape perspective and proposes how its three leading topics — climate, building resiliency and human health — can be better considered in an evolving design practice. The brief explores how weather events impact the built environment and interior design, the effects of extreme weather on human health and building resilience, and insight into designing for the future.
The extreme weather brief will be followed by a second brief from the ASID-CIRI team; with the second focusing on the effects of heat. That report is slated for release in the coming months.
“Designers and collaborators in the built environment bear the responsibility to improve human health through their work, and to consider new strategies in support of building resiliency,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “With the increase of extreme weather events and climate change, the interior design profession must be well-equipped to better understand and incorporate resilient solutions into their practices. We are grateful to CIRI for lending their expertise to our community and contributing to this valuable project.”
Extreme weather events and climate impacts are increasingly affecting people’s everyday lives—ASID’s “2024 Trends Outlook Report” found that two-thirds of Americans have experienced extreme weather events. These types of events react with building materials and chemicals, creating new challenges in the built environment. With this uptick in mind, ASID’s research with Chemical Insights offers interior designers the opportunity to move from a reactive to proactive approach to help mitigate the risk of these climate-related impacts and foster a positive impact on occupant health.
“Our recent research demonstrates that weather changes, like prolonged elevated temperatures, are changing how materials behave in the indoor environment,” said Dr. Marilyn Black, vice president and executive director of CIRI. “CIRI is excited to share our research knowledge with ASID so interior designers and manufacturers can be leaders and stewards for advancing healthy and sustainable living and working spaces.”
ASID’s collaboration with CIRI provides deeper data to inform designers in their practices. Notable findings include:
Poor indoor air quality puts nearly 40 Percent of the U.S. population at risk for serious health problems. On average, people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, breathing 15,000 liters of air a day. Weather and climate disasters impact the built environment and increase chemical and particle exposure to poor indoor air quality.
The levels of indoor chemical pollutants exceed those of the outdoor environment by at least two-fold. Occupants in the built environment face a complex mixture of chemicals. While new rating systems, product declaration statements, protocols and regulations have been introduced, the increase in extreme weather events has created novel challenges beyond carbon emissions that change the way materials behave in these new environments.
Buildings are being designed to mitigate the impact of external environmental stressors, including high winds, storms, fire and severe heat; however, there are also many internal stressors that can contribute to a building’s resilience, affecting the health of occupants. These may include temperature, chemicals, dust and fine particles, humidity and mold, allergens and endotoxins, viruses, bacteria and other biologicals.
Beyond extreme weather events, designers must also consider smaller, more daily occurrences. For example, longer and warmer summers can increase temperatures and subsequently increase chemical emissions from synthetic materials, while greater amounts of heat and moisture with more frequent thunderstorms may create conditions conducive to mold.
The report concludes with a forward-facing look at how interior designers can improve building resiliency and mitigate climate-related outcomes for occupants. These strategies are:
Use an integrative design approach. Bring the owner, design team, and other experts and stakeholders together early in the design process to establish goals, set priorities and identify occupant risks.
Proactively evaluate potential impacts. Prioritize materials, finishes and furnishings that minimize risks to human health to reduce indoor pollution and achieve greater resiliency.
Convey strategies and assess outcomes. Communicate to ensure alignment, engage stakeholders and demonstrate results for greater transparency and trust. Furthermore, monitor outcomes by recording both qualitative and quantitative effects on users to reconsider occupant risk.
The brief is now available for interior designers, industry professionals and the general public.
ASID research fellow, Dr. S. Dawn Haynie, and Holley Henderson, director of strategic partnerships and education at CIRI, will present on the findings of the CIRI brief at the following industry conferences:
- Coverings
Atlanta, Georgia; Wednesday, April 24 - GATHER Catalyst
Denver, Colo.; Tuesday, Aug.13
For more information on the “ASID Impact of Design Brief: Climate, Building Resiliency & Human Health,” visit: https://www.asid.org/resources/resources/view/resource-center/358
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Gift for Life, NY NOW Reteam for AIDS Walk New York
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world, on Sunday, May 19, in New York’s Central Park. NY NOW has pledged to match the first $5,000 in donations raised by the team for the 2024 edition, with all proceeds benefitting GMHC’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy programs.
“In 2023, the Gift for Life/NY NOW team exceeded its fundraising goal by raising more than $50,000,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our fundraising goal for 2024 is set at $40,000, and we are already well on our way with $15,000+ in donations. With the help of our colleagues, friends and families, we hope not only to reach but exceed last year’s results. The $5,000 donation match from NY NOW is an important and welcome impetus that helps us jump start our fundraising efforts.”
“AIDS Walk New York is exciting and fun, whether gathering in Central Park or virtually,” said Kelly Bristol, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our team meets regularly to discuss fundraising strategies and progress towards our goal. We’re hoping that our 2023 team members all will continue, and we welcome new participants as well!”
Along with team co-captains, Bristol and Kennedy, current Team members include four members of NY NOW: Kristen Brady, Sandra Kehoe, Amy Loewenberg and Matt Mathiason; plus Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; former team co-captain Su Hilty; Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines; Ari Lowenstein of Ari’s Pantry; Angela Schmook of Roadrunners Inc. and her family; Karalynn Sprouse of EmeraldX; and friends Bill McCue and Carl Walsh.
To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW Team, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GiftforLifeNYNOW24, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.
Kim Mancuso-Telford, general manager of NY NOW and Gift for Life Board member, remarks, “NY NOW is excited to partner again with Gift for Life and jumpstart the Gift for Life/ NY NOW AIDS Walk team fundraising efforts with our $5,000 matching grant. We carry on this tradition of NY NOW’s support of this important event that helps so many. It’s an honor to be part of Gift for Life and contribute to its meaningful work, both locally and nationally.”
Now in its 39th year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $155 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline that the GMHC provides for the thousands of individuals affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program. For more information, visit About & Who Benefits – AIDS Walk New York 2024 (aidswalkny.org).
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SharkNinja Names Reagan CFO
SharkNinja, Inc., a global product design and technology company, has named Patraic Reagan chief financial officer, effective April 22.
Reagan will oversee SharkNinja’s financial strategies and lead the company’s global finance organization, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, internal audit, and investor relations.
“We are confident that Patraic’s track record of driving profitable growth, deep international experience, and proven ability to lead unstoppable teams will strengthen our consumer-problem solving engine,” said Mark Barrocas, chief executive officer. “We are thrilled that Patraic will be joining our robust financial and leadership bench as we continue to strive to positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world, while driving outsized success and creating significant long-term shareholder value.”
Larry Flynn, who served as interim chief financial officer since June 2023, will continue in his role as Chief Accounting Officer.
Barrocas added, “Larry provided great leadership and his impact was invaluable as a new publicly traded company. I want to personally thank Larry for his hard work and unwavering commitment to SharkNinja.”
Reagan joins SharkNinja with over two decades of relevant experience. Most recently, Reagan served as the chief financial officer of Nike Inc.’s Asia, Pacific, and Latin America segment, where he helped drive consecutive years of strong revenue growth, and EBIT expansion that outpaced revenue while accelerating investment in key areas. Over his 13-year career with Nike, Reagan also served as the Global VP of Business Planning and was the CFO of Nike’s Direct-to-Consumer business in EMEA. Prior to Nike, Reagan held financial positions of increasing responsibility at roles with Coach Inc. (now Tapestry Inc), Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Kraft Foods and Chiquita Brands International.
“SharkNinja is an innovative company with a large addressable market that continues to grow with each category it enters,” said Reagan. “I’m very excited to join SharkNinja and play a meaningful role in executing its proven three-pillar growth strategy and charting the next chapter in SharkNinja’s story of disruptive innovation.”
Reagan will join the SharkNinja executive leadership team and be based out of the company’s headquarters in Needham, Mass.
SharkNinja, Inc. is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Mass., with more than 3,000 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world. For more information, please visit SharkNinja.com and follow @SharkNinja.
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Atlanta Market Amps Up Sourcing, Networking
The Summer 2024 edition of Atlanta Market is brimming with discovery opportunities as it leverages major changes in top categories, including refined gift and home temporaries, a remerchandising of The Gardens, expanded outdoor living resources and the launch of a web-based Market Planner tool. Registration is now open for July 16-22, Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“ANDMORE’s commitment to delivering efficient, effective and compelling markets thrives this Summer with updated categories and curated sourcing across campus,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “From retailers searching for new product and best-selling resources to augment their merchandise mix to designers looking for the perfect match for their projects, Atlanta Market offers the industry more opportunity and more connections this July.”
Cutting-Edge Resources Broaden Market Sourcing
Atlanta Market transforms sourcing this summer with streamlined shopping. Summer 2024 highlights include remerchandising in the Atlanta Market temporaries for better product discovery, a relaunch of The Gardens in Building 2 and robust casual and outdoor offerings.
In July, the gift and home temporaries consolidate into seven categories across eight floors in Buildings 2 and 3 for optimized sourcing. Some 1,400 temporary exhibitors showcase across HIGH DESIGN, Home, Kitchen + Table, Cash & Carry, Makers Hub, Gift and Fashion Accessories neighborhoods.
Following major reconstruction on the 10th floor of Building 2, The Gardens remerchandise throughout Floor 9 to create a single garden gift sourcing destination. Nearly 55 outdoor living gifts and accessories complement 170+ casual furnishings this Summer.
Running concurrently with Atlanta Market, Casual Market Atlanta returns for its sophomore show with seven floors of permanent and temporary resources across the casual and outdoor category. The largest collection of casual furnishings in the nation, Casual Market represents 400,000 square feet of permanent showroom space, giving Atlanta Market buyers the opportunity to source cross-category vendors for a unique retail mix.
For a full list of Atlanta Market exhibitors, visit AtlantaMarket.com/ExhibitorDirectory.
Exceptional Programming Stimulates Collaboration and Celebration
Four days of programming supplement creative sourcing through cooking demonstrations, seminars, celebrations and tours. Vignettes and displays across campus offer visual merchandising inspiration. Daily amenities are available for the duration, giving buyers the opportunity to enhance the at-Market experience.
The week begins with the Market Kickoff Party on Wednesday, July 17, in the Atrium in Building 3. Building 2, Floor 8, is a hotspot for housewares with a gourmet demonstration kitchen staging three interactive cooking classes. Six seminars across two locations – Building 3 Atrium and Building 1 Seminar Space – offer educational opportunities to retailers and designers.
Creative inspiration for the retail pioneer is top of mind at Atlanta Market. The
( A ) List, ANDMORE’s proprietary multi-modal influencer program centered on amplifying design and retail trends through the unique perspectives of top-tier designers, returns to Atlanta Market this summer. Additional sourcing inspiration offerings include the resident Market Snapshot display and product vignettes showcasing new brands and products. Additionally, ANDMORE will recognize top tradeshow displays with Best Booth Awards in six categories: Best Storytelling, Best Use of Color, Best Interactive Elements, Best Branding Display, Best Product Merchandising and Best of Show.
Campus amenities include Afternoon Beats, complimentary cappuccinos, Sip & Shop bars, photo walls, airport shuttles and complimentary parking. A full list of education, events and amenities will be available at AtlantaMarket.com/Events.
Market Planning Tools Aim to Ease
Atlanta Market makes shopping easy with a portfolio of online and at-market buyer-friendly tools designed to promote success.
New this Summer in digital resources is the Market Planner. Launching in June, this web-based planning tool is an additional outlet to assist in pre-show mapping and strategy. The @Market App continues to support efficiency through the entire Market lifecycle. All mainstay features remain, giving buyers another season of omnichannel discovery, shopping and post-Market follow-up.
AtlantaMarket.com is the buyer’s guide to the Summer show, rolling travel details, exhibitor information, dining maps and more into one central location. Atlanta Market social media (@AmericasMartATL) provides up-to-date information on influencer first finds, Market parties and new products.
Additionally, the Atlanta Market Magazine and Atlanta Market Buyer’s Guide give insight into can’t-miss products, new and expanding resources and on-campus soirees to enjoy at the July gathering.
For the Summer 2024 Atlanta Market, showrooms are open Tuesday, July 16, through Monday, July 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and temporary exhibits are open Wednesday, July 17, through Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. The Summer 2024 Atlanta Market runs July 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
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Cuisinart Unveils Outdoor Wok Station
Today at the National Hardware Show, Cuisinart Outdoors unveiled the Outdoor Wok Station – the first and only outdoor wok and prep station.
The Outdoor Wok Station combines style with versatility and functionality for all outdoor cooking needs. Seamlessly transition favorite indoor wok recipes to the great outdoors with the premium 14-inch hand-hammered carbon steel wok, allowing for deep seasoning and non-stick capabilities.
The propane-powered 50,000 BTUs burner system creates unmatched wok temperatures, previously unattainable indoors, creating exceptional textures and performance. From scrambled eggs and well-done bacon for breakfast to sizzling stir-fries and mouth-watering shrimp scampi for dinner, the station can handle a full day’s range of meals.
The Outdoor Wok Station is the pinnacle of convenience with a spacious stainless-steel top for ample meal prepping space, large rear wheels for portability, and solid front legs for stability.
The Outdoor Wok Station will elevate outdoor culinary skills and help home cooks unlock endless possibilities as the season of outdoor entertaining enters.
“The Outdoor Wok Station represents the pioneering vision of Cuisinart Outdoors to explore and craft a new category of outdoor entertaining,” says Lois Glasgow, senior vice president of marketing at Cuisinart Outdoors. “The station is a response to consumer appreciation for the art of wok cooking as well as that of an outdoor lifestyle. The brand-new unit is powerful, versatile, and easy-to-use bringing the excitement of wok cooking to any back yard.”
Available on May 1 at Cuisinart.com, Cuisinart’s CGG-1265 Outdoor Wok Station (MSRP $349.99) includes:
- A 14-inch hand-hammered carbon steel wok round bottom with contoured wooden handle to offer a comfortable grip to Wok Hei like a pro with an anti-stick coating after seasoning
- Patent-pending commercial-style 50,000 BTUs burner system with protective burner cover for effortless operation.
- Electronic starter and haptic sensory dial systems provide intuitive control, enhancing the user experience
- Stainless Steel top withstands high-heat temperatures, weather and is easy to clean
- Generous prep area is 21.75 inches wide by 18.75 inches deep for ample space to prep or store the foods needed for a meal
- Lower storage shelf for convenient access to prepared ingredients
- 20-pound propane tank holder, paper towel holder and integrated handle for easy portability
- Three-year limited warranty; engineered to last, ensuring unmatched longevity and quality
For more information, visit https://www.wokthisway.cooking
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Haden, Anthropologie Team on Bistro Set
See it at Haden’s booth #N7630 at The Inspired Home Show.
Haden, the iconic British home appliances brand, is proud to announce its exclusive Bistro collaboration with Anthropologie, the epitome of artful living and home styling. This partnership redefines kitchen aesthetics by combining the “Quintessentially British” charm of Haden with Anthropologie’s bohemian elegance.
Inspired by iconic French cafes, these pieces showcase Anthropologie’s signature Bistro design with the elegance and functionality of Haden products.
The Bistro kettle offers a cordless stainless-steel body, and water temperature gauge as well as the safety features of automatic shut-off and dry boil protection. The 4-slice toaster also offers a stainless-steel body and provides wide slots for bagels and adjustable browning control for toasting perfection.
The limited-edition 1.7-liter electric kettle and 4-slice toaster are adorned with geometric tile print and hand-painted mosaic-inspired details and are available on Anthropologie’s website.
Collaborating with Anthropologie has been fantastic. Since both brands thrive on creating aspirational and quality-driven products, the seamless expansion of the Bistro line into breakfast appliances was a natural fit with Haden.
With a rich heritage dating back to the 1950s, Haden has established itself as the go-to breakfast brand delivering “Quintessentially British” style and functionality to kitchens worldwide. This collaboration expands Haden’s presence within the U.S. market finding a home at Anthropologie, an
iconic destination for those who appreciate artful living. Experience firsthand the complete Bistro Collection as well as other new products from Haden at booth #N7630 at The Inspired Home Show.
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Haden Debuts Starbeck Collection at TIHS
Haden, a leading manufacturer of premium British kitchen appliances, is excited to announce the launch of the Starbeck Collection to the United States. Characterized by contemporary rounded shapes and sleek chrome accents, the Starbeck range embodies Haden’s signature blend of classic and modern design.
The collection’s standout feature is its vintage inspired Starbeck pattern, boasting a subtle yet distinctive textured finish that sets it apart from other products.
Haden started its United States distribution in 2019 by introducing major retailers to the top-selling “Quintessentially British” designs. Collaborating with retailers Crate and Barrel and Anthropologie on distinct collections, Haden continues to bring elegance and functionality to the North American market. With larger retail chains in mind, Haden has pivoted to test the sculpted malleable materials
of the Starbeck collection to the marketplace.
The Starbeck range includes a1.7 Liter Kettle, 2-Slice Toaster, 4-Slice Toaster and 10-Cup Coffee Machine. It will be available this spring in elegant Bright Ivory, Putty and Sleek Black Matte finishes.
The kettle features rapid boil technology to ensure a quick and efficient brewing process for tea enthusiasts and busy households. Paired with the kettle, the Starbeck 2- and 4-slice toaster features a compact yet stylish design. Toasting perfection is guaranteed with multiple browning settings, wide slots to accommodate various bread sizes and convenient functions like defrost and cancel.
In addition, the Starbeck coffee machine also adorns a side handle for managing the glass carafe for a smooth pour. Easy to operate and offering a removable, eco-friendly reusable filter, this coffee machine creates quality coffee at the touch of a button.
The Starbeck collection will make its debut at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago March 17-19. Visitors to the show can experience firsthand the complete Starbeck Collection as well as other new products from Haden at booth #N7630.
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Home Show Talks Focus on Branding
Storytelling through branding, reinventing the retail experience and telling a company’s story in a changing media landscape are presentations that will focus on branding in the Inspiration Theater at The Inspired Home Show 2024, Sunday to Tuesday, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Through 14 sessions over the course of the Show, the Inspiration Theater will explore such topics as omni-channel marketing strategies, supply chain insights; intellectual property law; merchandising best practices and global consumer and retail trends. Sessions are open to all Show attendees and exhibitors. The Inspiration Theater continues its commitment of bringing relevant, topical and actionable content to the Show at a time when the housewares industry wants and needs such information, direction and inspiration. With the Show’s consolidation to the North and South buildings, the theater is now located in Room S101a in the South Building.
Three programs in the lineup focus on branding.
Ø “Branding Is Storytelling,” Adrienne Weiss, Adrienne Weiss Corporation, Sunday, March 17, 3:10 p.m.— Branding is not a cute logo and a sharp looking website. Branding is storytelling. Brand guru Adrienne Weiss will walk through her vision of what a compelling brand story is and how to communicate it to customers. Retailers and suppliers who want to have an emotional connection to their customers, regardless of whether they are a B-to-B company or are talking directly to consumers, need to think about what they say, how they say it and where the opportunities are to create a lasting bond. Whether a company is a startup, a multinational, well-known brand or anything in between, everyone can benefit from Weiss’s lessons.
Ø “Innovate, Elevate, Captivate: Reinventing the Retail Experience,” Anne Kong, Wolfgang Gruschwitz, Scott Kohno, Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen, gia expert jurors, Monday, March 18, 3:10 p.m. –As the housewares industry navigates through the changing tides of consumer behavior, technological advancements and market trends, it dissects the intricate ways in which retailers are embracing innovation. From augmented reality shopping experiences to AI-powered personalization, this presentation unveils the cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the retail ecosystem. The concept of elevation goes beyond just products on shelves. The gia Expert Jurors will delve into how retailers are elevating their spaces, services and overall brand image to create an immersive and unforgettable customer journey. From sustainable practices to community engagement initiatives, discover how retailers are enhancing their impact on both individuals and the world around them.
Ø “How to Tell Your Company Story in Media’s Changing Landscape,” Emily Cappiello, Emily Jane Communications; Panelists: Susan Jardina, Jardina Communications; Kristyn Fuller, Field Marketing + Media; Erica Finamore, Real Simple; Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping. Tuesday, 11:10 a.m. – Has your company thought about investing in public relations or are they looking to create a better strategy? How will your brand cut through the clutter of SEO, affiliate marketing and the ever-changing media world to tell its story efficiently? What investments does a company have to make and what platforms should it be on? Emily Cappiello will lead a panel discussion about the shifting dynamic in media and what housewares suppliers need to do to secure quality placements for their brand. The panel will cover the basics of public relations and discuss how important meaningful relationships with members of the media are. Panelists include Susan
The full Inspiration Theater lineup is available on the Show website.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
The International Housewares Association is the 86-year-old voice of the housewares industry. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market (TheInspiredHomeShow.com), and offers its 1,300 member companies a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy; export assistance; industry and consumer trends through the IHA Market Watch Report; executive management peer groups; group buying discounts on business solutions services; direct-to-consumer engagement through TheInspiredHome.com; and an independent news and information platform through HomePageNews.com.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Celebrity Chefs Return to The Inspired Home Show
Rick Bayless, Fabio Viviani, JJ Johnson, Gemma Stafford and Ashton Keefe will headline the lineup of chefs appearing in the Cooking Theater during The Inspired Home Show March 17-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The theater will feature celebrity favorites on Sunday, chefs partnering with renowned brands on Monday and Chicago culinary personalities on Tuesday.
Joining Bayless, Viviani, Stafford and Keefe in the Cooking Theater on Sunday will be Steve Dolinsky, “The Food Guy” on NBC 5, the network’s Chicago affiliate station, and Daniel Espinoza, who will be doing a tequila pairing. Monday’s schedule features Jess Feller of Aged & Infused, along with first-time appearances from Juan Carlos Carvallo, Tramontina; Chef JJ Johnson, Gibson Homewares; Lars Liebisch, Fissler; Patrick McMurray, Swissmar; Sarah Thrush, Superb Sealing Solutions; and a demonstration by Airtender. Tuesday’s appearances include Alex Keeney of Cooking Skills & Social and Dee Dee Saracco, the Gravy Lady.
The chef demonstrations will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 17 and continue through Tuesday, March 19. During the three days of presentations, the national and local celebrity chefs will be demonstrating their culinary talents using products that can be found throughout the Show. The Cooking Theater, located in Booth S2372, Dine + Décor Expo in the South Hall, is sponsored by WoodForChef by JMN Enterprises Inc.
Returning Favorite Celebrity Chefs
- Rick Bayless is well-known from winning the title of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters,” besting the competition with his authentic Mexican cuisine. His highly rated public television series, “Mexico: One Plate at a Time,” is broadcast coast-to-coast and his nine cookbooks have earned multiple high-profile accolades. Located in Chicago, Bayless’s Frontera Grill and Topolobampo have each received the “Outstanding Restaurant” designation from the James Beard Foundation — an unprecedented feat for side-by-side restaurants.
- Fabio Viviani, born and raised in Florence, Italy, is best known for his participation in Bravo’s “Top Chef” seasons 5 and 8 – earning him the “Fan Favorite” title. His on-screen appearances and off-screen successes have propelled him to become one of the most influential culinary and hospitality names in the country. With more than 5 million meals served each year among his venues and growing, his company Fabio Viviani Hospitality (FVH), is one of the leading restaurant groups in the U.S. A recurring guest on national television shows such as “Good Morning America” and numerous Food Network shows, Viviani is one of the most influential culinary and hospitality names in the country.
- For a decade, Irish-born chef Gemma Stafford has been bringing her passion for teaching people to bake with confidence to her top online baking show and brand, BIGGER BOLDER BAKING. Today, with more than 8 million followers (“Bold Bakers”) and half a billion video views to date, BIGGER BOLDER BAKING has become the leading multimedia destination for bakers. Stafford will bring the first-ever baking network to free, ad-supported streaming television, or FAST, platforms in 2024 when the BOLD BAKING NETWORK builds on her passionate audience base, along with other baking all-stars, with a 24-hour-a-day programmed network dedicated to home-baking enthusiasts worldwide.
- Jess Feller is a Chicago-based entrepreneur and cocktail enthusiast who turned her passion for at-home mixology into Aged & Infused – a company creating all-natural alcohol infusion kits for the home bar. Feller is passionate about de-mystifying the cocktail-making process and helping folks craft better drinks come happy hour! In 2023, Feller and her husband, John, expanded their small business and opened a brick-and-mortar location, The Happy Hour Shop, in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. The cocktail-centric shop focuses on barware, glassware and all-things home bar.
Exciting First-Time Appearances
- Chef Juan Carlos Carvallo is an accomplished chef, recipe developer, food stylist and food video personality. Focused on culinary excellence, he is currently responsible for recipe development and culinary video presentation with Tramontina USA, a leading manufacturer of premium cookware, cutlery and other household products. Carvallo has extensive experience as a chef, including working at the prestigious Coronado Club in Houston, and has a culinary degree from the Instituto Culinario de Caracas.
- Steve Dolinsky has won 13 James Beard Awards for his TV, radio and podcast work. He is currently the Food Reporter at NBC 5 (Chicago), where his “The Food Guy” reports air every Thursday night. He won a regional Emmy Award for his reporting in 2023. As the Food Reporter for ABC 7 (Chicago) for 17 years, his “Hungry Hound” reports also covered a range of food and drink-related topics. Dolensky is the author of “Pizza City, U.S.A.: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town” and the follow-up “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide: A History of Squares & Slices in the Windy City” (Northwestern University Press).
- Daniel Espinoza started his culinary career at the Lincoln Park Café and then moved on to Carmichael’s Steakhouse. After graduating from Kendall College’s culinary arts program in 2010, he found his first role in a high-caliber kitchen at Carlos Gaytan’s Michelin-rated Mexique, where he would ascend to sous-chef, and then go on to cook at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Bistrot de Saveurs in Castres, France; the c in New York; and the Drawing Room and TWO in Chicago, before returning to Mexique in 2013. In 2016, he participated in “Top Chef Mexico,” finishing fourth out of 15 competitors.
- Cultural tastemaker, family man and renowned American chef, JJ Johnson is most recognized for his innovation approach to African Caribbean cuisine. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the James Beard Foundation Book Award and a two-time spot on the Nation’s Restaurant News Power List. He has been featured on a variety of TV shows including Food Network’s “Chopped,” Netflix’s “Street Food” and “Selena + Chef” on HBO Max. Johnson hosts his own show, “Just Eats with Chef JJ,” airing on TV One’s network Cleo TV.
- Nationally recognized chef and food stylist Ashton Keefe began her career working for Jean-George Vongerichten in the pastry kitchen at Mercer Kitchen while simultaneously assisting New York Magazine’s food critic Gael Greene. In 2010, she received recognition in The New York Times, Food & Wine Magazine and Martha Stewart Living for her role as the founding chef and lead teacher at NYC’s Haven’s Kitchen. Keefe transitioned to food styling, earning a tenured role at NBC’s “Today Show” as a culinary producer and food stylist before working privately with some of the biggest names in hospitality, including Tom Colicchio and Giada DeLaurentiis.
- Renowned Fissler ambassador and private chef Lars Liebisch has over 35 years of culinary expertise. Fueling his passion since age 12 in his family’s German restaurant, Liebisch has been crafting culinary magic with Fissler’s exclusive German-made performance cookware for more than two decades. Based in Boston, he works alongside Fissler to conduct live cooking experiences to demonstrate the incredible performance of their products – always producing a delicious masterpiece.
- Patrick McMurray has been shuckin’ around the oyster world since 1992 as a restaurateur, author, educator, competitive shucking World Champion and a Guinness Book record holder for the most oysters opened in one minute (33)—of which he bested his record to 39 on the Gordon Ramsay FWord Live show in 2017. McMurray designed and built two restaurants from scratch in Toronto: Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill and The Ceili Cottage and wrote “The Oyster Companion – a Field Guide of Oysters.”
- Sarah Thrush, a lifelong canning enthusiast and homesteader, hails from the heart of northwest Indiana but found her forever home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Raised by a long line of generational canners, Thrush shares her lifestyle on social media and has become a public figure in many communities across the globe. On TikTok she has amassed more than 1 million followers and over 200 million video viewers in under two years. Across social media she is known as PeeliesNPetals or The Crazy Canning Lady. With a mission to guide others “back to the basics” of sustainable and simpler living, she leaves her homestead to travel across the country teaching others interested in self-sufficiency lifestyles.
- Dee Dee Saracco began to cook as a young girl, starting at her mother’s kitchen table where she watched her cook for everyone. Inheriting her mom’s passion for cooking, she learned the old-fashioned methods by first watching and then doing. To this day, Saracco still practices her mom’s philosophy of “no cheats, no shortcuts.”
View the most up-to-date participating chefs along with the scheduled dates and times.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held Sunday to Tuesday, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
For more news of interest to the cookware industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
The Inspired Home Show Update Sent
Dear Home + Housewares Executive,
Last month, I posted about The Inspired Home Show 2024 and how excited we are for the industry to come together in Chicago. In that article, I shared 28 names of exhibitors of the more than 150 that are returning to the Show after a brief absence – great brands such as Cuisinart, Fissler, Keurig and Tramontina – and am now happy to report that Zwilling will also exhibit. If you missed that post, be sure to take a look and also visit Housewares Connect 365 for complete details on exhibitor participation.
As exhibitors are only half of the equation, I want to highlight the support we are getting from the retail community by sharing a partial list of U.S. retailers that have registered to attend the Show:
- AAFES
- Ace Hardware
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- Amazon
- At Home
- Bealls
- Belk
- Best Buy
- Beyond / Overstock
- Big Lots
- BJ’s Wholesale
- Bloomingdales
- Burlington Stores
- C&S Wholesale
- Costco
- Cost Plus (World Market)
- Crate & Barrel
- CVS Health
- DD’s Discounts
- Dillards
- Do It Best
- Dollar General
- Dollar General – pOp Shelf
- Dollar Tree / Family Dollar
- Giant Eagle
- H-E-B
- Hobby Lobby
- Home Depot
- Home Goods
- HSN
- Hy-Vee
- Imperial Distributors
- JC Penney
- Jo-Ann Stores
- Kohl’s
- Kroger
- Lowes
- Macy’s
- Meijer
- Nordstrom
- Office Depot
- Pampered Chef
- Pottery Barn
- Publix
- QVC
- Ross Stores
- Rue Gilt Group
- Sam’s Club
- Sur La Table
- Target
- The Container Store
- TJX
- True Value
- Variety Wholesalers
- Wakefern
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Wayfair
- Wegmans
- Williams Sonoma
The Show has been known as a top-to-top event, and it won’t disappoint again this year! Additionally, the Show will be visited by independent retailers from across the country including specialty buying groups Gourmet Catalog and HTI. And, buyer registrations have now come from 117 countries, making our Show a true global event!
If you want additional information about the Show, I recently sat down for an interview with HomePage News where we discussed several topics including the overall size of the Show and planned changes for 2024 – there are many, and they’re exciting!
We’re now only 10 days from the opening of The Inspired Home Show 2024 – we’re ready and look forward to seeing you in Chicago soon!
Best,
Derek Miller
IHA President & CEO
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
TIHS Inspiration Theater Talks Set
Refurbished housewares products, satisfying the insatiable consumer, North American housewares trends, restaurant delivery, grocery shopping and the future of home cooking are some of the topics to be covered during presentations in the Inspiration Theater at The Inspired Home Show 2024, Sunday to Tuesday, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Inspiration Theater sessions will explore such topics as omni-channel marketing strategies, supply chain insights; intellectual property law; merchandising best practices and global consumer and retail trends. Sessions are open to all Show attendees and exhibitors. The Inspiration Theater continues its commitment of bringing relevant, topical and actionable content to the Show at a time when the housewares industry wants and needs such information, direction and inspiration. With the Show’s consolidation to the North and South buildings, the theater is now located in Room S101a in the South Building.
Six programs in the lineup focus on consumer trends.
- Refurbished Housewares Products: Unlocking New Markets, Not Cannibalizing Sales, Chris Lubick, Verdi Commerce, Sunday, March 17, 9 a.m.— Refurbished products can enable brands to reach new customers and create incredible value when marketed effectively. The first step toward doing so is acknowledging two simple facts about refurbished goods: First, refurbished electronics consumer behavior has shifted dramatically over the last decade; refurbished goods are now in high demand, specifically by Gen Zs and Millennials. Second, remanufacturing and remarketing returns rather than contributing to landfills makes a tremendously positive impact on the environment, an impact that every brand’s and retailer’s stakeholders are demanding more than ever. Learn how brands must rethink how they value refurbished goods, and in doing so, help accelerate the circular economy.
- How Influencers, AI and Amazon Are Shaping the Home & Housewares Category in 2024 and Beyond, John LeBaron, Pattern, Sunday, 11 a.m.— Take a deep dive into the world of how generative AI, social commerce and the ever-growing world of Amazon are reshaping the industry. Pattern, the industry’s leading e-commerce accelerator (and Amazon’s largest marketplace seller), maintains a data lake of more than 300 trillion data points and enables the active brand endorsements of 100,000+ creators. Learn what’s possible when you transform data into real-time generative AI, craft targeted influencer strategies and harness Amazon’s ecosystem to propel unprecedented growth.
- Learning to Listen: Satisfying the Insatiable Consumer, Tom Mirabile, Springboard Futures, Sunday, 12:10 p.m. – This encapsulated review of the new 2024 Value Equation Index reveals an ever-changing kaleidoscope of the demands, desires and sometimes conflicting expectations of today’s consumer. They want maximum experience with minimal effort; expect products with strong durability and flexible technology; and demand privacy and insist on transparency. Staying in step with these shifting definitions of value means learning to listen in new ways. This session explores the latest intelligence on what will matter most to consumers through 2024 and beyond, including unique comparisons of the industry’s perceptions of consumer opinion and the true opinions of consumers. The 2024 Value Equation Index is a collaborative research project of IHA, Springboard Futures, Project Partners Network and The Trend Curve.
- The Future is InSight, Dawn Evans, IHA; Tom Mirabile, Springboard Futures; Moderated by Peter Giannetti, HomePage News, Monday, March 18, 9 a.m.— Powerful trends go beyond color, style, materials and even technology to connect suppliers and retailers with consumers. They inspire meaningful innovation, compelling new solutions and enhanced experiences. The logic sounds simple, but evaluating trends successfully can be challenging and time consuming. The HomePage News InSight® Trend Index features emerging and enduring trends curated across global markets and presented through an expanding collection of informative and inspiring portfolios. Each delivers fresh intelligence on the lifestyles, products and market shifts driving consumer engagement and demand. Learn about the trends of 2024: Which will grow? What will slow? And which are poised to steal the show. The new 2024-25 InSight season is set to launch in April.
- North American Housewares Market Trends: Identifying Opportunities for Growth in Canada & Mexico, Pam Wood and Renee Badioloa, Circana Mexico & Canada, Tuesday, March 19, 9 a.m.— North American marketing is a unique challenge because each country has its own unique needs. Post-pandemic recovery and macroeconomic trends have resulted in distinctive market trends and consumer needs across Canada and Mexico. This presentation will review the housewares trends in Canada and Mexico from 2023, the lessons learned and provide perspective on growth opportunities for 2024.
- Restaurant Delivery, Grocery Shopping & The Future of Home Cooking, Nick Stene and Catalina Flores, Euromonitor International, Tuesday, 12:10 p.m. – Delivery and take-out from restaurants skyrocketed through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued with solid growth into 2023. Meanwhile, smart dishwasher usage data points to a more frequent wash use under the latest hybrid home-working regime. Use and abuse trends are visible for in-home dining and eating on-the-go, and it is pointing to an ever-rising need for material innovation and better sustainability via durability. Revenues from grocery for food and drink reveal that meal preparation activities within U.S. homes are also proving robust, with food sales growing again in 2023 beyond inflation. This presentation will analyze and overlap data from the consumer foodservice industry and grocery food shopping sector, with the industry performance in homewares and cookware.
The full Inspiration Theater lineup is available on the Show website.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Atlanta Market Reorganizes Temporaries
Atlanta Market will reorganize its 1,400 gift and home temporary exhibits into seven broad categories to create the ideal buyer experience, with new streamlined product categories aligned on eight floors across Buildings 2 and 3 of AmericasMart Atlanta. The Atlanta Market temporary exhibits run Wednesday, July 17, through Sunday, July 21.
“Following our successful strategic remerchandising of AmericasMart’s permanent showrooms through Atlanta Next, we now turn our focus to re-organization of our temporary exhibits to create more cohesive discovery and sourcing,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “This remerchandising will simplify the market experience and create synergistic new adjacencies, which will introduce buyers to innovative merchandise guaranteed to provide a differentiated retail mix and unique finds for clients and customers.”
Temporary Exhibits Enhance Market Experience
In a strategic revamp of temporary presentations, Atlanta Market accelerates comprehensive sourcing built for better buying through consolidation of 30+ existing categories into seven new umbrella categories: Fashion Accessories; Gift; HIGH DESIGN; Home; Kitchen + Table; Makers Hub; and Cash & Carry.
This reorganization not only helps buyers find relevant products, but also creates new synergistic adjacencies across complementary categories to encourage cross-category buying. It also provides more favorable positioning for companies with products relevant to two, or more, of the former 30+ categories.
These reimagined concentrations will be presented on eight floors across Buildings 2 and 3:
- Building 2:
- Floor 1: HIGH DESIGN
- Floor 2: Home
- Floor 3: Kitchen + Table
- Building 3:
- Floor 1: Cash & Carry
- Floor 2: Makers Hub
- Floors 3 and 4: Gift
- Floor 5: Fashion Accessories
Previously recognized as standalone neighborhoods, existing categories now are concentrated into broader, complementary product groupings: Fashion Accessories combines Accessories Council, Boutique, Gentlemen’s Boutique, Jewelry and Fashion Accessories & Apparel; Gift combines Body + Soul, Spa Products, Children’s World, Modern Child, General Gift, On Trend Gifts, Seasonal Gifts, Outdoor Living, Noted Village and Emerging Brands; HIGH DESIGN combines High Design, Modern Maker and LUXE; Home combines Home Accents, Home Furnishings, Fine Linens, Home Textiles, LUXE, Seasonal Gifts and Outdoor Living; Kitchen + Table combines Georgia Grown, Gourmet Food, Housewares, LUXE and Tabletop; Makers Hub combines Handmade Designs, Handmade Jewelry, Emerging Artist, Made in America, Global Designs, The Gallery Collection (MSA) and Museum Gifts.
Augmenting these gift and home resources are two floors of casual furnishings and outdoor accessories temporary exhibitors in Building 1 of AmericasMart. With Summer Casual Market Atlanta running concurrently, July 15-18, Atlanta Market buyers will have access to 100+ complementary temporary exhibits on Floors 7 and 8.
A complete list of Atlanta Market exhibitors is available at https://www.atlantamarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory. For Atlanta Market temporary exhibitor inquiries, email atlantamarket@andmore.com.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries. The next edition runs July 16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
For more news of interest to the home decor industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Le Creuset Launches Alpine Outdoor Collection
Le Creuset has launched its newest product line: The Alpine Outdoor Collection. Rugged and ready for adventure, the collection is an invitation to bring the brand’s signature sophistication and quality to the great outdoors.
The new range of enameled cast iron cookware was specifically designed for use over an open flame, serving as a durable and reliable companion for preparing your favorite meals outdoors. Created to enhance the open-air cooking experience, the collection features three items – the Alpine Outdoor Skillet, Square Grill Basket and Pizza Pan – designed to deliver memorable meals wherever the adventure takes you.
“We’re very happy to announce the brand’s entry into the outdoor category, enabling consumers to experience the legendary performance of Le Creuset in the kitchen and beyond,” said Christopher Scinto, SVP, marketing & sales. “The Alpine Outdoor Collection not only embodies Le Creuset’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance and thoughtful details but also brings a new level of versatility and functionality to outdoor cooking.”
To celebrate the launch of the Alpine Outdoor Collection, the brand has teamed up with Montana-based outdoor enthusiast and chef, Eduardo Garcia.
“As a professional chef and avid outdoorsman, cooking while spending time outdoors is a huge part of my life. The Alpine Outdoor Collection by Le Creuset enhances the experience of cooking outside,” said Garcia. “Whether grilling on a mountain peak or cooking over a bed of hot coals on the river, this collection brings renowned craftsmanship and quality to the menu, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to create memorable meals in the rugged beauty of nature.”
The Alpine Outdoor Collection includes:
- Alpine Outdoor Skillet ($160)
- A versatile essential for searing, sautéing, stir-frying and griddling outdoors, the Alpine Outdoor Skillet is ideal for succulent steaks, fried eggs, toasted sandwiches and more.
- Alpine Outdoor Square Grill Basket ($160)
- Perfectly sized to fit on most grills or use over an open flame, the Alpine Outdoor Square Grill Basket is ideal for small vegetables, crispy French fries, delicate shellfish and more.
- Alpine Outdoor Pizza Pan ($200)
- Spacious enough to accommodate a large pizza, the Alpine Outdoor Pizza Pan is also ideal for seared burgers, golden pancakes and more.
The Alpine Outdoor Collection is available for purchase at Le Creuset Signature Stores, select Le Creuset Outlet Stores, select retail partners, and on LeCreuset.com. To learn more about the newest collection and other Le Creuset news, visit the brand online or follow along on social media @lecreuset.
For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been creating joy in the kitchen and beyond as the first in colorful cookware, the finest in quality and design and the favorite for generations. Le Creuset is honored to share in the meals, memories and traditions made by food lovers around the world with its unrivaled selection of bold, rich colors in a range of finishes and materials. To learn more about Le Creuset, visit www.LeCreuset.com or follow on social media @LeCreuset.
For Chef Eduardo Garcia, meals are meant to be shared. With a curious mind and keen appetite to explore, Eduardo bridged the gap from chef to grower and now runs a small regenerative farm with his family, with a simple goal to unite others through curiosity, education and cuisine. His current work in food is most readily eaten and experienced via the handful of products and recipes available through his purpose-driven brand, Montana Mex. Eduardo is also an avid outdoorsman, fueled by a relationship that started early and has since fostered a deep love and admiration of land and life at large. To learn more about Eduardo and Montana Mex, visit www.chefeduardo.com and www.montanamex.com or follow on social media @chefeduardogarcia.
For more news of interest to the cookware industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Total Home & Gift Market Coming Up
Trending fashion plus the hottest gift and home décor brands as well as gameday resources: Dallas Market Center brings together two markets from March 19-22, Apparel & Accessories Market and Total Home & Gift Market, for the ultimate buying experience. Retailers will be able to source the newest, trending products in apparel, footwear, and fashion accessories while also finding complementing items in gift, home decor, holiday and other categories.
March Market pre-registration is tracking ahead of last year’s show, continuing a 2024 trend that began at January trade events and is fueled by an influx of new and expanded showrooms, expanded Temps welcoming 50 new exhibitors, and new buyers arriving from across the country eager to find new products in a single, efficient marketplace.
“Once a year we host two markets together for a big event that has something for everyone,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center. “Having these two markets happen simultaneously allows retailers to survey trends across all lifestyle categories and find the newest products within an easy-to-navigate marketplace.”
Pre-registration, which is the exclusive method to receive a FastPass for quicker entry, is now available at dallasmarketcenter.com.
New and Noteworthy Exhibitors in Apparel & Accessories
An extensive number of new and returning exhibitors with trending products in apparel, footwear, and accessories will be showcased on multiple floors.
You’ll find permanent showroom updates on the 15th floor, including new showrooms for Aratta (WTC 15010), Milio Milano (WTC 15636), Caryn Lawn (WTC 15642), and an expansion for UnCommon Fashion (WTC 15656). On the 13th floor Steve Madden (WTC 13250) debuts their newly relocated and expanded showroom.
The Temps are showcased on four floors: WTC 10, 11, 12 and 13. On WTC 13 you’ll find Aureum (WTC 13-2128), Walker + Wade (WTC 13-1818), Frisson Fur (WTC 13-2001), and ESTHEME Cashmere (WTC 13-1812). Accessories Temps will include Bara Boheme (WTC 13-1015), Baublerella (WTC 13-0003), LJ Sonder (WTC 13-1741), and Packed Party (WTC 13-1514). The temps will feature a special neighborhood not to miss for Emerging Designers with brands including By Jenna Lee (WTC 13-1712), Easton Elle (WTC 13-1703), Holystone (WTC 13-1700), Pissenlit (WTC 13-1707), RHO (WTC 13-1711), and Zanatany Concepts WTC 13-1716.
On the 10th floor, Young Contemporary Temps will include dozens of new and returning brands that bring the latest styles. Footwear is a category enjoying tremendous growth in Dallas, and its location on the 10th floor allows for a greater number of brands to be featured. New and noteworthy are Culture of Brave (WTC 10-2314), Gabor (WTC 10-2308), David Isaac (WTC 10-2305), and KAANAS Shoes.
The 12th floor presents hundreds of young contemporary resources from leading brands including BiBi (WTC 12-1818), Elle Gray (WTC 12-3700), and America and Beyond (WTC 12-3400). On the 11th floor is the return of Cash & Carry, presenting immediate goods across a wide range of categories in dozens of booths featuring LOLA Bags (WTC 11-1202), Maddon & Co. (WTC 11-1211), Reset By Jane (WTC 11-1105), and Wilder and Soul (WTC 11-1203).
Score Big with Gameday
Exhibitors and showrooms are bringing the newest gameday apparel, accessories, gifts, and décor for retailers to show team spirit across a variety of products in new and exciting ways. You’ll find gameday apparel, accessories, and footwear throughout our temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms. On the 10th floor, you can find the latest gameday gear at And the Why (WTC 10-1200) and Gameday Boots (WTC 10-2404). The 12th floor features new styles in apparel at Main Strip (WTC 12-4824), Adrienne Inc. (WTC 12-2400), Bucketlist (WTC 12-1819), Bibi (WTC 12-1818), Davi & Dani (WTC 12-1430), Peach Love CA (WTC 12-1316), Le lis (WTC 12-1308), Day + Moon (WTC 12-1119), and Timing (WTC 12-1111).
On the 13th floor there is a mix of apparel, accessories, and footwear throughout permanent and temporary exhibitors. In permanent showrooms, you’ll find trending gameday products in Duo Threads (WTC 13868) and Brianna Cannon (WTC 13434). Find great gameday apparel and accessories with our temporary exhibitors. Trending apparel can be found at Ames Layne X Tru Colors Gameday (WTC 13-1516), College Town Toiles (WTC 13-1701), Why Dress (WTC 13-1924), LivyLu (WTC 13-2112), and Charlie Southern (WTC 13-2113). Finalize your gameday with accessories from Kenz Kustomz (WTC 13-1004), Beaded Blondes (WTC 13-1301), Packed Party (WTC 13-1514), Treasure Jewels (WTC 13-1606), Teleties (WTC 13-1610), Taylor Shaye Designs (WTC 13-1614), Tart by Taylor (WTC 13-1620), and dozens of gift showrooms in the Trade Mart and World Trade Center.
More to Explore at KidsWorld
Also taking place March 19-22 is KidsWorld, presenting exhibitors in permanent showrooms and temporary space on the 8th floor of the World Trade Center for twice the trends in children’s apparel, accessories, toy, and more. New for March market in permanent showroom news is the expansion of Mike Ingram Sales, Inc (WTC 8505). Find the latest from our temporary exhibitors including Milkbarn (WTC 8701-5), Jamie Kay Group (WTC 8701-13), Kais Kid Co. (WTC 8701-2), Charlie Rae (WTC 8701-6), Love To Dream (WTC 8701-29), Macis Design (WTC 8701-34), and Karela Kids (WTC 8701-52). Products for gameday can be found at Azariah (WTC 8701-42) and Let’s Cheer (WTC 8701-7).
Market Events and Hospitalities
All retailers are welcome to join events and hospitalities that are happening during the show, which include a contemporary trend fashion show, educational retail discussions, industry networking events, and more. Featured events include:
Tuesday, March 19
· The Dallas Experience with The Boutique Hub | 1 pm WTC 13 Info Booth
This tour of the 13th floor will focus on permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors and will cover top trends, with a focus on gameday and tailgate apparel and accessories. Stick around for a post-tour tailgate/gameday happy hour on the atrium.
· Fashion Show – Pre-Show Party | 5 pm WTC 1 – Atrium
Enjoy complimentary cocktails and music before you take your seats for the Contemporary Trend Fashion Show!
· A Contemporary Trend Fashion Show | 6:15 pm WTC 1 – Atrium
Join us for our Contemporary Trend Fashion Show. Get inspired and source the hottest apparel and accessories that can be found in our showrooms and temporary exhibitors!
Wednesday, March 20
· Fashion Feature: A Retail Conversation | 2 pm WTC 10 – Atrium
Join us for a panel discussion with retailers and exhibitors about the importance of accessories and gifts and the value they can bring to your business.
You can find a full list of events at Dallasmarketcenter.com.
New and Expanded Gift and Home Showrooms
Debuting for the March Total Home & Gift market you’ll find an expanded Novart (192 WTC). Notable relocations include Fortune Silks, Inc (WTC 368), Impressive Enterprises (WTC 347) and Dallas Gift Wrap Creations (WTC 121).
Can’t-miss showrooms open in March that debuted in January include:
The debut of the flagship OneCoast showroom; the arrival of Anne McGilvray & Co. and Kimberly Wahlberg; and the expansion of Ivystone featuring a branded space for Consuela fashion accessories.
Also in the World Trade Center, The Gerson Companies arrived in WTC 315; RAZ expanded in WTC 332, 340, and Ashore expanded into an addition space in WTC 570. There’s new space for The Light Garden (WTC 360) and many floral and holiday companies have new homes. Those include American Best (WTC 452), Cheungs (WTC 467), Diamond Star (WTC 312), Farrisilk (WTC 322), Green Import Limited (WTC 265), Maxsilk (WTC 316), Unlimited Containers (WTC 423), Vickerman Company (WTC 386), Wholesale Glass Vases (WTC 451), Zucker Feather Company (WTC 334), and Fantastic Craft (WTC 334).
In the Trade Mart, a large new showroom from Primitives by Kathy debuted in TM 1333. P. Graham Dunn opened in 2634, Candleberry Candles debuted in TM 1735, Gift Essentials opened in 1440, plus there are new spaces for Round Top Collection (TM 2066), Catherine Lillywhite (TM 1335) and Honey & Me (TM 2301).
In the Interior Home + Design Center, Visual Comfort & Co. (1D111) debuted an expanded showroom with all brands together in one place. Surya debuted its new showroom in 1D321 with a celebration. MC Studio (2F140) expanded to include Bernhardt Interiors and Tomlinson Furniture. Shadow Catchers Art (WTC 194) has its own showroom in the hallways between the IHDC and WTC. Noble Furniture relocated to the second floor (2F125). Game Room Furniture Partners debuted in 1D102. French Market Collection arrived (2F133) The Gallery showroom (IHDC 1D202) welcomes new exhibitors Shelfology (GL 80), The Library by Anne McGilvray (GL 18), and Home Trends & Designs (GL 102) joining recent arrival Mainly Baskets Home (GL 82).
Former Gourmet Market exhibitors have showrooms of their own: KMBK, with gourmet foods, kitchen, outdoor, home and pet products is now in Trade Mart 2242, and Oh Sugar! is in Trade Mart 2218.
Gameday Gifts
Showcase your team spirit in fresh ways with gift lines from exhibitors across the Trade Mart and World Trade Center. In the Trade Mart, you can find product lines with a gameday emphasis in Cliff Price & Company (TM 1810), Coton Colors Company (TM 2212), Patrick and Company (TM 2927), and Road Runners (TM 1743, 1521). In the World Trade Center, showrooms include OneCoast (WTC 180), Diverse Marketing (WTC 453), Keith Smith (WTC 200), and Melrose (WTC 310).
Unmatched Hotel Offers
Dallas Market Center partner hotels are offering new, lower rates to support buyer travel budgets. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $127/night. Rates valid until 2 weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time so please reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the DMC Daily Dose.
For more news of interest to the giftware industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
EuroChef USA Offers Cookware With Range Purchase
EuroChef USA, the official importer of Italian cooking appliance brands Lofra and Verona Appliances, is offering a free Nutri-Stahl cookware set with the purchase of a qualifying Lofra or Verona Appliances range. The cookware sets are non-stick, made of stainless steel, induction-friendly and offer a long list of high-quality traits.
“The Nutri-Stahl cookware sets lend ease and convenience to the cooking experience when paired with our appliances,” says Melissa Haber, senior vice president of EuroChef USA. “From stack cooking features to no-drip lids, splatter guard, pot covers, built-in trivets, lid stands and more, these sets are a huge value add for our customers as they continue to navigate today’s inflationary climate.”
Any Lofra range will qualify for a 22-piece cookware set while any 36-inch Verona range will qualify for a 12-piece set. The program is for purchases made at full UMRP between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Cookware can be redeemed via a mail-in rebate submitted to EuroChef USA.
To find a Lofra dealer near you, please visit their store locator here. To find a Verona Appliances dealer near you, please visit their store locator here.
Since 2001, EuroChef USA has been the national distributor of Italian-made professional style major appliances. The brand is the national distributor and exclusive importer of the Verona, and now the Lofra brand of Italian-made professional style major appliances. EuroChef’s brands offer a full line of ranges, ovens, ventilation and cooktops nationally through a network of regional distributors and specialty appliance retailers.
Verona Appliances’ stylish line of ranges, ovens, cooktops and ventilation have been featured in upscale kitchens around the world since 1958. Designed and manufactured in the suburbs of Venice, Italy, each Verona cooking appliance is held to the highest standards of quality and is made to U.S. market specifications. EuroChef USA is proud to present the Verona line of appliances through an authorized network of U.S. distributors and retailers, suitable for any sized kitchen. For additional information about Verona, visit https://veronaappliances.com/.
Lofra has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956. Located on the hills of Padua, Italy, Lofra has grown to become the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances. The brand is a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and is the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry.
For more news of interest to the kitchen appliance industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Melitta Bamboo Filter Paper Recognized
Melitta‘s #4 Cone Bamboo Filter Paper was named a winner in the Kitchen + Food category in Good Housekeeping’s 2024 Sustainable Innovation Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/sustainable-innovation-2024.
Melitta is dedicated to future generations by bringing environmentally friendly solutions to its products. This is evident with the #4 Bamboo Cone Coffee Filters, which provide an earth-friendly, sustainable way to brew coffee. They are made with 40 percent bamboo pulp, a naturally renewing resource. They are also certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute and packaged in 100% Recycled Paperboard boxes that can be recycled.
“We’re pleased that our #4 Cone Bamboo Filter Paper is recognized as a Good Housekeeping 2024 Sustainable Innovation Awards winner,” said Donna Gray, director of public relations/sustainability at Melitta North America. “Melitta remains committed to upholding its promise of ensuring high-quality paper as part of an eco-friendly brewing experience.”
Bleach-free, these filters also feature Melitta’s microfine flavor-enhancing perforations that allow the full coffee flavor to filter through, while the double-crimped filter design protects against bursting. Melitta Bamboo Cone Filters are also gluten free and Kosher Certified.
For more information about Melitta and its sustainability initiatives, visit melitta-group.com.
For more news of interest to the kitchenware industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Ukrainians Seek Global Stage at KBIS
Ukrainian manufacturers are embarking on a strategic journey to cater to the discerning American market by aligning their manufacturing processes with American dimensions. As they gear up for the upcoming challenges and opportunities at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show 2024, Feb. 27-29, Ukrainian manufacturers are focusing on precision, adaptability, and mastery in crafting products that meet American standards.
With the American market known for its unique size requirements and technical specifications, Ukrainian manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned in adapting their production processes. From meticulous attention to detail in metrics to mastering the nuances of American dimensions, Ukrainian manufacturers are committed to delivering products that seamlessly integrate into the American landscape.
“This adaptation in manufacturing is not just about meeting size requirements; it’s about mastery,” said Jeff Michels, the furniture manufacturing and hospitality consultant coordinating the group project. “We are investing in precision engineering and advanced techniques to ensure that our products not only meet but exceed American standards. This strategic focus on adaptation is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality and excellence in every aspect of our manufacturing process.”
As consumers increasingly seek premium products at accessible price points, Ukraine stands ready to deliver a winning formula that combines the allure of Italian design excellence with a more budget-conscious appeal. Ukrainian manufacturers are gearing up to showcase their innovative designs and craftsmanship at KBIS 2024.
Driving this initiative are strategic collaborations with international experts. Michels brings a wealth of experience in guiding businesses to success on international platforms. Participants include industry leaders such as GARANT, INSTYLE, LVIV FURNITURE PARK, and others.
During their preparation for KBIS, Ukrainian manufacturers are immersing themselves in the intricacies of the American Kitchen and Bath landscape. This involves not only exploring aesthetics but also delving into industry technical parameters, quality standards, and user preferences. They are focusing on precise production dimensions, understanding electrical components for domestic appliances, plug specifications, and negotiating strategies tailored to their American counterparts.
By aligning their innovative designs with the exacting standards and preferences of the global market, Ukrainian manufacturers aim to captivate aesthetically while integrating seamlessly with the functional requirements and technical specifications demanded by American consumers. This strategic approach ensures that their production aligns with the dynamic demands of the discerning American consumer, fostering long-term success in the global design arena.
With Ukraine being the largest country in Europe with abundant forestry resources for woodworking, boasting over 100,000 employed in the furniture industry and more than 9,000 furniture manufacturers, some with a company history of 70-80 years, the nation is well-positioned to meet the needs of the global market. Moreover, with benefits such as high-quality products, quick delivery, and 0 duty for Ukrainian goods, Ukrainian manufacturers offer a compelling proposition to international buyers.
The presence of Ukrainian furniture manufacturers at KBIS 2024 reflects the growing interest in international craftsmanship and design in the US market. Consumers are increasingly seeking distinctive, high-quality furniture options that stand out from mass-produced items. Ukrainian manufacturers, with their rich heritage of woodworking and craftsmanship, are well-positioned to cater to this demand.
What sets Ukraine apart in this competitive landscape is its ability to offer unparalleled quality without the hefty price tag often associated with traditional European craftsmanship. With a skilled workforce, access to abundant forestry resources for woodworking, and a competitive market, Ukrainian manufacturers have mastered the art of providing top-notch design at affordable prices.
For more news of interest to the kitchen and bath industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
ANDMORE Executive Hall Earns Honor
ANDMORE’s vice president of IT backoffice and operations applications, Danielle Hall, was named a “Rising Star” in the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2024 Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Awards. Hall was recognized for her contributions not only to ANDMORE’s business operations as an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker, but also to the creation of ANDMORE’s corporate giving and service initiative “Community ANDMORE” and her nonprofit work with Women in Technology and the Atlanta Women’s Foundation.
“Danielle Hall is a force for positive change both at ANDMORE and in our community,” said Shannon Knox, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief information officer. “Beyond directing IT processes that improve our overall business, she is dedicated to ongoing action around issues of diversity, inclusion and human rights, both through her leadership of our Community ANDMORE giving and engagement initiative and in her charitable work in the Atlanta region.”
Atlanta Business Chronicle’s annual Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Awards recognize individuals who have shown a strong commitment to corporate responsibility practices and are actively engaged in supporting and expanding those efforts in Georgia. The Rising Star award recognizes an emerging leader under 35 who is making an impact professionally and in the community.
Hall spearheads several Community ANDMORE projects for the company, including annual sponsorship of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk and volunteer days; partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Atlanta Mission and Furnish with Love; support of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; hosting blood drives with Red Cross; and participation in the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s Inspire Program, and the annual Toys for Tots drive.
“I appreciate working for a company that understands the importance of social responsibility and has incorporated this virtue in our company culture and values,” said Hall. “It has been both a fulfilling and rewarding experience helping ANDMORE achieve a strong and meaningful presence in the Atlanta community by focusing on the key issues affecting our community: food insecurity, homelessness, health inequities and advancement of youth.”
At ANDMORE, Hall oversees enterprise application platforms and provides solution architecture, program oversight, project management, business, and technical support for its digital tools and operations. As a leader in Community ANDMORE, she creates educational and service engagement opportunities for ANDMORE team members in Atlanta in concert with company leaders at its campuses in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas.
Outside of ANDMORE, Hall is active in the non-profit community. She is a leader in Women in Technology, an organization committed to empowering women and girls to excel in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2022 for her work with providing technology-focused training to working mothers. She was in the inaugural class for the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s Inspire Atlanta program, an initiative that provides opportunities for women to develop board leadership experience and fundraising skills to help change the lives of women and girls in Atlanta. She is an active volunteer with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
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Atlanta Spring Market Set for March 4-6
Spring Market at AmericasMart Atlanta offers buyers another opportunity to continue beginning-of-year and seasonal buying, March 4-6, with access to Open Year-Round showrooms plus additional market-only showrooms as well as complementary education and networking opportunities.
“On the heels of a successful January Atlanta Market, Spring Market is perfect for finalizing Q1 purchasing, providing more one-on-one time with reps and showroom staff and locking in seasonal buying for 2024,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “With multiple opportunities to source, learn and network throughout the year, AmericasMart Atlanta is the Southeast’s premier wholesale buying and selling destination.”
The 2024 Spring Market takes places in AmericasMart’s 350+ Open Year-Round showrooms plus an additional 100+ showrooms across Buildings 1, 2 and 3. The product mix includes a broad range of gift, home and apparel merchandise including gifts, tabletop, seasonal, stationery, pets, children’s and baby, indoor furniture, lighting, accents and rugs, alongside a continued showcase of 40+ open year-round casual and outdoor furnishings brands.
Beyond sourcing, Spring Market participants can take part in market education with a Lunch & Learn session, Monday, March 4, at 11:30 a.m. “How to Build a Strong Brand Strategy” will be hosted by Annie Miller and Caitlyn Jenkins of SHARE Social Concepts, in the Floor 14 Seminar Space.
Spring Market will host daily events across the AmericasMart Atlanta campus throughout the three days. Highlights include a Candy Bar, Monday, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Building 2, Floor 11; Spring Palomas, Tuesday, March 5, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Building 1, Floor 3; and Strawberry Shortcake Shooters, Wednesday, March 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Building 1, Floor 18. Other offerings include daily cappuccinos from Café FWI on Floor 2 from 9 to 11 a.m., and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday of Spring Market at noon in the Designer Workspace. Buyers also will have access to free parking at The American Cancer Society lot throughout all three days.
Spring Market runs March 4–6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and registration, visit AmericasMart.com/Markets/Spring-Market.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
For more news of interest to the homeware industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Party with a Purpose Returns to High Point
Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team’s popular Party with a Purpose fundraising event returns to the Spring High Point Market on Sunday, April 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Eichholtz Showroom, 129 S. Hamilton St. A $20 minimum donation is suggested; all proceeds will benefit World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts.
In partnership with home industry leaders and market makers, Gift for Life debuted its Home vs Hunger initiative at High Point Market in October 2022. To date, through the generosity of the home industry, nearly $60,000 has been raised for WCK at in-person events at the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 High Point Markets and through online campaigns in February 2023 following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and in August 2023 following destructive wildfires in Maui.
“We look forward to another Party with a Purpose fundraising event this April at High Point Market,” said Russ Jones, chair of Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team. “Our industry’s generosity and support has been humbling and we’re excited to see what we can do this year to help make a difference for WCK’s global initiatives.”
To RSVP for the 2024 event, email homevshunger@gmail.com by April 5. For those unable to make it to the event, donations will be accepted through April 30 at www.giftforlife.org/donate.
2024 Home vs. Hunger team members include Chris Amos, ANDMORE; Jonathan Cochran, Eichholtz; Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Mark Furlet, ANDMORE; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Monica Loving, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J. Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need.
By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations.
In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief and has funded provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. The all-volunteer organization continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and advocacy programs.
Global Innovation Awards Product Design Finalists Named
The 70 finalists in the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design have been announced by the International Housewares Association. Global honorees in each of the 14 categories will be announced during the invitation-only gia dinner Sunday, March 17 during The Inspired Home Show 2024, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts and news media. The finalists and global honorees will be on display in an exhibit in the Hall of Global Innovation in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the North Building as well as in the New Product Showcases located in the Buyers Club in the North and South halls. The Inspired Home Show opens at 8:30 a.m. on March 17 and runs through 5:30 p.m. March 19.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists for an IHA Global Innovation Award for Excellence in Product Design,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “Product innovation is the engine that keeps the home + housewares industry vibrant and profitable. It is our pleasure to honor the brands and designers that continue to push the envelope and delight both buyers and consumers.”
The gia product design finalists are:
Bath + Personal Care
Company — Product
Dorai Home Inc. — Large Bath Stone Mat
Everplush – Tricol Clean — Farberware by Everplush Bath Towel
madesmart — madesmart Expandable In-Drawer Dental Tray
Sanimaid ApS — Stockholm Toilet Brush
Shenzhen Shuye Technology Co.,Ltd. — Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush
Cleaning
Cuisinel — Cuisinel Cast Iron Scrubber Set
FreeForm Brush Inc. dba FreeForm — FreeForm 360
Gleener Inc. — GLEENER Swift Battery-Free Fabric Shaver
Plaspak Plastik ve Ambalaj Sanayi ve Ticaret AS — Super Easy Shiny Surfaces Cleaning Set
Sanimaid ApS — Stainremover-XL Starter Set
Cook + Bakeware
AeroPress Inc. — AeroPress Clear Coffee Press with Flow Control Filter Cap
Brod & Taylor — Baking Shell
Joseph Joseph Inc. — Space 10 Piece Cookware Set
Ooni Limited — Ooni Product
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC — TUCCI by GreenPan
Home Décor + Gifts
Cricut — Cricut Mug Press – Heat Press for Mugs
Evriholder Products, LLC — Cocktail Smoker
Nwtn Home — Roseland Set
Umbra LLC — Cubiko Wall Planter
Umbra LLC — Ferris Jewelry Organizer
Home Organization + Storage
Delta Cycle Corp. — Pivot Bike Storage Rack
Evriholder Products, LLC — Telescopic Over-The-Sink Drying Rack
Joseph Joseph Inc. — Tota 90L Laundry Separation Basket
Polder Products, LLC — Harmony Dish Rack
YouCopia — StoraRoll 3-in-1 Wrap Dispenser
Household + Home Electrics
Cricut — Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine
Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Co., Inc. — Metro Vac Cordless Hand Vac
Mila — Mila Air 3
New Dawn Innovations: VQ Halo – Portable Bluetooth Speaker & Lantern
Zafferano America — PushUp Pro
Kitchen Electrics
FinaMill Co. — FinaPod GT
JURA Inc. — JURA J8 Twin Diamond Black
Midea — Two Zone Air Fryer
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC — GreenPan Elite Convection Air Fry Oven
The Legacy Companies — Omega Effortless Batch Juicer
Kitchen Hand Tools + Cutlery
DKB Household USA Corp. — Zyliss Gourmet Drum Grater
Dreamfarm — Lockorns
Dreamfarm — Ozest
That Inventions — Corkie
Welcome Industries — Visual Measuring Spoons
Kitchenware
Dreamfarm — Corpeel
KitchInventions — ICEBREAKER Nordic POP 2.0
madesmart — Madesmart “Everything Over the Sink Station
Progressive International Corp. — Cookie ProKeeper+
Swish Rocks — Swish Rocks
Luggage, Travel Goods + Accessories
Drinkmate Inc. — Drinkmate Spritzer
Gleener Inc. — GLEENER S’wet Wet/Dry Bag
Moso Natural — Moso Natural Travel-Size Scent-Free Odor Eliminating Spray
NewAir LLC — Newair 25 Qt. Jobsite Cooler Car Refrigerator Battery Powered 18/20V
Talus – High Road Organizers — Luggage Cup Holder
Pet Products
Dexas International, Ltd. — MudBuster Unleashed!
Paikka — PAIKKA Glow Leash and Collar Bundle
Paikka — PAIKKA Raincoat 2.0
Paikka — PAIKKA Seawool Shirt
Prevue Pet Products, Inc. — Prevue Pet Products Comfy Chicken Hideaway
Smart Home Products
BLOK — BLOK Smart Cutting Board
Chefman — CHEF iQ Smart Thermometer (3-probe set)
ChefsTemp — ProTemp Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer
Ember Technologies, Inc. — Ember – Tumbler, 16 oz – Black
Tramontina USA, Inc. — Tramontina Guru
Sustainable Products
Electrodomesticos Jata, S.A. — EMULSIONIZER, The Zero Waste Kitchen Secret Hero
Full Circle — Clean Ocean – Palm Brush
Klean Kanteen — Rise 36 oz. Tumbler with Lid and Straw
The Peacock Vacuum Bottle Co., Ltd. — Cooler Bucket
Volume Brands Int’l. — Glad Link & Sort Recycling Station
Tabletop
Asobu — Asobu Bestie Bottle – Penguin
Asobu — Asobu Duplex Tumbler
Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC — Leopold Vienna Otto
LARQ, Inc. — LARQ Bottle PureVis 2
Prepara — Prepara Tacopillar Taco holder
The judging panel for the annual IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) included housewares buyers from retailers including Ace Hardware, Artichoke, The Cook’s Warehouse, Dillards, Divertimenti, Dreamscape, Event Network, HTI Buying Group, In the Kitchen, Lekka Retail Concepts, Leon & Lulu, Meijer, National Building Museum, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Pampered Chef, Quality Products, Sign of the Bear, Toque Blanche and Volume Studios. Other judges included consumer editors, bloggers and many distinguished industry designers.
View the finalists in each category at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/awards/gia-product/. The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register. To search for new products that will be at the Show visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
LVDC Events Include BTS of ‘Ugliest House in America’
Las Vegas Design Center launches its 2024 event schedule with one February event: Market After Market on Feb. 29 and two March events: a First Friday educational session, March 7, and a Student Career Day, Friday, March 22.
“2024 marks another year of hallmark education, events, networking and fundraising at LVDC, and we are excited to kick off our schedule,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “LVDC is committed to continuing education and bringing together design professionals across all levels of experience, from students to design veterans.”
LVDC Adds February Designer Event
On Thursday, Feb. 29, LVDC will host its first post-market designer event, “Market After Market,” offering an opportunity for designers to come back to World Market Center Las Vegas and see the latest product introductions from Winter Las Vegas Market and overlapping with KBIS. The February event will offer two showroom-hosted events: Shopping Without the Crowds with Visual Comfort & Co. all day, and Lite Bites and Cocktails with European Bath, Kitchen, Tile & Stone from 2 to 5 p.m.
The “Market After Market” event will run all day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at LVDC with free Lyft rides provided during KBIS.
March “First Friday” Session Explores Behind the Scenes of HGTV’s “Ugliest House in America”
The March edition in the “First Friday” series, Behind the Scenes: An Insider’s Look Into HGTV’s “Ugliest House in America,” will give a behind-the-scenes perspective into the production of the hit show, following Global Views Rep Stephanie Murphy’s, experiences owning the “Ugliest House in America.” Attendees of the session are welcome to stay after the session for bites & sips and can visit LVDC showrooms to see the newest introductions from Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market.
The March “First Friday” session will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. (P.T.) in the LVDC Seminar Room, A140. Registration is required no later than March 2 at 9 p.m. at LVDCFirstFridayMarch2023.eventbrite.com.
Las Vegas Design Center Invites Students to Network at Career Day
LVDC is set to host a Student Career Day, in partnership with the California Central/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers on Friday, March 22, for students at interior design schools from the western U.S. to learn from and mingle with industry professionals in an all-day event. The day will consist of a presentation by Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design, panel discussions, pop up workshops, networking opportunities and a luncheon.
The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at LVDC. Students interested can RSVP at ASIDStudentCareerDay2023.eventbrite.com no later than Monday, March 27.
Las Vegas Design Center is located at World Market Center Las Vegas on the first two floors of Building A and offers interior designers and other members of the trade year-round access to a comprehensive selection of the industry’s finest product lines.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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Antolini’s Labyrinth at KBIS Showcases Stones
Antolini will showcase natural stones in a new setting, inspired by an unexpected labyrinth. Cristallo Vitrum “Wow,” Patagonia Vitrum and Amazonite are the main stars at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show at booth N2805 in Las Vegas, Feb. 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention center.
The main idea was to connect natural stones and gameplay, in an original experience for visitors, so that they could enter the world of Mother Nature and get to know the power of Cristallo Vitrum “Wow,” Patagonia Vitrum and Amazonite up close.
The main stage involves Cristallo Vitrum “Wow,” Alessandro La Spada, interior designer of the new booth, has designed an articulated labyrinth that showcases the succession precisely between Cristallo Vitrum “Wow,” a natural stone part of the Natural Quartz geological family, and several mirrored surfaces. A succession of materials designed for the visitor to feel immersed among the natural stone and experience it intimately.
“The semantics of the project was to have one main actor, Cristallo Vitrum ‘Wow,’ whose characteristics are transparency and translucence,” said Alessandro La Spada. “The goal was to make viewers perceive these properties, pause and reflect on the material to highlight its sensory qualities. From this goal, the project took off. Its layout is inspired by the geometry of the labyrinth and is designed to stimulate visitors to reflect on the sensations that the environment gives them.
“The focus of the exhibition is a compulsory sensory path through which the visitor can estrange himself from reality to focus on the beauty of nature and reflect on the characteristics of the material and the perceptions it provokes. Antolini has constantly had an absolute devotion to the work of Mother Nature and the sensations it evokes, going beyond the concept of mere surface materials.”
Once through the labyrinth, visitors will then be able to reach the other areas of the booth, where not only will rows of Antolini’s different natural stones be displayed– including the Amazonite quartzite and Natural Quartz Patagonia Vitrum, but examples of their applications will also be offered. Among all of them, a striking one is the backlit Cristallo Vitrum “Wow” counter: an example of how suitable natural stone is for building stunning architectural scenarios.
Among the new features for the 2024 edition of KBIS is a partnership between Antolini and BORA, manufacturer of innovative, premium built-in kitchen appliances with impressive design standards. In Las Vegas, visitors will see two countertops made of Antolini’s Irish Green marble, with a leather finish and AzerocarePlus protection – the process developed to offer protection against etching and staining – on which BORA will install its innovative induction downdraft cooktops. Twelve slabs laid in open stain for a total of six meters of natural stone will be part of the innovative design.
“KBIS 2024 is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase Cristallo Vitrum ‘Wow,’ Patagonia Vitrum and Amazonite, in a context that combines inspiration and entertainment,” said CEO Alberto Antolini. “Through Alessandro La Spada’s project, visitors will have an immersive experience and a direct encounter with natural stone and its suggestions. These three stones reflect Antolini’s ability to do research among the world’s most beautiful minerals and to put into practice the innovation path in order to later introduce excellence to architects and designers.”
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CBA Issues Annual Report, PFAS Research
The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance recently unveiled its 2023 Annual Report, launched Part 2 of the PFAS Education series, and is preparing for major spring industry events. These initiatives underline the CBA’s continued commitment to developing the cookware and bakeware industry.
The CBA had announced the release of the 2023 Annual Report that demonstrates the CBA’s promise to transparency. It highlights achievements, challenges and strategic objectives. This report gives stakeholders an insight into the CBA’s value proposition and their ongoing efforts to develop the industry.
In addition to the release of the Annual Report, the CBA has also unveiled Part 2 of the PFAS Education series, an indispensable resource about fluoropolymers and human health. This material, found under the ‘Good Science‘ subsection of the ‘Resources & Solutions’ section on the CBA website, contributes significantly to the scientific discourse in the industry.
The CBA is also excited to announce its participation in The Inspired Home Show in Chicago from March 17-19. Attendees of the show are encouraged to visit Booth #S3230 to connect with CBA representatives. They will learn about the benefits of CBA membership as well as initiatives to further contribute to the industry. Managing Director Fran Groesbeck will be representing the CBA in a presentation at the show.
Lastly, the CBA is actively preparing for their Spring Member Meeting in Orlando, Fla., on April 10-12. This gathering offers a unique opportunity for members to connect, share ideas, and discuss the future direction of the industry.
The theme of the meeting is “Uniting the Industry,” with a focus on fostering unity within the cookware and bakeware industry. While in-person attendance is exclusive to CBA members, those considering membership are welcome to join virtually. It’s a chance to collaborate, share knowledge, and help shape the future of the industry.
Tickets for the event are available here. The deadline for registration is March 25.
The CBA is committed to promoting and enhancing the cookware and bakeware industry, and these recent publications and event are a testament to their dedication.
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MIC Faenza to Open Gio Ponti Exhibition
Gio Ponti was one of the greatest popularizers of Made in Italy as early as the 1920s, when he became artistic director of Richard Ginori, initiating a renewal of production. To the figure of architect, designer and intellectual, who was a reference for the establishment of an Italian “style” of decorative arts, is dedicated the exhibition at MIC Faenza (March 17-Oct. 13) “Gio Ponti. Ceramics 1922-1967” curated by Stefania Cretella.
The MIC International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza continues its program of highlighting the personalities and great manufacturers who have built ceramic Made in Italy. After Lenci and Chini, it is now the turn of Ponti.
In addition to Richard Ginori during his long career, Ponti came into contact with several Italian ceramic realities: the Cooperativa Ceramiche di Imola, Pietro Melandri and the Faentine context (the cartepeste made with the Dalmonte family were famous), with Ceramiche Pozzi, Joo and Gabbianelli, to mention the main companies with which he promoted unique and extraordinarily current paths and projects. His connections saw him at the center of the Italian cultural debate and the definition of Italian rationalism. He collaborated with critics Ugo Ojetti, Edoardo Persico, worked together with Luigi Fontana and Giovanni Gariboldi, his successor at Richard Ginori.
Ponti was, moreover, one of the protagonists of the Monza Biennials, presenting in the halls of the Villa Reale the innovations he introduced in the Richard-Ginori repertoire and the results of the experiments he shared with the other architects of the côté Milanese involved in the experiences of the Labyrinth and of the Domus Nova for department stores La Rinascente Milan.
Relationships with the world of exhibitions were a constant in his career by actively participating with his projects and as a member of organizing committees. He collaborated with the Milan Triennials and was featured in events such as Italy at Work. Her Renaissance in Design Today, a traveling exhibition that took place in the United States between 1950 and 1951, and Italia ’61, an event organized in Turin to celebrate the first centenary of the Unification of Italy.
He founded two magazines which were very important for design and high art craft as Domus and Style, which clearly contributed to the promotion of the arts intended for home furnishings and the spread of modern language, ideas that were crowned by the design and construction from 1956-60 of the Pirelli Skyscraper in Milan, a masterpiece of Italian rationalism that became an absolute symbol of “modernity” in postwar Italy.
The catalog is edited by Claudia Casali and Stefania Cretella – Dario Cimorelli Editore.
The exhibition benefits from the fundamental partnership of the Fondazione Museo Archivio Richard Ginori della Manifattura di Doccia in Sesto Fiorentino and the Archivio Gio Ponti.
With the support: General Directorate, education, research and cultural institutes, Emilia Romagna Region, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, Municipality of Faenza, Union of Faenza Romagna, Caviro, Romagna Acque, Hera, Tagina, Cerdomus, Sacmi, Tema Sinergie.
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IHA Expects Bigger Attendance at Home Show
IHA President and CEO Derek Miller says organizers expect more exhibitors and exhibition space at The Inspired Home Show this year over 2023. Miller made his comments in an open letter:
February 13, 2024
Dear Home + Housewares Colleague,
With only a bit over four weeks before the opening of The Inspired Home Show, we are truly excited about the industry’s focus shifting to Chicago. More than 1,700 exhibitors from 40 countries and more than 30,000 attendees from over 125 countries are slated to participate. The total number of exhibitors and the total amount of exhibition space will exceed that of last year, and we continue to assign additional companies every day.
Importantly, over 200 companies will exhibit at the Show for the very first time, and over 150 companies will return to the Show after a brief absence. A few notable names of those returning include:
- Artland
- BergHOFF
- BSH Bosch
- Cool Gear
- Corkcicle
- Cuisinart
- Deejo-Coriolis
- Ember
- Emile Henry
- Etekcity
- Everplush-Tricol Clean
- Fissler
- Hurom
- iSi North America
- J.K. Adams
- Jean Dubost
- Joseph Joseph
- Keurig/Dr. Pepper
- Koopman
- Lotus Sustainables
- Midea
- Millenarie International
- Opinel
- Range Kleen
- Scanpan
- Stolzle Lausitz Glassware
- Tooletries
- Tramontina
Our online search application, Connect 365, is being populated with more exhibitors, brands and products every day – visit the site to search for exhibitors and to pre-plan your visit to the Show.
The 2024 Show will be different than editions of the past with many strategic changes being implemented, based on feedback received from exhibitors and the buying community.
First, the Show will be three full days designed to make the experience as efficient and cohesive as possible. Second, we’ll open on Sunday this year with the Show extending through Tuesday to offer both weekend and weekday options to attendees. Third, and perhaps most important, Wired + Well will be co-located with Clean + Contain in the North Hall. Conveniently positioned adjacent to Dine + Décor in the South Hall, the Show’s three primary Expos will now be easier to navigate than ever before. Feedback on all of these changes has been overwhelming positive with the Show positioned to be incredibly productive. And, our fourth Expo, International Sourcing, will be re-located in the Lower North Hall with country pavilions offering OEM products.
The IHA Board of Directors, the IHA Staff and our Committee Members work hard to create the best trade show experience for the industry as possible. We listen, plan and adapt – we then position, promote and build – and finally, we come together to buy, sell and collaborate. The industry works together to grow together – that’s our mission – past, present and future.
We look forward to welcoming the industry to The Inspired Home Show, March 17-19. See you in Chicago soon! It’s going to be great!
Best,
Derek Miller
President & CEO
International Housewares Association
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Shoppe Object Sees Largest Participation
Shoppe Object, the premier home and gift show, has concluded its highly anticipated Winter 2024 edition, marking yet another milestone in its journey of growth. With an expanded footprint that included both Pier 36 and the newly added venue at Skylight at Essex Crossing, this year’s show proved to be the largest yet, with over 700 curated brands for buyers to explore and discover, a 20 percent increase from 2023.
From its humble beginnings as a modest gathering of 100 brands in the iconic H&H Bagel factory, Shoppe Object has evolved into the must-attend event for buyers from around the world to discover the innovative, the beautiful, and the well-made in home, giftware, books, paperware, jewelry and more. The addition of the Skylight at Essex Crossing venue added twice the space of Shoppe Object’s previous 2023 expansion at Pier 36, underscoring the show’s commitment to providing the ultimate curated resource for taste-making merchants, influential editors and designers.
“Honestly, we’re ecstatic,” expressed Jesse James, founder and director of Shoppe Object. “It was not without trepidation that we embarked on a two-venue strategy to implement necessary expansion this season, and we couldn’t have imagined better results. We had more feet on the floor than ever before — more brands and more retailers, more designers and media — and you could feel it in both locations. Many remarked that there was an excitement and an energy that reminded them of our very first show.”
“I loved the two locations and the quick shuttles between,” said retailer Lauren Naimola of Dear Golden of the addition of Skylight at Essex Crossing. “There was great food and music, and I loved meeting the makers and getting to know my vendors face-to-face. It felt like a fun party! It’s the best show with the best vendors. I honestly cannot think of anything to improve!”
Among the standouts featured at this year’s Winter edition were the 150+ brands new to the show, including Abigail Ahern, SERAX, East Fork Pottery, Sabre Paris, Heller, Alain St. Joanis, Native Union and Missoni, with some marking their US Wholesale Market debut at Shoppe Object. International exhibitors made up 30 percent of the exhibitors at the New York show, hailing from 25 countries around the world, including Abigail Ahern (England), Alain St. Joanis (France), Artel (Czech Republic), Avenida Home (England), Fazeek (Australia), House of Lyria (Italy), Kiliim (Turkey), Missoni (Italy), Mud Australia (Australia), PANTONE by COPENHAGEN DESIGN (Denmark), Peugeot (France), Sabre Paris (France), SERAX (Belgium), Umbra (Canada), and Yamazaki (Japan). As the community grows, Shoppe Object has continued to seek out innovative, exciting, and beautiful brands around the world, bringing them to the U.S. and providing an exclusive entryway to the North American market.
Andy Van den Berghe, chief commercial officer at SERAX, commented, “As an international lifestyle brand participating in trade shows around the world, our first time at Shoppe Object was a success and a real added value, allowing us to connect with high-caliber customers. The energy brought by the show and its curated brand assortment truly stood out, and helped us fit in perfectly.”
“As first-timers, we were blown away by the response and the vendor community,” commented exhibitor Ha Nguyen, director of sales, East Fork Pottery. “So nice to meet East Fork fans and get to know customers well … A lot of people saw us on the Shoppe Object website in the Brand Directory and had been putting in wholesale orders with us via email before the show even started. For our product, it’s so important to touch and feel too, so it makes a huge difference to be here in person.”
Highlights from the February show included an impressive turnout of buyers, designers and media professionals and the introduction of a dedicated space for The Take Back Bag at Pier 36, where bags on a recycle-reuse mission were provided free of charge. Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in the interactive nature of the show, witnessing live collage-portrait making by the Shoppe Object artist of the season, James Gallagher.
As a vanguard of the spirit of the retail and design community, Shoppe Object reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating inclusivity within the industry at the Winter show. Through programs like the Black Lives Matter Action Initiative and the Global Artisan Project, Shoppe Object continued to show its dedication to fostering diversity across a growing fellowship of brands and attendees.
True to its reputation, Shoppe Object delivered a vibrant and engaging atmosphere across its two venues, complete with curated playlists, delectable food and beverage options and a lively late-night party for exhibitors and attendees alike. The show has been dedicated from the beginning to ensuring that buyers are treated to a seamless and delightful experience, with surprises awaiting them at every turn.
“The energy at Shoppe Object was in the air. Between the cool music, access to amazing food, and of course the constant flow of clients, we were in trade show heaven. It’s not your ordinary trade show,” said exhibitor John Edelman, president & CEO of Heller.
Among the list of thousands of buyers attending this year’s show were retailers Anthropologie, Bergdorf Goodman, Design Within Reach, Food52, Herman Miller and Macy’s, as well as buyers from the museum stores at The Frick, Getty Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, SF MoMA and The National Gallery, among others from around the country.
John Derian, who attended the show to buy for his New York stores, shared, “It’s such a stylish show with so many creative people. It was hard not to order everything.”
“Curation, layout, location, caliber of brands –– all great!” added designer Lisa Tumbarello of Potomac River Interiors, “All the vendors I spoke with were knowledgeable and passionate… I found many things I was looking for, and many more that I wasn’t, which is a good thing! I had a great first experience and I will be back!”
As Shoppe Object continues to set the standard for excellence in the home and gift trade show circuit, anticipation is already building for its next edition. Industry professionals can expect nothing less than a showcase of the latest trends, unparalleled networking opportunities and a celebration of creativity and innovation.
Up next, Shoppe Object – High Point will return April 12-16, on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square. The show will focus on home décor and furnishings, with Shoppe Object’s reverence for the innovative, the beautiful and the well-made. Additionally, Shoppe Object will be back in its two-venue home in New York City, August 4-6, 2024. For more information, visit www.shoppeobject.com.
Shoppe Object is owned by ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, an Omnichannel Wholesale Marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow, and prosper through physical markets, design centers, and digital channels.
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THOR Kitchen to Unveil X-Series at KBIS
THOR Kitchen, renowned for its commitment to affordable luxury in kitchen appliances, is set to make history once again at the 60th Annual KBIS Show in Las Vegas from Feb. 27 to March 1. For the first time, THOR Kitchen will introduce the X-Series, a collection of built-in panel-ready products that elevate the brand’s offerings to the higher echelons of the luxury kitchen appliance market while maintaining the affordability it is known for.
The THOR Kitchen X-Series boasts opulent and high-performing ranges, featuring powerful burners with precious metal finishes, designed to meet the discerning tastes of the luxury kitchen connoisseur. This new suite also includes built-in vent hoods and panel-ready refrigeration, providing designers with a comprehensive solution for creating exquisite and customized kitchen spaces.
“THOR Kitchen takes pride in spearheading the evolution of affordable luxury in kitchen appliances. The introduction of the X-Series at KBIS 2024 is a testament to THOR Kitchen’s relentless pursuit of excellence, providing designer’s and consumers with a sophisticated yet accessible catalog of options for crafting their dream kitchens. We’re here to redefine industry standards, offering innovation, quality, and affordability in every product we unveil,” said Timothy Lee, senior marketing manager.
This pivotal year offers designers the opportunity to explore the brand’s unique “Good, Better, and Best” pricing strategy. The A-Series kitchen suite caters to the good, or entry-level price point, while the new T-Series introduces tilt panel ranges at the best-selling mid-tier price point. The H and L Series ranges continue to offer excellence in the mid-tier, and the groundbreaking X-Series now stands as THOR Kitchen’s flagship at the high-end price point, providing designers and customers with an unparalleled selection.
THOR Kitchen has a rich history of challenging industry norms, having disrupted the luxury appliance market years ago by introducing a full suite of commercial stainless steel kitchen appliances at an unprecedented $5,500. In 2024, the brand continues its expansion into both lower and higher price points, catering to a broader clientele with diverse needs.
As part of the KBIS experience, THOR Kitchen invites attendees to witness cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Bradley Miller chefbradmiller.com, Brand Ambassador, host of Food Network’s Food Truck Nation, and co-owner of the Inn of the Seventh Ray Restaurant in Los Angeles. With a record-breaking year in 2023, THOR Kitchen promises a breathtaking showcase, now spanning two stories at Booth W1665.
Industry leaders are encouraged to stop by the booth to explore innovative products, gain insights into the brand’s expansion, and discover the groundbreaking THOR Kitchen Affiliate Program. This incentive program allows sellers to earn commissions for their sales, and further details will be unveiled during the show.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness THOR Kitchen’s evolution at KBIS 2024 – Booth W1665. For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact Michele Kautz at michele.kautz@gwa-inc.com or 570-772-1669.
About THOR Kitchen: THOR Kitchen is a leading provider of high-quality kitchen appliances, committed to delivering affordable luxury to homeowners and designers alike. With a history of innovation and industry disruption, THOR Kitchen continues to redefine expectations in the kitchen appliance market. For more information, visit www.thorkitchen.com.
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Macy’s Appoints Tony Spring as CEO
Macy’s, Inc., in connection with its leadership succession plan announced on March 29, 2023, announced Tony Spring, 58, will serve as chief executive officer of the company, effective Feb. 4. Spring succeeds Jeff Gennette, 62, who is retiring as chief executive officer after serving the company for 40 years. Gennette will continue as chair of the board until the company’s 2024 Annual Meeting, with Spring becoming board chair as of the Annual Meeting.
“Tony is the ideal CEO to build on our momentum and lead Macy’s, Inc. into the future. He has only added to his many contributions in advancing the company’s strategies over the past year as president and CEO-elect, after having delivered strong results during his tenure leading Bloomingdale’s and overseeing Bluemercury. In addition to building brands and consistently innovating for the customer, Tony has strengthened our culture through his leadership and is committed to talent development,” said Gennette. “It’s been a privilege to serve Macy’s, Inc. over the past 40 years and I’m proud of the exceptional work of our colleagues in serving our customers and continuing to strengthen the company’s operational and financial foundation. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Tony and our other fellow directors in the coming months in my role as chair of the board.”
Spring said, “I am excited to take on the role of CEO of Macy’s, Inc. and to apply my over three decades of experience with our nameplates to build on this strong foundation and lead our company forward. Alongside the Macy’s, Inc. leadership team, we will remain focused on driving innovation, fostering profitable sales growth and delivering value for our shareholders, while strengthening our position as our customers’ trusted source for quality brands.”
Paul C. Varga, lead independent director of the Macy’s, Inc. board of directors, said, “Tony is a proven, results-oriented leader and we are confident he will lead Macy’s, Inc into its next phase of growth and deliver value for shareholders. Additionally, on behalf of the board, I want to thank Jeff for his unwavering leadership over many decades to Macy’s, Inc. We look forward to continuing to benefit from Jeff’s ongoing contributions and leadership through the duration of his tenure as chair of the board.”
A key member of the Macy’s, Inc. executive leadership team, Spring has been instrumental in the company’s transformation. Spring served for the past year as president and chief executive officer-elect, leading Macy’s, Inc.’s digital, customer, merchandising, and brand teams, and also overseeing Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.
During his 36 years at Bloomingdale’s, Spring was a customer-focused innovator known for his exceptional brand-building and merchandising talents. As chairman and chief executive officer of Bloomingdale’s, he drove the success of the nameplate, which delivered its highest sales volume and record customer engagement in 2022. He also repositioned Bluemercury into a vibrant and growing nameplate for the company. Spring is highly respected among the community of retail leaders and serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Retail Federation and the board chair for the National Retail Federation Foundation. He also serves on the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Greater New York City Chapter, and the Hospital for Special Surgery Advisory Board.
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Dallas Market Center Launches Nearshoring America
Dallas Market Center announces the launch of Nearshoring America, a new international expo and support services designed to explore and facilitate nearshoring production services for gift, home furnishings, and fashion accessories companies. Nearshoring America EXPO, to take place at Dallas Market Center from Dec. 10-12, will connect brands and their representatives with vetted factories and supply chain service providers from Mexico and Latin America.
“We are creating this groundbreaking new trade event and support services for several key reasons,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “First and foremost, many leading companies in several of the industries we serve have encouraged a juried event in Dallas given recent challenges to overseas production and interrupted supply chains. They requested the event be created by the industry for the industry.
“They also understand our commitment to supporting more efficient trade; our unique access to brands, factories, and service providers as well as our long-standing relationships with them; our purpose-built marketplace infrastructure and operations; our geographic advantages for easy travel; and our safety and controlled access for both attendees and exhibitors.”
Exhibitors will include an invitation-only showcase of factories and supply chain providers that have been pre-selected based on their history, operating experience and delivery. In addition, supporting enterprises including sourcing agents, trading companies, shelter companies, and design and production consultants will be represented. The exhibiting companies will be thoroughly vetted to ensure they are legitimately capable of supporting our industry importer partners. Expected participants are from Mexico, joined by other countries in Central America and South America such as Brazil and Colombia.
The show floor will feature a uniform presentation of each participant showcasing their production and/or supply chain services capabilities and each exhibitor will be prepared to immediately engage with attendees regarding terms and conditions of product development and production.
“We are delighted about the new Nearshoring EXPO,” said Alix Buckley, founder and CEO of Stephen Joseph Companies, a large multi-brand gift company. “Having alternative options when sourcing goods will allow us to save time and expense in numerous ways – including the advantage of attending a show that brings suppliers in Mexico and Latin America together in one venue closer to home. Not to mention, the faster turnaround time in bringing goods to market. Our product development team heard about the Dallas show while they were visiting Ambiente in Germany… seems the buzz has begun!”
Attendees will include importers of gift, home furnishings and apparel accessories seeking OEM product sources, project manufacturing services and full-scale product development partnerships.
Said Chuck Fraelich, president of tag, a leading North American gift company: “We are proud to be working with the Dallas Market Center and industry colleagues to bring the first nearshoring expo for the gift and home industry to Dallas. We feel this forum will allow for importers, agents, and factories to come together and discuss business opportunities that could lead to transformational change as we diversify our supply chain.”
Nearshoring has quickly become an extremely valuable alternative for importers within the United States in a range of consumer product categories. A recent Morgan Stanley report noted that “Nearshoring has the potential to boost the growth of Mexican manufacturing exports to the U.S., from $455 billion today to an estimated $609 billion in the next five years.”
Consul General of Mexico in Dallas, Francisco de la Torre Galinda, commented on Nearshoring America at Dallas Market Center: “Nearshoring becomes an increasing opportunity in the North American market, [and] we have to take advantage together. México’s investments in infrastructure, logistics and trade policies under the USMCA are attracting the development of nearshoring programs across all sectors, including the categories represented at the Dallas Market Center.”
A Nearshoring Leadership Council, comprised of leading importers, was critical to advancing the conversations and organization of the expo and support services. A full list of participants will be announced soon. Additionally, research is currently underway among the Council and other stakeholders identifying the top production categories to be showcased at the expo. The results of that research will be shared at a later date.
In addition to showcasing vetted exhibitors, the Nearshoring America EXPO will be supported by a series of seminars and symposia focused on nearshoring in Mexico and Latin America. In support of the expo, a Nearshoring America INDEX will be created that includes an exclusive and vetted list of factories and supply chain service providers organized by country. Finally, a Nearshoring newsletter will be created that includes background, research, commentary, and timely topics for the business of nearshoring.
For information on Nearshoring America contact Michael Mendoza at mmendoza@dallasmarketcenter.com. For information on Dallas Market Center visit the website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
For more news of interest to the gift and home furnishings industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Home, Housewares Industry Primed for Growth
After almost four tumultuous years that included a pandemic, supply chain chaos, dramatic lifestyle shifts and strains on consumer spending, the home and housewares industry finds itself forever changed but ready to drive growth in 2024 and beyond. Amid continued pressures on consumer spending, many housewares executives have been investing heavily in ways to meet changing customer needs, collaborate with retail partners and make their operations even more flexible and efficient.
“2024 will be incredibly important to our industry as many brands focus on getting their inventory levels, supply chain and resources in the right place,” says Steve Greenspon, CEO of Honey-Can-Do International LLC.
“We’re going into a new chapter in our lives,” agrees Sal Gabbay, CEO of Gibson Homewares. “We need to be positioned to be very quick in reacting to shifts in trends.”
Simply put: “Status quo will not drive growth over the next few years,” says Rob Michelson, president & chief commercial officer of Bradshaw Home.
Last year was marked by inflation, lower income and other pressures on consumer spending. As a result, home and housewares sales were down 5 percent in dollars and down 7 percent in units in 2023 over 2022, according to Circana/Retail Tracking/12 months ending December 2023 vs prior year.
However, when those figures are compared to 2019, sales were up 24 percent in dollars and up 2 percent in units. That makes the home and housewares industry one of only two general merchandise categories that increased in terms of both dollars and units over pre-pandemic levels, according to Joe Derochowski, Circana vice president and home industry advisor.
There are also some signs of light in terms of consumer confidence. U.S. consumer sentiment increased 13 percent in January 2024 – to the highest level in the past two and a half years – according to a survey from the University of Michigan. Growing optimism about inflation and income prospects was reported across all age and income groups, education and geographical locations, as well as political affiliation.
Resetting for Strategic Growth
Though many companies didn’t stop adjusting their business models during the chaos of recent years, many housewares executives characterized 2023/2024 as a time for resetting and moving forward.
“We have taken the opportunity to reset our business and focus hard on the things we do well, within the categories we are experts and leaders in, so that we can do them even better,” says Scott Felsenthal, CEO of Whitmor, Inc. “Ensuring we maintain operational excellence is a key driver internally.”
“We spent 2023 resetting our five-year strategic plan,” says Michelson. “We are committed to increasing our focus on the end consumer, expanding into new channels of distribution, and driving our market leading brands.”
While resets like these may include efforts to increase efficiency, improve vendor or buyer relationships or add new programs, it can also take the form of sunsetting categories, programs or partnerships that no longer work or fit within a new strategic plan.
Retail Relationships
When it comes to retail relationships, Bill McHenry, president of Widgeteer Inc., says his company is focusing on good communication and good give-and-take partnerships.
“Relationships are everything in retail,” adds Felsenthal. “The easier we can make the jobs of the merchants, buyers and demand planning teams at the retailers we partner with, the more mutual success we will have together.”
“We are focusing on bringing the greatest value to our retail partners and ensuring we are important to them,” says Greenspon. “We are doing this through products specially designed for a retailers’ customer base, great value propositions due to lowered consumer confidence and high inflation in 2023 and improving our supply chain and technology support.”
Connecting with Consumers
On the consumer side of the equation, many housewares suppliers are updating how they connect with consumers and get to know them. They’re making digital marketing, and social media in particular, a priority for building brand awareness and gaining new customers. But those mediums are providing them with more than just an effective vehicle for telling their stories…. they’re also providing a way for them to learn more about current and potential customers.
“The data continues to improve to ensure that brands receive the highest value on their investment,” says Greenspon.
The savviest companies are also using their digital data and information from outside trend-tracking sources to refine marketing efforts. For instance, “Emphasizing product sustainability and natural ingredients has helped elevate our brand,” says Mike Otterman, president/CEO of Lodge Cast Iron.
New Products
In a tough economic climate, newness is often what inspires consumers to buy. “We continue to invest in product development and new product launches,” says Lisa Knierim, chief development officer of Creative Tops, Inc. “It is essential to long-term health and of course consumer awareness.”
Investment in new products is especially important in categories that have become heavily “commoditized,” says Felsenthal. Some companies are also taking the opportunity to create new packaging or new designs, or add new brands to their portfolio.
Operational Efficiency
While less flashy or externally obvious, many housewares companies have adjusted their operations to increase efficiency and/or dexterity as they go into 2024. For some, that means investing in new technology to assist with enterprise resource planning or warehouse management. For others, it’s a matter of adding new third-party logistics providers or diversifying where products are produced.
Making the most of one’s internal team is also top of mind for many housewares executives. McHenry says his company has moved some staffers around so they can better focus on taking advantage of new opportunities. Otterman says finding good people for technical roles and IT is a priority, while Felsenthal is focused on growing employees internally.
These housewares leaders will gather with thousands of other home industry professionals from around the globe to collaborate and carve out new opportunities at The Inspired Home Show 2024, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
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Las Vegas Spring Buying Event Set March 3-5
ANDMORE’s semi-annual Las Vegas Spring Buying Event, featuring nearly 50 home, gift and lifestyle permanent showrooms across Building C and the Las Vegas Design Center, will be held March 3-5, at World Market Center Las Vegas. To extend business opportunities for buyers and sellers, the trade-only event will run concurrently with ToyFest, the nation’s first full toy trade show of 2024. Onsite registration is required, and buyers can RSVP at https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events/Spring-Buying-Event.
“After a successful Winter Las Vegas Market, select showrooms, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center, will welcome buyers to World Market Center Las Vegas again in March,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer.
The event includes a growing list of some 15 gift and home manufacturers, as well as sales agency showrooms, located in Building C. Confirmed participants opening March 3-5 are: Diverse Marketing, F.E.M. Sales, Fine Lines, Karen Alweil Studio, Kathleen Milne Company, Keena, The New Era Sales Team (NEST), Next Step Reps, Oak Street Wholesale, R-Biz Associate,; Sales Producers, SPI Home, Toyology and ZODAX. Select showrooms will be open for buyers before Spring Buying event, March 1 – 2, to give attendees extra time to source, and appointments are highly recommended.
The March event is an extension of World Market Center Las Vegas’ open year-round offerings in the Las Vegas Design Center. Buyers can source in LVDC’s 30+ designer showrooms, which present more than 120 product lines, plus additional gift, lifestyle, gourmet, tabletop and decor showrooms on campus.
As an added benefit, Toyfest, the second oldest and second largest toy show in the United States, will run concurrently with the event at World Market Center Las Vegas, offering cross-market opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Hosted by the Western Toy & Hobby Retailers Association, ToyFest attracts hundreds of buyers and presents 500+ exhibitors in categories such as: toys, gifts, infant and toddler, games, education & books, stem, museum, hobby, costume, beauty and novelty.
ToyFest badges will grant buyers access to Spring Buying Event showrooms, and Spring Buying Event attendees interested in attending ToyFest will need to complete a simple, on-site registration process. For more information, visit www.toyfestus.com.
The Spring Buying Event at World Market Center Las Vegas runs Sunday, March 3 through Tuesday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. For more information and registration, visit https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events/Spring-Buying-Event.
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Young Inventors Applauded in Design Competition
Six intuitive inventions that support happy and healthy homes secured top prizes at the International Housewares Association’s 31st annual Student Design Competition, the industry’s preeminent student design contest that has celebrated innovation for the house and home for over three decades. This year, IHA received a record-breaking 358 entries from 31 schools around the world.
The winning products were an ultrasonic thawing device for quick and safe meat thawing; a sophisticated light therapy lamp for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder; a wobbling plant holder that aids both mental health and plant health; a combined air filtration and vacuum appliance; a rainwater recycling system for sustainable water use; and a tooth-brushing companion for kids.
The competition challenges college students to redesign an existing housewares product to meet the needs of the future or to create a concept for a new product. Winning projects are selected for their innovation, understanding of production and marketing principles and quality of entry materials. Since 1993, more than 6,900 entries have been submitted to the rigorous competition, which honors excellent design and communications skills. Winners have launched successful careers in the housewares and design industries and have returned to judge other student contestants.
The winning industrial design students and their products will be on display during The Inspired Home Show 2024, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The winners and their products can be viewed on the Show’s website.
Alex Orelind, a junior at Western Washington University, won first place and $3,500 in grand prize money for SONA, an ultrasonic meat-thawing chamber with a cloche-like construction.
The lid uses heat-generating, high-frequency sound waves to ensure uniform, safe and efficient thawing of frozen meat, poultry and fish products. SONA also features a wooden cutting board base and electromagnetic glass sides that change from frosted to clear to visually indicate when the meat is thawed.
SONA was a testament to both creativity and thoroughness in design, said judges in their comments. They noted its simple yet effective approach addresses a common problem in culinary settings, offering a safe solution to the often cumbersome task of thawing meat. Orelind’s thoughtful inclusion of additional features and dedication to innovation made SONA a standout solution and clear first place winner, they concluded.
William Harrison Huth will take home the second-place prize of $2,500 for Ease, a sophisticated light therapy lamp that helps people treat Seasonal Affective Disorder without compromising aesthetic design. Unlike traditional therapy lights that look clinical and plain, Ease seamlessly fits into designed home spaces disguised as an elegant lamp and is “Designed for you, not just your disorder,” as Huth puts it. Fully wireless, the halo light can be removed from its magnetic base, allowing the user to take their therapy session anywhere and charge the light in plain sight when done.
Four products earned third place and $1,500 each. Wobble, by Carl Sabroff, a senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, is a wobbling indoor plant pot with a dual purpose: its fidget-toy-esque design encourages interaction that builds plant resilience and helps the owner connect with their plant, something that has been shown to benefit mental health. The rounded plant pot is made from 100 percent concrete, a sustainable and low-cost material.
The Mode, from Alexander Mossdorf, a senior at Carleton University, is an air-quality appliance with both air filtration and vacuuming capabilities.
The Mode’s dual-intake system answers a two-pronged problem of at-home workshops: they tend to have poor air filtration, posing a danger to human health, yet the products needed to maintain safe air quality are costly and take up space. The two-in-one appliance promotes a cleaner, safer environment while cutting down on costs.
Rain Recycle, by Luke Kauranen, a junior at Western Michigan University, is a user-friendly rainwater collecting system that promotes sustainable water use, specifically in dwellings that lack roof or gutter access.
The contraption stands at a mere 24 inches and is fitted with a collapsible umbrella-like funnel that captures and diverts rainwater into the tank below.
Rain Recycle is a cost-effective, low-maintenance and attractive alternative to existing rain recycling products.
Swishy, from Julia Cutajar, a University of Notre Dame senior, is a whale-shaped tooth brushing companion that engages kids in proper tooth brushing.
The kid-friendly design features a set of “whale” teeth that light up in quadrants to show kids which teeth they should be brushing as they follow along with the two-minute-long sequence. The whale’s blowhole doubles as a toothbrush holder and triggers the whale’s mouth to open and close when the toothbrush is removed and replaced.
Six Honorable Mentions Awarded
Six products merited an honorable mention. Their designers will receive $250 each:
- Kate Baring and Terra Sullivan, juniors at Western Washington University, for CHOW, a dog treat maker.
- Maximilian Murg, senior at the University of Applied Sciences – FH Joanneum, for NORY – gender inclusive sex toy
- Davi Patterson, senior at Iowa State University, for Wink Wall, a decorative wall organizer.
- Drew Janszen, senior at Purdue University, for Toasti 100, a toaster with improved safety and UX features.
- Dillon Narcisse, a graduate student at the University of Houston, for Revera Hairwashing System, a hairwashing tool for people with limited mobility.
- Wyatt Guthrie, senior at the Cleveland Institute of Art, for eLeaf, a smart plant monitor.
Judges Include Four Previous Design Competition Winners
This year’s winners were selected by an esteemed panel of 18 judges, including four past Student Design Competition winners who have since had successful industrial design careers. Judith Anderson, industrial design professor, Massachusetts College Of Art and Design; 2015 winner Evan Cincotta, industrial designer, Clixo, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Chris Cunningham, Cunningham Design, Chicago; Michael Ditullo, independent designer, Portland, Ore.; Radu Ghiorghie, vice president of product design, iDesign, Akron, Ohio; 1995 winner Robert Giacolo, new product development program manager, Transcendia, Naperville, Ill.; Carly Hagins, assistant professor of product design, University of Kentucky, Lexington; Michael Kahwaji, professional specialist of design practice, Richmond Institute of Design and Innovation at Western Michigan University; Mark Krasne, product design and development, Select Brands, Lenexa, Kan.; and Carter McGuyer, principal and founder, Carter McGuyer Design Group, Inc., Florence, Ala..
Also 2018 winner Anastasia Miller, founder, Small Moves Studio, Brooklyn, N.Y.; 1996 winner Jennifer Nemec, principal and founder, Ideation Studio Inc., Chicago; David Richter-O’Connell, associate professor, Industrial Design, University of Wisconsin – Stout Menomonie; James Rudolph, co-founder and program manager, Rudolph Design Studio, St. Joseph, Mich.; Michael Seskauskas, visiting instructor of industrial design, University of Illinois at Chicago; Rusty Snell, design director, mDesign, Cleveland, Ohio; and Kimberlee Wilkens director, BDes in Industrial Design, and assistant professor, Industrial Design, University of Illinois at Chicago.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2024 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com. To search for new products that will be at the Show, visit Connect 365, the Show’s online directory.
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Las Vegas Market Surpasses Expectations
The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market unfolded as a center for buyers to discover a wealth of unparalleled sourcing opportunities, inspiring events and cutting-edge digital innovations. The five-day buying event welcomed retailers and designers from all 50 states and nearly 60 countries, providing a dynamic destination for discovering the new and now at World Market Center Las Vegas, Jan. 28-Feb. 1.
“Las Vegas Market continues to be a major force in shaping west coast sourcing across the furniture, gift and home landscapes,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “Buyers left the Winter 2024 Market with state-of-art sourcing, unrivaled networking and seminar- and trend-driven inspiration, signaling a fruitful business year ahead.”
High-End Home Furnishings Spark On-Trend Sourcing
Las Vegas Market celebrated the launch of B2’s high-end home furnishings remerchandising this January, marking a new destination for trend-forward sourcing and design-inspired resources.
With eight new and expanded better home brands – A.R.T. Furniture, Caracole, Four Hands, Hooker Furnishings, Jonathan Charles, Rowe, Sunpan and Varaluz – filling B2 with buzzworthy collections, the concentration of these high-end resources rounded out Las Vegas Market furniture and home décor offerings, providing a multi-aesthetic, multi-price level nucleus to discover the best in home furnishings.
“It’s been 12 years since we exhibited at Las Vegas Market, and we’ve really become a designer-focused organization,” said Chris Miller, Rowe Furniture VP sales. “This Market gives us the perfect platform to connect with west coast designers and provide them with an exceptional sourcing experience.”
Following the successful introduction of two new Las Vegas Market showrooms, Kenzie Redick, Hooker Furnishings VP marketing, interior design and brand management, commented, “In terms of the traffic and conversations we’ve had this week, this Market has been one of our most successful. Our customers and designers are excited about what’s new, and we feel confident about the future of our showrooms here.”
Buyers were also beneficiaries in the dynamic reformatting of home furnishings at Las Vegas Market.
“My brother and I came to this Market, and we were able to open two new accounts during our visit,” said Steve Schwinn, buyer from Ironhorse Home Furniture (Benicia and Santa Cruz, Calif.). “The return of high-end brands to Market is definitely a highlight.”
Bedding Category Reports Firm Successes at Market
Some 100 bedding and mattress exhibitors at World Market Center Las Vegas delivered both tried-and-true and innovative offerings across the nation’s leading bedding buying destination.
“The first day of this Market was the busiest we’ve ever had in our 15+ years of exhibiting in Las Vegas,” said David Binke, King Koil CEO. “The momentum continued well into the week, so it’s safe to say the Market has been kind to us.”
Buyer attendance from mattress stores at the Winter Market increased from January 2023, establishing a year-over-year growth of the specialized mattress buyer base. Binke added, “We’re now forming relationships with top 100 accounts that have always been on our radar, so we continue to be committed to this space.”
The bedding industry witnessed wins outside of commerce during the buying event – WithIt’s 2024 WOW Visionary Award honored Barabara Bradford, CEO of Visionary Sleep, for her excellence, leadership and commitment to the bedding industry; and recognized Sarah Galimidi, Macy’s Omni Buyer-Mattresses, for leadership.
General and Seasonal Gift Exhibitors Dazzle West Coast Buyers
The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market featured some 1,300 gift resources across seven floors of permanent showrooms, bringing a wealth of general and specialized gifts to buyers from every category. The Market welcomed seven new and expanded showrooms for the January Market.
“It’s been a real pleasure to see buyers coming to the Las Vegas Market in such great numbers,” Adriana de Mello, Keena principal. “The mood this week was so upbeat, which makes me feel confident about the first half of 2024.”
Newcomers to Market reported standout successes as Las-Vegas-firsts solidified their decision to participate in the west coast market. In particular, the January buying event offered holiday brands access to a new seasonal buying audience.
“Las Vegas Market is unique. The Glitterville brand is all about that ‘wow’ factor, and it fits perfectly into the fabric of this Market,” said Stephen Brown, Glitterville creator. We’ve experienced a wonderful reception for our first Las Vegas Market and we’re definitely optimistic for the future.”
Transpac Brands’ four general and holiday décor channels discovered new opportunities with more buyers following an anticipated expansion. “The combination of bringing a new brand to life in this showroom and our prime location on the atrium has made the reaction from buyers exceptional this winter,” said Laurie Gilner, Transpac Brands president and CEO. “We’ve gotten so many new customers and the opportunities that have sprouted as a result are abundant.”
Temporary Exhibits Create Permanent Impact
The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas showcased more than 450 brands across six categories: Design, Gift, Handmade, Home, Immediate Delivery and LUXE. New and returning brands noted commercial wins and strong industry connections across four days of temporary exhibits.
“It’s our first time at Market, and we are thrilled to meet all the buyers and fellow exhibitors,” said Rami Khalaf, Kalifano. “There is such a wonderful sense of community and general buzz to this event, and it’s truly amazing to be part of it.”
Sammi Hill, founder of Mixologie, added, “As a southern brand that primarily services the southeast, Las Vegas Market really helps us get in front of major west coast accounts. I heard great things about the temps in Las Vegas, and I’m glad I took the leap of faith – 90% of the orders we’ve written at this Market are from brand new buyers.”
Beyond exhibits, Las Vegas Market offered nearly 50 events, educational programs and daily amenities over five days of market. Highlights included: a standing-room only presentation from Las Vegas Market ( A ) Lister, Martyn Lawrence Bullard on the future of design innovation, a trend-driven seminar hosted by design mogul Patti Carpenter, the staple Market Kickoff Party and the WithIt WOW Awards.
@Market App Enhances At-Market Experience
ANDMORE’s @Market App returned to the Winter Las Vegas Market – on both Android and iOS devices – with enhanced capabilities for at-market sourcing and post-market follow-up.
App usage this winter was strong with nearly 80% of attendees logging into the app and 84% of those buyers using the exclusive Scan & Go feature on campus. @Market App users also quickly adopted the photo feature, allowing the app to easily organize and sort market finds after the buying event.
In January 2024, the top 10 showrooms by in-app photo count were industry heavy-hitters: Uttermost, Four Hands, Classic Home, Creative Co-Op, Accent Decor, Ashley Furniture, Ivystone, RAZ Imports, Inc., Mercana Furniture & Decor and Currey & Company.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. For more information, visit LasVegasMarket.com.
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TIHS Keynotes Include Hispanic Market Opportunities
Global and color trend forecasters, market data analysts and an executive from the leading Hispanic media network will share their home and housewares industry vision in special keynote presentations during The Inspired Home Show 2024.
The Show will be held March 17-19 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. The keynotes are set for Sunday and Monday in Room S102 in the South Building. The hour-long sessions will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. Admission is free to all Show attendees.
In the Show’s opening keynote, “Global Householder Trends: A View to 2025” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Anna Ward, consultancy innovation lead at futures agency TrendBible, will discuss what is driving change in the home and interiors industry for 2025 and offer a deep understanding of the key shifts impacting the way householders will think, feel and act.
Other keynote sessions will focus on housewares and the influential Hispanic market, growth opportunities for the housewares market in 2024 and beyond and the harmony of the Pantone Home & Interiors color forecast. They feature Roberto Ruiz, executive vice president, research, insights and analytics, TelevisaUnivision; veteran IHA color forecaster and keynoter Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute; and Joe Derochowski, home industry advisor for Circana.
Here is a detailed schedule of the keynotes:
Sunday, March 17
10-11 a.m.
“Global Householder Trends: A View to 2025”
Anna Ward, Consultancy Innovation Lead, TrendBible
There are powerful global forces at play for 2025. While global “mega threats” (from the climate emergency to inflation, living costs and energy scarcity) will continue to undermine householders sense of safety and security, in 2025 we’ll see overwhelm and crisis fatigue dissipate into a desire for optimism and abundance. Ward will explore what’s driving change in the Home and Interiors industry for 2025 and offer a deep understanding of the key shifts impacting the way householders will think, feel and act.
1-2 p.m.
“Future-Proofing Your Brand with America’s Growth Engine: The Hispanic Marketing Imperative”
Roberto Ruiz, Executive Vice President, Research, Insights & Analytics, TelevisaUnivision
U.S. Hispanics are the single biggest growth opportunity today, comprising 20% of the U.S. population (and 30% of Gen Z!) and on their own, a massive economy contributing $3.2 Trillion to the U.S. GDP. Now is the time to build brand awareness and affinity with this cohort, with intention and authenticity. TelevisaUnivision’s Roberto Ruiz, executive vice president, research, insights and analytics, will share actionable insights on the Hispanic Opportunity – its growing contribution to the home and housewares industry, and how brands and retailers can make meaningful connections with this powerhouse population to ensure growth and success.
Monday, March 18
10-11 a.m.
“Uncovering Growth Opportunities for the Home + Housewares Industry: 2024 & Beyond”
Joe Derochowski, Home Industry Advisor, Circana
2024 will be a transformational year. After lockdown, returning to activities, many supply chain challenges and widely varying pricing and promotion, 2024 will be the year that all of the dramatic changes in consumer behavior and the marketplace start to settle into the new norm. In this presentation, Derochowski will lay out a plan for the rest of the decade with some short, mid- and long-term innovation opportunities to point the home and housewares industry toward growth.
1-2 p.m.
“A New Harmony: Pantone Home & Interiors Color Forecast”
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
The everlasting search for harmony filters into every aspect of our lives and the informed use of color helps us to achieve that much-needed harmonious balance. Featured in the PANTONEVIEW home and interiors color forecast, the theme A New Harmony offers inspiration, clarity and meaning to future color and design trends. Eiseman will provide direction and insights on color palettes and design application in a presentation that will highlight consumers’ needs and motivations as they seek a more harmonious life and lifestyle. She will feature and explain the appropriate color blends, moods and hues that will resonate with attendees’ clients or customers.
For more information on the keynote sessions, visit https://www.theinspiredhomeshow.com/education.
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Tervis Extends Partnership With Pickleball Players
Tervis kicked off its extended partnership with the Association of Pickleball Players at the first APP Tour event in Punta Gorda.
The partnership with the pickleball tour, which began in 2023, designates Tervis as the official and exclusive water bottle of the APP.
Founded in 2019, the APP serves professionals, senior professionals and amateurs in the fastest growing sport in the United States. The first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the 2024 APP Tour has 12 announced tournament stops and kicks off in Punta Gorda, Fla., on Jan. 17-21. The five-day season kick-off event launched at the newly renovated PicklePlex, where fans can watch the best pro pickleball players in the world compete, as well as the AARP Champions and AARP Masters Division competitors, and hundreds of amateurs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tervis back to the family of official APP partners,” said Ryan McSpadden, chief revenue officer for APP. “They are a leader in the hydration space and provide innovative products to all of our players.”
Tervis was in attendance at the Punta Gorda event with a booth set up for spectators to stop by and learn more about the well-known drinkware brand, as well as purchase pickleball-themed tumblers.
“Tervis takes pride in knowing what our consumers love and being nimble enough to pivot toward those trends in developing new tumbler designs,” said Hosana Fieber, chief executive officer for Tervis. “With the popularity of pickleball continuing to sweep the nation, we are incredibly pleased to partner with the APP at this event and others to help promote pickleball, as well as introduce our timeless products to fans and players alike.”
Through its partnership, Tervis will immerse itself with in-venue branding and visibility, including signage, social media promotion and inclusion in APP Tour broadcast productions — spanning coverage on CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2 and more linear broadcast partners to be announced by the APP, as well as livestream coverage on APPTV and ESPN+.
For more information on the APP’s 2024 tour schedule, visit TheAPP.global.
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JCPenney’s Hope & Wonder Celebrates Diversity
JCPenney, the shopping destination for America’s diverse, working families, celebrates Hope & Wonder, its private brand designed in-house by the JCPenney Creative Coalition to commemorate and celebrate moments that matter for customers and associates. Since the brand launched in 2022, JCPenney has invested $1 million in Hope & Wonder partnerships and additional cultural initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity.
Now in its third year, Hope & Wonder honors cultural observances throughout the year including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride, Juneteenth and Hispanic Heritage Month. Merchandise in the brand’s assortment is designed by JCPenney’s Creative Coalition, a cross-functional team of passionate BIPOC designers who bring their authentic selves and distinctive voices to create each unique Hope & Wonder collection. The ongoing mission of the Creative Coalition is to establish JCPenney as a year-round authentic resource for apparel, accessories, gifts, beauty and home by speaking to the heart of important cultural moments.
JCPenney’s Creative Coalition was initiated by senior vice president of trend, brand management and design Valerie Harris. Harris began her retail career with JCPenney 45 years ago as a part-time sales associate and later became the first African American female senior vice president at the Company. In 2020, she identified a need to increase the authenticity of Black History Month product and creative opportunities for BIPOC designers. Since its inception, the Creative Coalition has expanded to allow more associates to become directly involved in the communities they represent and serve through their design work.
Hope & Wonder brand campaign visuals include JCPenney associates, community leaders and members of the JCPenney Creative Coalition sporting apparel from the assortment. In 2023, Dr. Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” appeared in our 2023 Juneteenth collection photoshoot and filmed an exclusive interview with JCPenney.
“It’s important that our customers can see themselves reflected in our merchandise,” said Michelle Wlazlo, chief merchandising officer for JCPenney. “The Hope & Wonder brand uniquely allows our associates to connect with our customers over shared culture and traditions and enables us to better advocate for our communities through our philanthropic partnerships, which are chosen by associates.”
In 2023, beneficiaries included Black Girls Smile, JA Worldwide, The Asian American Foundation, Point Foundation, Unity Unlimited, Inc. in support of Opal’s Walk for Freedom and Latinitas. JCPenney’s support of these organizations goes beyond monetary donations through authentic engagement with their leaders and the causes they support. For example, in 2023, JCPenney associates marched alongside Dr. Opal Lee for the third year in a row at Opal’s Walk for Freedom in Fort Worth, TX, honoring her life’s work to have Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday. Additionally, Latinitas named JCPenney its Corporate Partner of the Year for 2023.
In 2024, JCPenney is excited to support the important work of Black Girls Smile, Dress for Success Worldwide, The Asian American Foundation, Point Foundation, Unity Unlimited, Inc. and Latinitas by continuing its corporate commitment and by donating 100 percent of net profits through sales of the Hope & Wonder brand.
For more information, please click here.
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Las Vegas Market ‘People’s Choice’ Winners Named
From a pool of 40 finalists, Las Vegas Market buyers have selected eight products as “People’s Choice” winners in the Winter 2024 Market Snapshot program: Tegan Collection by Accent Decor, Night Ice Performance Pillow by BEDGEAR, Corinthian by Caracole; d-Bodhi Horn Pendant – Large and Small by LH Home, Charcuterie Boards by Melrose International, Noelle Lounger – Natural by SUNPAN, Sedona Collection – Club Chair by Sunset West and Ceramic Cottage Core Mushroom Divided Platter with Spreader by Young’s Inc. Finalist and winning products will be featured in two vignettes at Las Vegas Market, running through Thursday, Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Market Snapshot previews the best of Las Vegas Market’s gift, home and furniture offerings, and these eight People’s Choice winners represent the ‘best of the best’ this winter,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE EVP, chief marketing officer. “We congratulate these winners for their innovation and excellence in design and aesthetics.”
Las Vegas Market Winter 2024 Market Snapshot winners represent the market’s product categories – gift, furniture and home décor – in both permanent showrooms as well as the Gift & Home temporary exhibits.
Winners of Las Vegas Market’s Winter 2024 Market Snapshot are:
Tegan Collection – Accent Decor
Tegan Collection is a vessel for florals or plants. An oil-slicked glaze offers trend-driven pattern and color for added visual impact. Perfect for plant shops, wedding and event design, floral design, or as an everyday home decor pop of color.
Located in C124
Night Ice Performance Pillow – BEDGEAR
Three separate cooling technologies work together in the Night Ice Performance Pillow: Ver-Tex™ instant-cooling cover, React crown with cooling gel, and an ICE Active Core.
Located in B1100
Corinthian – Caracole
The Corinthian console features fluted door fronts, warmly complemented by metallic ribbon pulls and a top in a Sparkling Argent finish. A spacious interior offers open storage and two finger-pull drawers. Cutouts in the back allow for wire management.
Located in B216
d-Bodhi Horn Pendant – Large and Small – LH Home
These pendants are made of handwoven rattan, each featuring recycled teak wood tops, and are handcrafted with traditional Javanese technique. Pendants can be combined in the series to create a decorative cluster over a dining, living or entry area.
Located in B700
Charcuterie Boards – Melrose International
These charcuterie boards are carved from high-quality wood with marble accents, a blend which exude natural beauty and rustic charm.
| Located in C606, C618 |
Noelle Lounger – Natural – SUNPAN
Part of the Outdoor by SUNPAN collection, this lounger is upholstered in palazzo cream fabric and completed with a solid teak wood base in a natural finish. Teak wood will develop a silver-grey finish over time.
Located in B250
Sedona Collection – Club Chair – Sunset West
Crafted from 100-percent solid teak wood, Sedona features Sunset West’s signature weathered teak finish, coupled with a textured resin weave to provide exceptional durability.
Located in B162
Ceramic Cottage Core Mushroom Divided Platter with Spreader by Young’s Inc.
Designed for simple snacking, this two-piece set includes a red capped mushroom divided platter with a mushroom metal spreader. It is crafted from high quality ceramic, ensuring durability and a smooth, glossy finish.
Located in C852
Leading up to Las Vegas Market, five products were identified each week as Market Snapshot finalists and showcased across all Las Vegas Market social media in eight weekly themes: leisure, garden and outdoor, home décor, quiet luxury, seasonal, tabletop and gourmet; wellness and wellbeing; and rounded edges. Onsite displays highlighting finalist’ products, located in the Building C lobby and the Building A, Floor 2 escalator landing, will offer a sneak peek into market product offerings.
Winners were chosen by popular vote from 40 finalists, which also included: 54Celsius, Bloomingville, Buzzee, Chukar Cherries, Cozy Cocoa Shown By McSteven’s Inc., Cozy Earth, Creative Co-op, Davie Ocho Candle Co, Global Views, Haomy; Hinza shown by Cose Nuove, Honestly Margo Shown By Just Got 2 Have it!, Jonathan Charles, Kalalou, Kalco Lighting, MEPRA S.P.A., Messermeister, Modus Furniture, Multi Glory Window Treatments Shown By West Coast Textiles, O.W. Lee Company, One Hundred 80 Degrees, Outer, SPI Home, Taylor Elliot Designs, Three Birds Casual, Transpac, Tropitone, Union Home LLC, Unique Loom, Varaluz, Vietri and ZUO.
Market Snapshot showcases innovative products from across Las Vegas Market’s home décor, gift, furniture permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits. Products are shared on social media, in buyer communications, in an on-campus display and on the market website. Images and links to the finalists’ online directory listings are available online at https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/Explore/News-and-Trends/Market-Snapshot.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market is January 28 – February 1, 2024, at World Market Center Las Vegas. For more information, visit LasVegasMarket.com.
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Atlanta Market People’s Choice Winners Named
Atlanta Market participants have voted four products as People’s Choice winners in the Winter 2024 Market Snapshot program: Let’s Go Girl Notebook by Taylor Elliott Designs; Botanist Side Table by Creative Co-op; Citrus Collection by McEvoy Ranch / ODE Olive Oil Beauty and Stratton Console Table by Bassett Mirror. The 40 products from winners and finalists will be featured in a vignette in Building 1 at Atlanta Market, running through Monday, Jan. 22, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Market Snapshot offers an opportunity for buyers to preview and vote for new and best-selling products coming to Atlanta Market,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE EVP, chief marketing officer. “The buyers have four favorites from among 40 finalists this January in Atlanta, and we congratulate the brands on this recognition.”
The Winter 2024 Market Snapshot Winners for Atlanta Market represent the market’s product categories – gift, furniture and home décor – in both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.
Winter 2024 Market Snapshot People’s Choice winners are:
Botanist Side Table – Creative Co-op
The Botanist Side Table is made with botanist carved wood with black and white detailing. The table is crafted completely from carved wood with a black and neutral stripe.
Located in B2 10-1080
Let’s Go Girl Notebook – Taylor Elliott Designs
The Let’s Go Girl Notebook is the perfect notebook for daily journaling or note taking, with 200 lined pages, a durable hard cover, silver foil imprinting on the cover and a purple ribbon page marker.
Located in B3 5-2407
Citrus Collection – McEvoy Ranch / ODE Olive Oil Beauty
The Citrus Collection is curated with organic, estate-produced Olive Oil for powerful antioxidant protection with high levels of squalene and lipids to restore moisture to skin, hair, and nails. The citrus scent energizes senses with uplifting notes of orange citrus and spicy ginger blended with earthy vetiver.
Located in B3 3-2402
Stratton Console Table – Bassett Mirror
The Stratton Console Table features a Mid-century modern influenced design. The architectural inspired silhouette features an angled frame and one shelf for storage.
Located in B1 11-F11
People’s Choice winners were chosen by popular vote from 40 finalists, which also included: 54 Celsius; Accent Décor; Arteriors; Better Than Booze; Blue Ocean Traders; Blue Pheasant; Brown Jordan; Burlap & Barrel; Chelsea House; Currey & Company; Dahlia Press; Freshwater Design Co.; Harman; Herbs & Kettles; Hester & Cook; Home Treasures; Jackson Pottery; Jodi Melissa; Kalalou; Leftbank Art; Mainly Baskets Home; Meri Meri; MUZALUCI; Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn; Porta Brasil; Sagebrook Home; Spongelle; Springer; Sweet Water Décor; Swinton Sports; Thucassi; Tropitone; Tuuci; Up With Paper; WS Game Company; and Zafferano America.
Market Snapshot finalists’ products are shared on social media, in buyer communications, in an on-campus display and on the market website. Images and links to the finalists’ online directory listings are available online at www.AtlantaMarket.com/MarketSnapshot.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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Blue Yonder: Returns Pose Significant Challenge for U.S. Retailers
Blue Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain transformations, says its new survey indicates that 63 percent of retailers face significant challenges with the management of returns as customers increasingly turn to online shopping options. Despite the vast majority (89 percent) of retailers having changed their returns policies in the past 12 months to make them more expensive for consumers, or otherwise tightening the restrictions around returns, more than half (59 percent) experienced an increase in the rate of returns over that same period, suggesting these changes have not deterred customers from returning orders.
Retail product categories that traditionally haven’t experienced high return rates for in-store purchases are now seeing increased return rates online, with significant and somewhat significant return rate increases in Sports & Outdoor Equipment (76 percent), Cosmetics (73 percent), Trade Tools/Equipment & DIY (72 percent), and Children’s Toys (68 percent). Overall, only 13 percent of retailers reported a decline in returns over that same 12-month period.
“These findings indicate that while retailers have tightened their policies, consumer returns are still increasing,” said Shannon Wu-Lebron, corporate vice president, Retail Industry Strategy, Blue Yonder. “This proves that putting the onus on consumers is not necessarily the solution to control returns. Instead, retailers should be looking at technology to help them find better ways to manage the returns and reverse logistics process to reduce costs, improve inventory resell rates, and protect customer loyalty.”
In December, Blue Yonder asked 200+ U.S. retailers to share insights into how they are managing returns. When asked, 80 percent said that prioritizing improvements around the returns process was either high or very high priority, with 16 percent saying it was medium priority. To measure their success in returns management, retailers are looking at different KPIs, including return rate (65 percent), average cost of return (58 percent), the percentage of returns eventually resold (49 percent), and customer lifetime value (37 percent).
Retailers Make Changes to Returns Policies
Of the 89 percent of the retailers who said they had made some kind of change to their returns policy, those changes have included:
- 42 percent reduced the time window during which consumers can make a return
- 36 percent made some items non-returnable (e.g., sale items)
- 30 percent implemented flexible returns shipping charges or restocking fees (e.g., restocking fee/shipping charge varies by the reason for the return)
- 24 percent increased their existing returns shipping fees
- 23 percent implemented for the first time a restocking fee
- 17 percent increased an existing restocking fee
While many are charging fees, 63 percent say those costs vary always or sometimes depending on the reason for the consumers’ return. The least likely category to charge consumers for returns was Music, TV & Film, where 29 percent of retailers said they never charged shipping, restocking or other return fees.
Retail Profitability Is Taking a Hit Due to Returns Costs
Changes to return policies were made by some retailers to help control increasing costs and recoup a portion of the expenses via customer fees. The reverse journey of a returned order incurs a multitude of costs related to shipping and transportation, processing, restocking, and customer service. As return rates increase, these costs impact the profitability of the company since retailers incur these charges without earning revenue.
Retailers were surveyed on the cost of returns as a percentage of the product’s original value, with responses ranging from 5-10 percent (32 percent), 11-15 percent (29 percent), 16-20 percent (24 percent), and +21 percent (14 percent). Product categories reporting percentages higher than 21 percent were Apparel & Fashion; Books; Cosmetics; Music, Film, & TV; Sports & Outdoor Equipment; and Stationery & Crafts.
How Retailers Allow Consumers To Make Returns
Despite retailers’ clear focus on controlling returns costs, the survey found that many retailers still rely on unsophisticated returns processes, resulting in poor customer experience and inefficiencies. Requiring customers to contact customer support in order to obtain authorization and/or a shipping label, as 29 percent of retailers do, adds additional manual process for the retailer, increasing cost and adding friction for the customer. This returns initiation method was most prevalent in the following product categories: Stationery & Craft (40 percent), Consumer Electronics (35 percent), and Trade Tools/Equipment & DIY (34 percent).
One alternative method, used by 18 percent of retailers, is to include a returns shipping label in outbound parcels. While this offers a relatively convenient customer experience, retailers with product categories such as Home & Industrial Appliances (22 percent) and Apparel & Fashion (18 percent) have little visibility or control over which items are returned and when, and will have to manually copy paper-based data about the reason for return.
Less than half of retailers (47 percent) have any kind of digital solution; just under a quarter (24 percent) of retailers use a digital solution built in-house, 12 percent redirect customers to a parcel carrier’s site to obtain a label, and 11 percent use a third-party digital solution.
When it comes to dropping off returns, the most commonly offered options include:
- 63 percent offer a drop off in locations provided by a parcel carrier, such as the post office or UPS
- 40% percent offer partner locations for drop-offs (e.g., Amazon drop-off counters in Kohl’s and Whole Foods stores)
- 36 percent offer drop-offs in their own stores
- 23 percentoffer collection from the consumer’s home
Almost three fourths (73 percent) of retailers always provide consumers with tracking updates when making returns and 58 percent always process refunds automatically.
“While once an afterthought, companies are now recognizing the tremendous importance of robust and optimized delivery and returns offerings. Blue Yonder’s solutions – through its recent acquisition of Doddle – offer companies seamless alternatives to reduce costs and inventory waste. The offerings also include self-service kiosks and pick-up, drop-off (PUDO) networks that offer retailers and logistics providers enhanced growth potential and superior experiences for their consumers,” said Tim Robinson, vice president, Blue Yonder.
Incentivizing Consumers and Measuring Success
Less than half (44 percent) of retailers always offer consumers marketing or promotional offers as part of the returns process, and another 16 percent sometimes offer marketing or promotional offers.
“When we conducted a consumer returns survey in early 2023, our data found that a majority (74%) of consumers always or sometimes make impulse purchasing decisions when returning items in-store,” said Wu-Lebron. “Offering consumers greater incentive to go into the store to make their returns, such as a coupon code or discount, can be a win/win approach for retailers and consumers. It also allows the retailer to put the item back into stock quicker, which was one of the KPIs retailers were looking at to measure the success of their returns policy, with 30% using time out-of-stock as a measure.”
“By looking at the entire return journey from start to finish and capturing data from across those touchpoints, retailers using Blue Yonder’s solutions can start making better strategic decisions around when to charge for returns and how to alter their policies in response to their customers’ needs. We can see that today retailers primarily rely on easy-to-measure metrics like return rate, rather than longer-term profitability indicators like customer lifetime value, or specific indicators of returns efficiency like time out-of-stock. Moving to a digital platform and unifying the disparate elements of a returns process is the only way for retailers to make that strategic shift,” concluded Robinson.
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DoorDash Adds More Retail Partners
DoorDash, the local commerce platform, has added retail partners to its Marketplace to support consumers on their active and wellness journeys. To date, DoorDash has more retail stores than any other marketplace in North America with over 100,000 non-restaurant stores across its Marketplace and Drive platforms and nearly 2 million products from clothing and makeup to household essentials.
“As consumers look to kickstart their fitness and wellness goals, DoorDash is their one-stop shop this new year. Whether they’re on the hunt for the perfect running sneakers or restocking on daily vitamins, we’re thrilled to be a part of their health journey,” said Shanna Prevé, vice president of strategic partnerships at DoorDash. “For our partners, DoorDash is synonymous with connecting every retail, grocery, and convenience store to every local consumer.”
The new retail partners joining DoorDash are:
- Camping World, the world’s largest retailer of RVs and related products and services, offers outdoor recreationists access to an extensive range of RV and camping products, from over 190 Camping World locations for on-demand delivery.
- Golf Galaxy, one of America’s largest golf specialty stores, has a world-class selection of brand-name golf equipment, apparel, accessories, technology, and gifts for every golfer. Consumers can purchase thousands of golf items from more than 100 stores for on-demand delivery for last-minute golfing trips or standing weekend rounds.
- JD Sports and Finish Line, the leading global sports fashion retailer, is the go-to place for the latest trending sneakers, apparel, and accessories for consumers around the world. Now, consumers can gear up with the brands they know and love conveniently through DoorDash from more than 500 JD Sports and Finish Line stores nationwide.
- The Vitamin Shoppe, the leading destination for health and wellness solutions, provides consumers with innovative nutritional supplement products and trusted expertise to support them on their journeys of lifelong wellness. Consumers can access high-quality vitamins, sports nutrition, hydration and energy, longevity support, green living products, and more, from the comfort of their own homes, from nearly 700 locations across the US.
From athletic gear and golfing equipment to natural beauty products, consumers can access everything they need on DoorDash to support their evolving daily needs, including almost a million Sporting Goods & Office products, over 400,000 Pet products, and nearly 300,000 Home & Beauty products. As more consumers order from non-restaurant and new categories than ever before, DoorDash continues to make significant headway in its selection efforts on the platform.
To celebrate these new partnerships, now through Jan. 31, consumers will receive 20 percent off all eligible orders of $30+ or more (up to $15) with promo code NEWYOU20 at all participating Camping World, Golf Galaxy, JD Sports, Finish Line and The Vitamin Shoppe locations.
These new retail partners will also be available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members $0 delivery fee, reduced service fees, and member-only benefits on eligible orders from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide.
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Total Home & Gift Market Boosts Attendance
Dallas Market Center announced that its Total Home & Gift Market opened with a 17 percent attendance increase for the first two days compared with last January. The attendance increase was notable for attracting retailers and interior designers from across the U.S. and internationally, with the strongest growth coming from the western United States.
“We are thrilled with the strong opening of our January show,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “You can feel the energy of new and returning buyers with strong open to buy that have come to Dallas for the newest products, grand openings of more than 30 showrooms, and the expanded Temps. We are expecting traffic to remain steady throughout the weekend and into next week.”
Tens of thousands of buyers from across the country are anticipated to attend the seven-day trade event that welcomes single and multi-location retail, interior designers, buying groups, and major stores. Exhibitors noted the strong traffic and order writing:
“We have sold to 68% more retailers in the first two days of the show and are hitting double our sales than we did a year ago,” said John Keiser, CEO of OneCoast, which celebrated the grand opening of their flagship showroom on the first floor of the World Trade Center. “We noticed a significant number of new buyers from the West, which is great to see.”
Diverse Marketing’s CEO, Wes Hardin, also noted the rise in traffic from the west. “We’re off to a strong start, and we’re impressed with the number of new West Coast stores, especially California and Washington, in attendance. There is good energy and positive momentum in Dallas.”
“It’s off to a great start in our new home,” said Liesl Ludwig, CEO of Anne McGilvary & Company, which celebrated the grand opening of their new Dallas showroom in the World Trade Center. “We are seeing a many new retailers and opening new accounts from all over the country. We’re happy to be a part of such a lively marketplace.”
In the Interior Home + Design Center, MC Studio owner Jennifer McNairy said: “Market is off to a tremendous start as we welcomed new customers and cut the ribbon on our expanded showroom featuring Bernhardt Interiors. The business of home is strong in Dallas, and we look forward to working with retailers and interior designers this week and throughout the year.”
The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, which ran Jan. 10-13, welcomed hundreds of new and returning exhibitors. Forty-five percent of the January Temps exhibitors are showing in Dallas for the first time.
When asked how the opening of the show has been thus far, Robert Rodenberger of JazzyArtz responded “This is the best show. We love the buyers in Texas and the Dallas Market Center.”
Added Meredith Harris and Raquel Torres with Balneario: “As a first-time exhibitor we have made amazing contacts and sales. We are excited to see how the great exposure boosts our brand!”
Stacyi Bradford of White Washed Home said: “We had the best opening day in 10 years!”
“Things are really hopping at Wild Hare Designs, and the Dallas Market Center is amazing, as always,” said Madeline German of Wild Hare Designs.
“Dallas Market is first class all the way,” said Tim Danser with Prince of Scots. “They give great customer service and deliver high quality buyers. The city of Dallas is the perfect backdrop with great restaurants and hotels.”
The Total Home & Gift Market will continue to run through Tuesday, Jan. 16. For more information, including hours and events, please visit Dallas Market Center.
For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
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NRF Foundation Raises $3M for Programs
The ninth annual NRF Foundation Honors took place Sunday night at the New York Marriott Marquis to celebrate industry leaders, award student scholarships and showcase retail as an industry with unlimited opportunity. The event raised more than $3 million to fund career development programs and resources.
“Our scholarships, our case competitions and our industry-recognized RISE Up credentials — all our programs are built upon the fact that retail is a great place to start and a great place to grow,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize and celebrate young, aspiring and experienced retailers who are the cornerstone and the future of our dynamic industry.”
Presented by American Express and PwC, the 2024 event included more than 800 attendees and was co-hosted by Macy’s, Inc. President and CEO-elect and NRF Foundation Board Chair Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and NRF Board Chair John Furner.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Executive Chairman Ed Stack was presented with The Visionary 2024 award for his leadership of the largest omnichannel sporting goods retailer in the United States.
The evening also recognized The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2024:
- lululemon Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President Julie Averill
- Crocs Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Heidi Cooley
- The Kroger Co. Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Yael Cosset
- Shopify President Harley Finkelstein
- Snoopslimes Founder and CEO Jungmin Kang
- Burlington Stores Inc. Senior Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development, DEI and Community Impact Mecca Mitchell
The event also included announcements of scholarship recipients. Kev Addison of Indiana University was announced as the top recipient in the 2024 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship presented by SAS. Aly Chew, Rajvi Dharamshi, Allie Gress and Krysta Mendoza of Drexel University were named the top team in the 2024 NRF Foundation Student Challenge competition presented by Kohl’s.
Additionally, Dublin City Schools of Dublin, Ohio, was honored as the 2024 RISE Up Partner of the Year.
Since 2015, the event has been the NRF Foundation’s signature fundraising event. More information is available at nrffoundation.org/honors.
NRF Foundation Honors event photos are available for download here.
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NRF Board of Directors Adds 4 Members
The NRF Foundation announced four additions to its board of directors. The new members were elected during the organization’s winter board meeting in New York City, ahead of NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show and the NRF Foundation Honors.
“We are honored to welcome this impressive and accomplished group of leaders to the NRF Foundation Board of Directors,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “Their valuable insights, expertise and passion will accelerate the NRF Foundation’s work to attract and prepare the next generation of retail talent.”
The new board members are:
- Monica Davila, senior vice president of human resources, Gap Inc. Brands
- Michael Keinath, vice president and chief talent officer, DICK’S Sporting Goods
- Martin Scaglione, chief mission officer, Goodwill Industries International
- Justin Smith, senior vice president of talent acquisition, Burlington Stores
The NRF Foundation board of directors is chaired by Tony Spring, president and chief executive officer-elect of Macy’s, Inc.
The board is comprised of professionals who believe in the power of connecting people to the incredible retail opportunities in communities nationwide through NRF Foundation career resources, training and scholarships.
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for life-changing careers. As NRF’s nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies, and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring, and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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Influencer Programs Return to Las Vegas Market
In a robust initiative to create content and community, Las Vegas Market brings two distinct influencer programs – Market Pros and the previously announced The ( A ) List – to its Winter edition with leading industry designers, trailblazers and social media mavens uncovering their favorite finds and market highlights through social media takeovers, seminars and more. Follow these programs as influencers and tastemakers take a deep dive into the new and now of the semi-annual buying event, running Sunday, Jan. 28 through Thursday, Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“These influencer programs explore Market through diverse, expert lenses,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief marketing officer. “With the establishment of a multi-faceted influencer network, we intend to inspire our buyers to dig deeper by providing a spectrum of experiences through digital creation and community collaboration.”
Market Pros, a long-standing Las Vegas Market influencer program, and The ( A ) List, Market’s newest destination for celebrity designer insights, combine forces to create a dynamic content community in Las Vegas for sourcing, social, seminars and everything in between.
Market Pros Returns for Winter 2024
The Market Pros program at Las Vegas Market handpicks industry tastemakers to discover noteworthy trends and products at Market. This January, six designers, retailers and trend-spotters participate in social media takeovers and share their top picks from Market. The Winter 2024 Market Pros will take over the @LasVegasMarket and @LasVegasDesignCenter Instagram accounts and the @LVMarket and @LVDesignCenter Facebook pages.
Market Pros for the Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market are:
Patti Carpenter, carpenter + company. Patti is principal of carpenter + company and an award- winning designer in globally sourced home décor, accessories, fragrance and gifts, with experience in product design and development, merchandising and color and trend forecasting. As a Micro-Enterprise specialist with U.S. presidential recognition for domestic and international expertise in artisan development, small producer and entrepreneurial training and economic development, she has designed and sourced Private Label collections for Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, The Phillips Collection, ABC Carpet and Home, Donna Karan Urban Zen and Ralph Lauren.
Patti is an expert in color and trend research and forecasting and consults with Pantone. She is an active board member of SERRV International-one of the founding organizations of the World Fair Trade Organization, BADG, The High School of Fashion Industries and The Bienenstock Furniture Library, as well as the co-founder of the Kaleidoscope Project. Patti is also the recipient of the Gift For Life Industry Achievement Award for 2021, the Withit Industry Leadership Award for 2021 for the Kaleidoscope Project, as well as the International Furniture and Design Association’s Trailblazer Award in 2023. @pattictrendscope
Tara Riceberg, Tesoro Beverly Hills & Best Gift Store Ever.com. Tara Riceberg is a second-generation retailer who has had shop-in-shops in Saks Fifth Avenue and Fred Segal. Her concept store, Tesoro Beverly Hills, is the world’s only entirely, all pre-wrapped gift store for babies, kids and adults.
A sample product is on display for customers to enjoy and the backstock is already wrapped for grab-n-go convenience. It is curated with items that are educational, inspirational and purposeful. Connecting with her community is Tara’s favorite part of being a retailer, and she has been a cheerleader for the retail industry for decades.
She has not only participated on panels at trade shows, including LVMKT’s Retail Titans & Innovators, but also has been a contributing editor for trade magazines. She is active with the Government Affairs Committee of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, with the National Retail Federation and the CA Retailers Association, the Small Business Task Force of Beverly Hills, and begins her term as the newest Beverly Hills’ Recreation and Parks Commissioner in January. @BestGiftStoreEver / @tarariceberg / @tesorobeverlyhills
Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein, Citizen Artist. Since 2007, visionary designers Rafael Kalichstein and Joshua Rose, along with their team, have brought sensitivity and sophistication to commissioned projects across the United States under the moniker FORM Design Studio. Originally drawing from their diverse backgrounds (Rafael, a former practitioner of holistic medicine and Joshua, an Emmy-Award-winning designer), the partners developed and refined a holistic approach to design, establishing the firm as a leading voice in the field and garnering frequent recognition among the most illustrious design publications.
In 2023, the team announced it would operate under the name Citizen Artist, embracing the axiom that good design makes the world a more beautiful place. With an emphasis on exploration, Rose and Kalichstein encourage clients and collaborators alike to build practical environments with health, choice, economics and ecological and social impact in mind. @citizen.artist
Joshua Smith, Joshua Smith Inc. With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc. offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day. Joshua’s career started with an eight-year tenure in residential real estate in Texas. After renovating his own fixer-upper, he decided to pursue a new career in design, and he attended the New York School of Interior Design. Joshua worked at Steven Gambrel before opening his own design firm in 2013. His work has been featured in Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Veranda and The New York Times. @joshuasmithinc
Christine Vroom, Christine Vroom Interiors. Christine Vroom Interiors is a full-service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects and business owners alike. Guided by the philosophy of “beauty meets function,” Christine creates livable luxury in each project. She is passionate about mental health, and weaving in an overall sense of wellness to her projects is of utmost importance. The goal is to come alongside her clients and not only design a space that is curated for them, but also to connect with them and make sure they feel supported and taken care of through the process. @christinevroominteriors
More information about these six Market Pros, as well as their tips for maximizing Market, are available at Market Pros | Las Vegas Market.
The ( A ) List Features Celebrity Designers
As previously announced, The ( A ) List is a new multi-modal influencer program centered on amplifying design and retail trends through the unique perspectives of top-tier designers.
In addition to @LasVegasMarket Instagram takeovers brimming with insider Market knowledge, ( A ) Listers each designed “Build A Room” using sourced items exclusively from Las Vegas Market exhibitors. ( A ) Lister Martyn Bullard will also host a “Behind Build A Room” seminar followed by a book signing event for his new book, Star Style.
The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market ( A ) Listers are: Marissa Nelums (@glasshouseinterior), Bullard (@martynbullard) and Nina Takesh (@ninatakesh).
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market is Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas. For more information, visit LasVegasMarket.com.
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Herrington Takes Over as Midea America President
Midea, a global leader in home appliances, has appointed John Herrington as the president of Midea America, succeeding Kurt Jovais, who is set to transition into a significant global role within the organization.
Herrington, a distinguished executive in the home appliance and electronics industry, brings a notable record of revitalizing and transforming world-class brands. He has held senior leadership roles with LG, Sharp and Samsung and been instrumental in the growth of these brands. His expertise in driving product innovation, building premium brands and achieving market leadership.
Herrington is well-known for his strategic approach to identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities and for leading teams to deliver innovative products and impactful marketing campaigns.
“I am honored to join Midea America at this pivotal time,” Harrington said. “Midea is making significant investments in product development, people and innovation and is uniquely positioned for expansion. I look forward to working with the talented team to build the brand and our customer relationships to drive continued growth for the company.”
Jovais, has been promoted to the role of global director of product management and special assistant to the president of Midea International, where he will lead global initiatives to improve product innovation and go-to-market worldwide. Jovais became president of Midea America in 2017 and oversaw its growth in the United States from a niche business to a multi-billion-dollar presence across Home Comfort, Major Appliance and Small Domestic categories.
“I am very proud of where we have taken Midea America so far, but there is still so much more growth to go after,” said Jovais. “John will be a great asset for Midea America to help unlock all our potential.”
Herrington took the reins on Jan. 4. Jovais will help with the transition through the middle of February.
“Kurt has a unique combination of experiences and successes that will have a tremendous impact in his new role at a global level,” said Lewis Fu, president of the Americas Region. “John joining Midea America will further our mission to become one of the top players in the appliance and home comfort categories in the U.S. market. We are very confident in a bright future for Midea in the U.S. and around the world.”
For more information, please visit Midea.com.
Midea America Corp. is a subsidiary within Midea Group, a publicly listed, Fortune 500 company and the world’s leading manufacturer of home appliances. With more than 166,000 employees and a presence in over 195 countries, including in the United States, its products touch the lives of millions of people and families through air treatment, refrigeration, laundry, small and large kitchen appliances, water appliances, and floor care.
For more news of interest to the home appliances industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Transpac Brands Expands in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas
Transpac Brands, a leading seasonal decor, everyday decor and gift supplier, announces its strategic expansion of showroom locations in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas. These showrooms will enable Transpac Brands, including Transpac, Totalee Gift, Season’s Designs, and VIP Home and Garden, to offer a more extensive and diverse range of products while enhancing its accessibility to customers across various regions.
Atlanta Showroom Expansion
Transpac Brands is proud to announce a new showroom lease for VIP Home and Garden at AmericasMart Atlanta. The VIP Home and Garden showroom will be located on floor 12, in space 1219, featuring close to 2,500 square feet of floor space. This new space provides an opportunity to showcase VIP’s extensive home and garden offering in a visible location. Transpac, Seasons Designs, and Totalee Gift will continue to be presented in their existing showrooms.
Season’s Designs Dallas Debut
Season’s Designs is making its Dallas debut in the Transpac showroom, located at WTC 239. This strategic move is driven by the strong demand for Season’s Designs’ Christmas Tree programs and its impressive range of seasonal large light-up display pieces. This addition to the Transpac showroom will provide customers with a dazzling array of holiday decor options. VIP Home and Garden will be showcased in the Cathy & Co showroom, located at Trade Mart 1644, further expanding the accessibility of Transpac Brands at Dallas Market Center.
A Grand Showcase in Las Vegas
This winter, Las Vegas will welcome a grand celebration of all four Transpac Brands as they come together in one expansive showroom, spanning over 11,000 square feet. This showroom is located in Building C, Space 996, within the main atrium.
“This exciting development allows Transpac Brands to display its diverse range of seasonal and everyday products under one roof, providing customers with a convenient one-stop shopping experience. It’s an opportunity to leverage the collective strength of these brands and create a truly immersive experience for retailers” said Laurie Gilner, president and CEO of Transpac Brands.
Andrea Padilla, director of sales and marketing adds, “Notably, Season’s Designs is making its Las Vegas debut in this unified showroom, marking a milestone for the brand’s presence at Las Vegas Market. With its captivating Christmas offerings and dynamic decor pieces, Season’s Designs is set to captivate Las Vegas shoppers.”
These deliberate showroom expansions exemplify Transpac Brands’s commitment to enhancing attainability and range of offering for its customers. For more information about Transpac Brands and its showroom locations, please visit shoptii.com.
Transpac Brands, formerly known as Transpac, is a leader in the gift and home decor industry.
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Fortessa Tableware Names Smith as CEO, President
Fortessa Tableware Solutions, a global leader in the tableware industry, has appointed Jeff Smith as chief executive officer and president, effective March 1. This strategic decision follows Smith’s nearly two decades of dedicated service to the company, during which he has played a pivotal role in shaping its success and organizational evolution. Smith previously served as the company’s COO and CFO.
Smith brings a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the company’s overall business. His embodiment of the distinct values and culture of Fortessa Tableware Solutions, coupled with broad credibility within the global team, has garnered the confidence of the board of directors, the group supervisory board, and owners Andreas Buske and Scott Hamberger.
Hamberger will be transitioning to the position of president emeritus. In this capacity, he will continue to contribute to the company’s success in an advisory role. Hamberger will continue as a director and will assume the role of vice chairman of the supervisory board of Zwiesel Kristallglas, AG, the parent company of Fortessa Tableware Solutions.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the transition, Hamberger said, “My greatest professional joy has been to be a part of the growth and development of the wonderful people of this company. I look forward to continuing to contribute in a different way and from a different perspective. As part of that I will be giving Jeff my full support as he takes the company forward.”
Group CEO Buske extends his best wishes to Smith, stating, “Jeff has earned the confidence of his colleagues across our group, as well as that of our Board of Directors in the United States and our Supervisory Board in Germany. We wish him every success and look forward to working with him as he leads Fortessa Tableware Solutions to new heights.”
“I could not be more excited to lead this outstanding company of which I have been a part. I appreciate the confidence of our ownership, governing boards, and my colleagues. We have a great history and I’m looking forward to an even better future,” Smith said.
Fortessa Tableware Solutions is part of the Zwiesel Fortessa Group, a global leader in the tableware industry. The company creates value around the table through customer solutions and innovative product. For more information, visit www.fortessa.com.
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Just Got 2 Have It! Showing New Lines in Atlanta
National gifts and accessories category leader Just Got 2 Have It! is set to introduce new lines with its 2024 kickoff at the Atlanta Winter Market starting Monday, Jan. 15. Southeast Gift line additions of Bella Tunno, Coco Chocolatier, Denik, Giffa, Heath, Heathcote & Ivory and Scripted Fragrance are now part of the Just Got 2 Have It portfolio brands. The Southeast Lifestyle division has added Hadley Wren, Honestly Margo, Living Royal, Natalie Wood Designs, Taylor Paladino, and Quilted Koala.
Principal Michelle Morgan said, “We are thrilled to introduce our new gift and lifestyle brands at the Atlanta Winter Market. We pride ourselves on aligning with brands that mirror our retailers’ values and embrace innovative trends. We are excited for a fresh, vibrant new year ahead.”
Showroom events include Build Your Own Charm Necklace with Lucky Feather, Tuesday, Jan. 16, through Thursday, Jan. 18, starting at noon; Sip and Soothe Your “Sole” with Sole~Pourri, on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 3 to 6p.m.; Wake Up with Slumberkins: Morning Mimosas and a Chance to Win, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and Thursday, Jan. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; By Hand Brilliance: Meet Aaron Jackson of Think Outside and receive a unique hand-signed piece art, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from noon to 2 p.m.; Fizzy and Fashionable with Hadley Wren, on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from noon to 2 p.m.; Roll-On with Rum Punch at Honestly Margo, on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and Thursday, Jan. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.; An Old-Fashioned Experience & Raffle with True Brands, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and Thursday, Jan. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m.; Patches & (Boozy) Pops with Patchology, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, starting at 2 p.m.; Teatime British Biscuits with Heathcote & Ivory, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and Thursday, Jan. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Atlanta Winter Market will also feature a Gift Basket Giveaway with products from Bucky, Dionis, Emerson & Friends, Hadley Wren, Living Royal, Slumberkins, Taylor Paladino, TrueBrands, and more. Four $250 gift card prize drawings for retailers with booked appointments will occur throughout the market week. The showroom will be open until 8 p.m. for late nights on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and Thursday, Jan. 18.
Just Got 2 Have It! was founded in 2000 and is proudly woman-owned. It is the premier brand agency specializing in innovation and trend products. Just Got 2 Have It! covers the United States in 37 states, coast to coast, with divisions in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West, and has more than 22,000 s.f. of showroom space between its Las Vegas and Atlanta showrooms.
For more about the Atlanta Winter Market, see January’s Kitchenware News & Review and subscribe!
Consumers’ Chargebacks Misconceptions Cost Retailers Billions
Chargebacks911, an international chargeback management and prevention company, has released the highly anticipated findings of its 2024 Cardholder Dispute Index. This comprehensive study compiles insights from more than 4,000 consumers who have engaged in chargebacks with their issuing banks in the past year.
Released in partnership with TSG (The Strawhecker Group), a leading analytics and consulting firm in the payments industry, The 2024 Cardholder Dispute Index sheds light on crucial trends, behaviors, and statistics that redefine the landscape of cardholder disputes and payment preferences among buyers.
“For years, we’ve been witnessing a significant rise in chargeback fraud and misuse within the world of payments, with up to 75 percent of all chargebacks being filed for illegitimate reasons,” said Chargebacks911 Director of PR Justin Clements. “In this report, we get a glimpse into the mind of the consumer to see what is prompting these invalid disputes so as an industry, we can develop solutions that address the root causes of friendly fraud and not just the symptoms.”
According to Chargebacks911, key revelations from the report include:
Americans Disputed $83 Billion in Credit Card Charges in 2023
The study highlights a staggering $83.569 billion worth of disputed charges in 2023, revealing an average of 5.7 chargebacks per cardholder, each valued at $76. This stark figure prompts contemplation about the prevalence of fraud, merchant abuse, and evolving consumer behavior impacting chargebacks.
Millennials & Gen-Z Embrace Digital Banking
A notable shift in banking preferences is apparent among individuals under 35, who overwhelmingly favor managing finances via mobile apps and exhibit a threefold preference for mobile payments over traditional credit card transactions. This trend signifies an impending industry shift towards mobile-centric financial services as younger demographics mature and exert significant market influence.
Insights into Cardholder Disputes
For the first time, the 2024 Cardholder Dispute Index delves into the primary reasons behind cardholder disputes. Factors such as transaction recognition difficulties and convoluted return processes emerge as the top reasons compelling consumers to initiate chargebacks, offering invaluable insights for merchants seeking to mitigate disputes.
Disputes vs. Refunds
While 72 percent of cardholders view chargebacks as a legitimate alternative to merchant refunds, a substantial portion initiates chargebacks without prior merchant contact. The report explores the underlying motivations driving this behavior, illuminating aspects influencing cardholders’ preference for chargebacks over direct refund requests.
Gradual Growth in Mobile Wallet Adoption
Despite credit and debit cards remaining prevalent, the report indicates a growing preference for alternative payment methods. Approximately one in five consumers opt for alternate payment modes, with mobile wallet apps such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay gaining traction, especially among younger demographics.
For further details and access to the complete 2024 Cardholder Dispute Index, visit https://chargebacks911.com/cardholder-dispute-index.
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Housewares Industry Primed for Enduring Growth
After a wild ride of unpredictable life- and business-altering ups and downs over the past several years, the home and housewares industry is primed for market stability and is eager to celebrate the next wave of enduring growth, according to the just-released 2024 HomePage News Occasions Report and collaborative 2024 At-Home Entertaining Report.
One way to spark such growth is to serve a consumer base embracing relative normalcy after living the same volatility and eager to celebrate just about everything. Results from the 2024 IHA Occasions Survey and At-Home Entertaining Survey, conducted in partnership with market researcher Morning Consult, underscore the product development, marketing and sales opportunities available to the home and housewares industry by serving key life moments and increasing frequency of at-home entertaining for all sorts of get-togethers.
The reports created from survey results present data-backed insights on why and how retailers and suppliers should continually consider and prioritize their roles as gift providers for such major life events as weddings, new home purchases, the birth of children, off-to-school and retirement events; for such annual occasions as birthdays and anniversaries; and for “anytime moments” when families and friends want to turn just another day into a time to celebrate. Both reports are published exclusively on HomePageNews.com.
“The pandemic and its economic aftermath scrambled long-established occasion-marking and in-home gathering traditions,” said Dawn Evans, IHA director, marketing. “Results of these complementary consumer surveys chronicle how consumers have rescheduled and reimagined key life events as they settle into a new groove and how their reinvigorated zest for at-home entertaining shows no signs of abating. That has created a wide, new sweet spot for the housewares industry to connect with consumers in a celebratory mood.”
Much discussion surrounds the wariness of shoppers to spend discretionary dollars, but the 2024 Occasions Report suggests that they are more willing to consider laying out some cash in the year ahead when it comes to celebrations. Whether it’s weddings or pet ownership, survey participants demonstrated that they remain willing to spend when it comes to festive occasions. Although the numbers aren’t dramatically above those generated in last year’s study, responses demonstrated significant enthusiasm for spending on occasions in the coming 12 months versus 2023.
In demographic terms, the youngest adults were the consumers most willing to spend on gifts, especially housewares gifts for occasions in the upcoming year. Consumers in the age range of 35 to 44 followed. In terms of household income, the most affluent consumers were the ones most likely to anticipate participation in an occasion over the next few months, but middle-class households were right behind them.
Entertaining at home becoming the new normal
The At-Home Entertaining Survey was first conducted in 2022 and results were used in a collaborative way to expound on the 2023 Occasions Report. The survey was conducted again in 2023 and the results published in its own report. Eight-out-of-10 consumers expect to entertain at home in the coming year, continuing and building on the trend from last year.
“Because of this, we strongly feel that at-home entertaining is the new normal and is here to stay,” Evans said. “In fact, it’s really become part of our lifestyle and natural behavior as consumers still have great enthusiasm for inviting people into their homes.”
Other At-Home Entertaining Survey results include:
- 73 percent said they planned more intimate gatherings of 10 or fewer people.
- 67 percent said they planned to prepare the food themselves versus catering the event.
- 50 percent said they preferred to serve buffet style rather than sit-down.
Clean-up and cooking and serving the dishes at the same time so food is hot were the main challenges facing survey respondents. In addition, 95 percent of respondents planned to send food home with guests.
The 2024 IHA Occasions and 2024 IHA At-Home Entertaining surveys were conducted by Morning Consult in September 2023. For the Occasions Survey more than 2,200 interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target of adults based on age, gender, race, educational attainment, region, gender by age and race by educational attainment.
Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. The At-Home Entertaining Survey had a sample of 2,203 adults. The interviews were conducted online and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, gender, race, educational attainment and region.
The data was then subset to adults who have hosted a gather in the past year and represents those 1,407 respondents. Results from the subset have a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
The 2024 HomePage News Occasions Report and 2024 At-Home Entertaining Report are published on HomePageNews.com here.
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Gift for Life Redesigns Website
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, is kicking off the new year with a newly redesigned website. Giftforlife.org is a clean, easy-to-navigate website that allows both existing donors and potential donors to easily read up on the organization’s mission, fundraising campaigns and updates.
“We are thrilled to be relaunching Gift for Life’s new website thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of our board members, in particular Lenise Willis, editor in chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine,” said Ari Lowenstein, Gift for Life chair. “Our donors, and those interested in our projects, will now have a single source to learn more about year-round fundraising for World Central Kitchen as well as AIDS Walk NY each May.”
For the past few years, Gift for Life has been using Facebook as its central location but wanted to return to its original domain for 2024 and beyond.
“This new website will give us a venue to highlight our progress, give thanks to our valued donors and spread the word about upcoming events,” Lowenstein said.
The Home page of the relaunched website includes an overview of the organization’s mission and focus on fundraising for crisis-related hunger and HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and advocacy. The Donate page includes details about all current fundraising campaigns, with links for contributions.
The About page features a video of Founder Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co. explaining how Gift for Life started in 1992 as a response to the AIDS crisis. Over time, the organization’s focus has evolved exclusively from HIV/AIDS to encompass food insecurity caused by crisis or conflict, with a broader overall aim of uniting the gift and home industries for common good.
The site was built by board member Willis.
“I really enjoyed building the website for Gift for Life,” she said. “Gathering photos for the Photos & Videos section was especially fun, as it was a nice look back over the years. We’ve hosted some pretty incredible fundraisers at markets in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle and more and have had fun while doing it! I hope the site makes it easier for our donors to learn about our latest efforts, see who we are as a board, plus donate to future fundraisers.”
The latest press releases and monthly newsletters can be found on the website, as well, in the News & Updates section, and those interested also can sign up there to receive regular email updates.
The Gift for Life board also extends its thanks to board member Cathy Steel, who sponsored the domain payment and platform subscription for its first year.
Gift for Life was founded by Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations.
In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief and has funded provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. The all-volunteer organization continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org.
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Designers Discuss Lighting, Home Decor Trends
Lamps Plus, the nation’s largest lighting retailer, brought together two dozen top interior designers and home décor tastemakers for a look at the lighting and home décor influences they see homeowners gravitating toward in 2024.
“The best way to update a space is to light it,” said Ashley Fultz. “So many houses we walk into are dark and dreary, and in order to bring a house to life, you need to light every corner.”
From new hues to a continued focus on adaptable spaces, the insights are illuminating. Among their predictions:
Layered Lighting is the Key to Success.
In order to achieve rich, dramatic lighting within a space, use layers of light – lighting that comes from multiple sources. There are three main light sources to consider: task, overhead, and accent lighting, all of which together create a smooth, visual transition within a space and build ambience for the need at hand. By using this blend of lighting, you create well-lit, comfortable rooms with light control for any occasion. Dimmable fixtures are an excellent, and some would say essential, means of helping to achieve the look.
Layered lighting is important in any room, and it’s especially beneficial in multiuse spaces, which continue to define homes. Dining rooms are doubling as offices, outdoor spaces are also living rooms, and basements are now movie theaters, fitness areas and more. Lighting that serves multiple functions, like a torchiere floor lamp with gooseneck side lights, can help achieve both overhead lighting and task lighting, depending on the need.
“I love options. Give me all the cozy options while also letting me blow out a space with lights,” said Joslyn Davis. “More is more when it comes to lighting and then I can pick my own adventure.”
Recommended lighting:
Possini Euro Cascadia 11 3/4″ Black and Glass LED Sconces Set of 2
Possini Euro Lilypad 30 1/4″ Warm Brass Frosted Glass Ceiling Light
Warwick Tree Torchiere Floor Lamp with Gooseneck Side Lights and LED Bulbs
Lived-in and LOVED.
Gone are overly-designed, fussy rooms straight out of a magazine. Homeowners are now leaning into rich colors, patterns, lighting and textures – curating a home that feels custom, vintage and unique. Rooms reflect the people who live in the homes, and many want them to be a reflection of their personal experience and history. Lighting is utilized to showcase your space and create a warm, welcoming environment.
“A well-designed space should feel collected, one that takes some time to curate,” said Julie Khuu. “It should have a mix of antique furniture, vintage elements, something sentimental, something custom, and then you can sprinkle in that something new.”
Recommended lighting:
Possini Euro Beauchamp 32″ Wide Gold Double Shade 6-Light Chandelier
Luca Warm Brass Plug-In Swing Arm Wall Lamps Set of 2
Ibeza 15 1/2″ Wide Flushmount Mocha Finish Crystal Ceiling Light
Brown is the New Neutral.
Brown is trending to make a comeback in the new year, moving away from the former lighter gray washes and taupes, bringing neutral warmth back into homes. Just as ’90s minimalism is trending again, brown has begun to win over designers and homeowners alike. Deep walnut, sienna, bronze and copper, along with natural woods and buttery-soft leathers, are filling our rooms and embracing us in its cozy arms.
“Brown is just so comforting and inviting. Rooms decorated in browns feel like a big, warm hug,” said Khuu. “Cozy brown is our answer to the stark grays we are trying to move away from in the early 2000’s.”
Recommended lighting:
Stiffel Ferrers 26″ Wide Dark Bronze and Gold 6-Light Chandelier
70″ Kona Wind Black-Koa LED DC Damp Rated Ceiling Fan with Remote
Possini Euro Julius Copper Drip Modern Ceramic Table Lamps Set of 2
Colorful Simplicity Replaces Traditional Minimalism.
Out are the stark white interiors with pops of black. People are still gravitating toward the simplicity of minimalist spaces, but are more drawn to deep, rich hues and textured interiors than in previous years.
“My ideal design is a lot of rich color, a lot of rich pattern,” said Claire Brody. “All coming from a very maximalist vibe.”
Recommended lighting:
Wild Desert Giclee Glow 10 1/4″ Wide Pendant Light
Desert Mesa Southwest Rustic Jar Table Lamp
Baked Clay Double Gourd Table Lamp with Vine Lace Trim
Green is Here to Stay.
For the third year in a row, green continues to be a popular color according to our survey, and our tastemakers are even considering it a neutral in certain cases. Green adds an organic and calming atmosphere to a space while also being the perfect pop of color, regardless of the shade you pick. This year, greens are leaning towards sages, olives and more muted tones.
“As someone who doesn’t incorporate a lot of color into their home, green feels very natural because it is in nature,” said Anne Sage. “I’m just following what is outdoors and bringing it in.”
Recommended lighting:
Deep Lichen Green Toby Table Lamp
Gordy Green Ribbed Ceramic Accent Table Lamps Set of 2
Aqua Mosaic Giclee Glow LED Reading Light Plug-In Sconce
Lamps Plus Expert Insight: Crystal is Back in Modern Form.
Crystal may not be the first style that comes to mind in modern design, but it’s embraced by lighting and interior designers in modern and ultra modern forms. As noted by Lamps Plus Design Expert John Barnes, the unique shapes of crystal beads and strands, highlighted in sculptural, ribbon, and LED profiles, make this look a fit for today’s times and can be seen in less predictable spaces such as bathroom vanities and wall sconces. A far cry from the more traditional crystal designs you may remember from your grandparents’ home.
Crystal Rain 28″ Wide Silver 11-Light Entry Pendant
Possini Euro Hanging Crystal 33 3/4″ Wide Chrome LED Bath Light
Possini Euro Ellyria 30 3/4″ Twirling Crystal Modern LED Pendant Light
Tastemakers participating in Lamps Plus 2023 Trends Survey
- Adrianne Betz (Charleston, SC) – Digital creator and family lifestyle influencer – @little_adi_co
- Anne Sage (Reno, NV) – Renovation, style and DIY creator – @citysage
- Ashley Fultz (Los Angeles, CA) – Realtor and design expert – @ashleyfultz
- Charlotte Smith (Connecticut) – Interior Design and DIY blogger – @atcharlotteshouse
- Claire Brody (Austin, TX) – Interior designer and content creator @clairebrodydesigns
- Denise Cooper (Jacksonville, FL) – Lifestyle expert and content creator – @bemyguestwithdenise
- Dinah Wulf (Atlanta, GA) – Interior design and home décor influencer – @diyinspired
- Jill Seidner (Los Angeles, CA) – Interior Design Studio – @jsinteriordesign
- Jill Stout (Waco, TX) – Lifestyle influencer – @gatheredgrace
- Joslyn Davis (Los Angeles, CA) – Producer, host and lifestyle content creator – @joslyndavis
- Julie Deru (Overland Park, KS) – Family and lifestyle content creator @juliederu
- Julie Khuu (Austin, TX) – Interior designer and lifestyle creator – @julie_khuu
- Kara Thomas (Southern California) – Interior design studio – @studioktdesign
- Karen Snyder (Los Angeles, CA) – Home décor and gardening blogger – @sanctuaryhomedecor
- Kelly Wilkniss (Pasadena, CA) – Podcaster, author and youtuber – @mysoulfulhome
- Kyla Herbes (Chicago, IL) – Home décor expert and design trend content creator – @houseofhipstersblog
- Leslie Saeta (Pasadena, CA) – Lifestyle and home décor blogger – my100yearoldhome
- Linda Gibson (Blythewood, SC) – Video creator and expert in DIY, home décor and lifestyle – @lgqueenhomedecor
- Martha Knake (Illinois) – Digital creator and design expert – @todaywithmk
- Melissa Roberts (Houston, TX) – Interior Design studio – @melissarobertsinteriors
- Olivia Peter (Michigan) – Home Décor Content Creator – @glam_home_decor
- Oscar Bravo (San Diego, CA) – Blogger and Interior designer – @oscarbravohome
- Rachel Van Kluyve (Nashville, TN) – Home and lifestyle blogger – @crateandcottage
- Renee Sanders (Huntsville, AL) – Interior Designer – @deirdres_design
- Taryn Whiteaker (Dallas, TX) – Digital content creator and DIY expert – @tarynwhiteaker_designs
For more news of interest to the lighting industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Cyncly Appoints Faure as Chief Product Officer
Cyncly, the leading global provider of software and content solutions that help make amazing spaces for living, has appointed Julien Faure as its chief product officer. In his capacity as CPO, Faure will support Cyncly’s product management, strategy, and design efforts as the company continues to grow its customer base and solution portfolio.
“We are pleased to welcome Julien to Cyncly, who will help us continue to deliver best-in-class and high-quality products and services to our clients,” said David Tombre, CEO. “Cyncly is deeply focused on applying innovation and a customer-centric approach to our software. Julien’s experience with product strategy and execution will help us deliver solutions that deliver an outstanding user experience and power our customers’ success.”
Faure brings a wealth of experience in product strategy and engineering, with a strong track record driving innovation and delivering market-leading products at leading SaaS businesses serving the manufacturing, AEC and retail sectors. Faure will lead Cyncly’s product team to design and execute a robust product strategy that brings to market the products customers in the spaces-for-living industry need, with the speed and quality they expect.
“I am incredibly excited to join Cyncly to help the company build on its success in delivering industry-leading solutions,” said Faure. “I look forward to making products that are a joy to use, take advantage of the cloud, incorporate the latest technologies and help our customers achieve their goals faster.”
Cyncly transforms the way customizable products and spaces are imagined, designed, sold, managed and made. Through its intuitive end-to-end software solutions, Cyncly connects professional designers, retailers and manufacturers to integrated management tools and the world’s largest catalog content hub. Cyncly solutions serve over 70,000 customers globally, helping to simplify communication, reduce errors, grow sales, increase efficiency and drive innovation—and help make spaces amazing, every step of the way.
For more information, visit www.cyncly.com.
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Kuhn Rikon Showing at Dallas Market, Atlanta Gift Show
Kuhn Rikon USA, will exhibit at the Dallas Market (Jan. 10-16, The Lockin Group Dallas Market Center #1901); and the Atlanta Gift Show (Jan. 16-22, Kitchen 2 Table, building 2, Floor 8 #893). The company will be showcasing a variety of new and innovative products, including:
- Wide Swiss Peeler – Featuring a super sharp, extra-wide stainless steel blade. Ideal for peeling squash and pumpkin or creating long slices of zucchini, squash, carrots and cheese. Curved, ergonomic handle works in the right or left hand. Made in Switzerland.
- The Smart & Compact Fry Pan Set – The stackable design of the frying pans saves valuable cupboard space. Ergonomically shaped handle with silicone cover available in three sizes (20/24/28 cm). Suitable for all hobs, including induction.
- Compact Safety Can Opener – Opens cans safely, with minimal effort leaving no sharp edges. Lightweight and space-saving. Available in red only.
- Allround Line Expansion – Uncoated stainless steel frying pan (18/10) is suitable for all types of cookers (with full surface coverage for maximum heat intake on induction cookers). Ergonomic cool handle, ideal for hot searing meat at a high temperature. Oven-proof up to 240°C.
- Allround Plus Line – Sizes include: 2 qt saucepan ($53.90); 3qt saucepan ($59.40); and a 4qt pot ($71.50). Ergonomic grips and handles remain cool, with a thick base for optimum heat retention. Practical, two spout design.
- Easy Ceramic Frying Pan – Durable, planet-friendly recycled aluminum with perfect heat distribution for better results Ceramic coating fries crispy foods with ease. Sizes include: 7.85” ($30.80); 9.45” ($38.50); 11” ($46.75); and a two-piece set with the 9.45” and 11” pans ($77.00).
“We’re kicking off 2024 with a bang! So many new items and programs,” said Melissa Ledbetter, marketing and e-commerce director. “Your Kuhn Rikon sales team will be at both the Dallas and Atlanta gift shows with an incredible show promo we call the ‘double dip’ with Bruno. Ask your rep for details. This special runs through the end of January.”
“We’re also excited to announce that we have two new rep groups and showrooms for the January Shows. Please stop by to visit with us and the reps so we can walk you through the latest items and fantastic show specials. We’ve worked hard to put together some exciting new programs for 2024 and can’t wait to share them with you,” said Sonja Berton, director of business at Kuhn Rikon USA. “In addition, Kuhn Rikon is returning to Ambiente in 2024 – visit Ambiente 2024 (kuhnrikon.com) to register. Please reach out to your rep to set an appointment if you plan to attend.”
Additional activities include participating in both the Gourmet Catalog and HTI Vendor showcase at the Atlanta show. The company will also be introducing a new “Event in a Box” promo with HTI. Stop by the Kuhn Rikon table at the HTI showcase for more details.
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Monogram’s ‘My Mark’ Series Wins Emmy
Monogram, the luxury appliance brand synonymous with leading-edge materials and sophisticated design, was awarded a Daytime Emmy for the digital series called “My Mark” with the acclaimed chef behind many restaurants worldwide, Marcus Samuelsson.
To celebrate individuals who have honed their talents while making a distinctive mark with the passion they dedicate towards elevating experiences, Monogram launched the “My Mark” series. As one of the first guests in the series, Samuelsson was chosen for his for his eclectic palette, dedication to culinary greatness and passion for mastering cooking techniques from the comfort of his home kitchen in Sag Harbor.
Throughout the series, Samuelsson highlights the importance of the appliances being used to execute creative dishes and giving him the power to cook with precision the way he does in a restaurant, but from home. To achieve this, the award-winning chef depends on a Monogram 48” Dual-Fuel Professional Range coupled with the agility and modernity of a Monogram 36” Induction Cooktop.
Awarded Food & Wine Picks for 2021, Monogram cooking ranges embody a lot of what Samuelsson pursues in his culinary journey as a flavor alchemist. As the chef describes, “Cooking is a craft, but it’s also an art, and that balance between artistry, look at the design,” an idea Monogram also commits to with its lineup of ranges that are “Reimagined. Reinvented. Recognized.”
“This partnership with Chef Samuelsson was such a natural fit for our brand,” said Julie Burns, executive director of Monogram. “Being able to share his story within the intimacy of his own home is a rare peek into the inspiration of his culinary journey.
“We set out to share the ways he embraces his cultural background and shares those authentic influences through food along with the mark he makes on the communities in which he lives. It’s truly an honor to be awarded an Emmy in recognition of this unique storytelling,” .
“With ‘My Mark,’ we wanted to show this transformation from house to home and get a peek inside the lives of professional chefs from the perspective they care about most…their kitchen,” said Justin V. Barocas, CEO and executive producer of ACE. “Who better than culinary impresario Marcus Samuelsson, product of two homes in Sweden and Ethiopia, to tell this story from his new home in Ninevah, Sag Harbor, an African American community that harkens back generations to the whaling era.”
Beyond celebrating Samuelsson’s fascinating origin story, the Emmy award honors the artistry behind Monogram luxury appliances, creating a foundation for inspiration in the home through thoughtful design and outstanding performance. Other products featured in the series include the Monogram 30″ Fully Integrated Wine Sommelier, and the Monogram Hearth Oven.
The project was a creative collaboration between Monogram, ACE Content (producer), Abby Fuller (director), Samuelsson and Bon Appétit (content distribution).
To check out the three part series for yourself, you can find it on Bon Appétit or on the Monogram YouTube page.
For more than 30 years, Monogram Luxury Appliances has been synonymous with impeccable craftsmanship, elegance and prestige. At the intersection of thoughtful design and outstanding performance, Monogram inspires its owners to elevate their homes, culinary prowess and focus on wellness through its line of major and small kitchen appliances.
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Le Creuset Sales VP Kerber to Retire on March 31
For nearly 100 years, Le Creuset has been a pioneer in colorful cookware, tableware and gifts as well as exciting and delighting consumers across the globe. As the brand looks ahead to the next 100 years, it’s announcing the following changes.
After more than 11 years with Le Creuset, Robert “Bob” Kerber, vice president of sales, has formally announced his retirement, which will take effect on March 31. During Bob’s storied tenure, he has been a business leader, a navigator toward continuous growth, a tireless brand ambassador, and a champion of his people and the relationships he forged across the industry.
Following Kerber’s decision to retire, Le Creuset has taken the opportunity to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness with which its customers are serviced in the ever-changing commercial landscape. With this in mind, the brand is pleased to announce the following sales team updates:
- Mike Gerardi and Kristie Yahn have been promoted to directors of account management
- Lyndsay Bradford-Giradot will report into Yahn
- Sherri Nitschke will report into Gerardi
- Jamie Ward will matrix report into both Gerardi and Yahn
- Boyd Beasley will lead independent retailer customers nationwide with Trish Ranallo and Dave Bois
- Todd Densley will co-lead digital accounts with Megan Dixon and an account manager to-be-named
- Kathryn “Kate” Marty will continue to lead special markets with Cami Novak and the newly appointed Afef Bouchrika
The sales team will report directly to Christopher Scinto, who was named senior vice president of marketing and sales back in March, until a successor to Kerber is named.
“People are at the heart of our organization, and it’s their dedication that has made Le Creuset the cookware brand and partner of choice, now and for many years to come,” said Greg Cairo, CEO. “We are eternally grateful to Bob for his years of service and wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement. I also congratulate my colleagues on their new roles and am excited to see the growth toward which they will undoubtedly lead our company.”
For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been creating joy in the kitchen and beyond as the first in colorful cookware, the finest in quality and design and the favorite for generations. Le Creuset is honored to share in the meals, memories and traditions made by food lovers around the world with its unrivaled selection of bold, rich colors in a range of finishes and materials. To learn more about Le Creuset, visit www.LeCreuset.com or follow on social media @LeCreuset.
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DICED Knives Slices Into Canadian Culinary Scene
Canadian made by Canadians – this is what DICED Knives is all about. DICED Knives, a Canadian culinary knife manufacturing warehouse, is redefining the essence of kitchen craftsmanship with its innovative approach to knife-making. Founded by Don Guthro, Casey Vilensky and Riley Janzen, DICED Knives is a manufacturing warehouse that focuses on creating the highest quality knives using sustainably sourced materials with an emphasis on supporting local.
Situated in Coquitlam, British Columbia, the manufacturing warehouse transitioned from a conceptual idea to a significant enterprise under the leadership of its founders. With a dedicated team of about 10 staff members, including Vilensky, the bladesmith and blade artist, and Janzen, the designer and wood specialist, DICED has successfully crafted more than 1,000 knives, making a notable mark in the culinary world.
“We are thrilled to be where we are today, offering the highest quality of knives to all foodies, home cooks and professional chefs alike,” says Guthro.
DICED Knives specializes in three distinct lines of knives: introductory, professional, and Damascus, catering to a broad spectrum of culinary enthusiasts. The company takes pride in its commitment to quality, utilizing medical-grade German stainless steels like AEB-L and Nitro-V, renowned for their superior properties. Each knife undergoes a meticulous handcrafting process, including in-house heat treatment and hand-grounding, ensuring unparalleled precision and durability.
The handles are as exceptional as the blades, featuring anti-bacterial properties and crafted from sustainable local woods. This attention to detail and quality makes DICED Knives a favored choice among culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The contribution extends beyond knife manufacturing. The company actively engages in various community-centric initiatives, including the operation of DICED Discovery Cafe, a full-service catering company, a food truck, and meal programs for marginalized groups. Furthermore, the Diced Culinary School, established in 2008, has evolved into an innovative online education co-op program, offering flexible learning options for aspiring culinary professionals.
DICED Knives’ mission transcends the art of knife-making; it is about fostering culinary education and supporting local communities in Canada. Each purchase from DICED Knives is not merely an acquisition of a high-quality culinary tool but an investment in the growth and development of Canadian culinary arts and education.
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GE Appliances, Kroger Team on Appliance Updates
GE Appliances, a Haier company, is proud to announce its latest feature for select WiFi connected wall ovens and ranges in collaboration with Kroger, a leading U.S. retailer. The appliance updates brings culinary creativity and convenience to the kitchen, offering a new way to discover recipes, shop for ingredients, and cook.
“Kroger’s technology-driven approach to creating convenient and seamless shopping experiences for its customers aligns with our vision to support our consumers throughout the meal preparation process,” said Viren Shah, chief digital officer at GE Appliances. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Kroger and use our combined expertise in the food ecosystem to deliver experiences and features that truly resonate with consumers.”
With this update, over 150,000 consumers with select GE Profile, CAFÉ and Monogram wall ovens and slide-in ranges can now enjoy seasonal culinary inspiration directly from their appliance’s LCD screen. The touchscreen on the appliance will showcase a rotating selection of recipes from Kroger and other strategic consumer packaged goods partners including King Arthur Baking, tempting users with seasonal mouthwatering options.
The recipes even direct consumers to precision cooking modes that can help improve the cooking results of the recipe. From convenient meals like Rotisserie Chicken Oven Tacos and Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage, to crowd-pleasing holiday dishes such as Apple Spinach Pork Loin and Savory Bread Pudding Casserole, there’s something for everyone. And just in time for the holiday baking season, are recipes for King Arthur’s Giant Cinnamon Roll and Spiced Hot Cocoa Cookies with Marshmallow Middles.
If a recipe captures their attention, users can click to view the list of ingredients and instructions. One more touch will add all the necessary ingredients to their Kroger Family of Companies cart. A simple QR code scan will guide owners to link their Kroger account the first time they use the feature. Here is a video that walks through the new features.
“Our goal is to make cooking an easy and enjoyable experience for our consumers,” said Shawn Stover, vice president of SmartHome and Energy Solutions at GE Appliances. “By bringing inspiration to people’s fingertips, combining that with precision cooking modes and easy ordering of ingredients, we aim to expand their cooking confidence, help reduce food waste and create a seamless cooking journey.
“The combination of our innovative hardware, over-the-air updatable software, WiFi capabilities, and cloud-based infrastructure allows us to deliver appliances with superior craftsmanship while fostering an ever-expanding ecosystem of partnerships committed to enhancing life at home.”
This feature is another meaningful step in GE Appliances’ journey to make cooking at home easy and enjoyable. Earlier this year, the company introduced Flavorly AI powered by Google Cloud’s generative AI platform, Vertex AI. The feature is available via GE Appliances’ SmartHQ consumer app and offers consumers the ability to generate custom recipes based on the ingredients available in their kitchen. Consumers can simply select a recipe category and type of cuisine, then input available ingredients, and include any dietary preferences. They will receive tailored recipes with ingredients, instructions, and even photos.
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Bunafr Showcases Home Coffee Bean Roaster at CES 2024
Bunafr, a leader in innovative home coffee experiences, is excited to announce its participation in CES 2024, the world’s gathering place for consumer technologies. Connecting coffee lovers through an end-to-end experience powered by intelligent roasting, Bunafr will showcase its groundbreaking smoke-free home coffee bean roaster in Eureka Park at Booth #61042, the hub of next-generation innovations and startups at CES.
Bunafr’s participation in CES 2024 marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize home coffee roasting. The company’s flagship roaster is the first of its kind, and offers a unique blend of luxury and technology, allowing coffee enthusiasts to roast green coffee beans in the comfort of their homes.
The Bunafr roaster is not just a machine; it’s an experience. It offers a fully automated, smoke-free roasting system, featuring advanced technology such as First Crack Detection, Multiple Bean Temperature Sensors, Climate Control, and Real Time Roast Control Technology. With built-in roast levels ranging from light to dark all the way down to French, individuals can achieve a personalized and professional level of roasting with ease and precision, promising an unparalleled coffee experience.
The company’s business model focuses on connecting farmers with consumers, enhancing the freshness of coffee and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional roasting and the roasted coffee supply chain.
“We’re thrilled to join CES 2024, where we’ll reveal our intelligent home coffee roaster to an audience passionate about the latest in consumer tech,” said Anjani Annumalla, founder and CEO of Bunafr. “Our participation in this prestigious event is a testament to our commitment to bringing the future of home coffee roasting to consumers worldwide. We look forward to sharing our passion for coffee and technology with the global CES audience.”
Bunafr invites attendees to visit their booth in Eureka Park to experience the future of coffee roasting. The team will be conducting live demonstrations, offering tastings, and sharing insights into the technology and sustainability efforts behind their product.
For more information about Bunafr please visit www.bunafr.com, stop by Eureka Park Booth #61042, or schedule an on-site meeting by contacting Bunafr media contacts.
On a mission to drive macro-level change without compromising personalized preference, Bunafr is revolutionizing the coffee supply chain from farmer to consumer. Bunafr is empowering a new era of coffee with its vision that high-quality coffee should be accessible to all, which means the beans they source meet a minimum quality rating of 85+ on the Cup of Excellence scale. Committed to responsible business practices, Bunafr takes an environment and farmer-first approach, in turn, setting the bar higher than ever for every individual cup of coffee brewed.
Merging decades of specialty coffee experience with advanced technology, the art and integrity of brewing starts with roasting. With Bunafr, individuals can roast coffee beans to perfection using Bunafr’s smokeless and fully automated home roaster, offering consumers a first-of-its-kind experience from a one-of-a-kind product. Bunafr’s commitment to a ‘coffee science first and objectivity’ philosophy rigor ensures that every Bunafr product not only delivers exceptional quality but also stays at the forefront of coffee innovation.
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Report: $743B in Merchandise Returns in 2023
Retailers have been focused on efforts to mitigate merchandise returns, as total returns for the industry amounted to $743 billion in merchandise in 2023, according to a report released by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail. As a percentage of sales, the total return rate for 2023 was 14.5 percent.
According to the report, for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurs $145 million in merchandise returns. Online sales do see a higher return rate, with 17.6 percent or $247 billion of merchandise purchased online returned. That compares with 10.02 percent for pure bricks-and-mortar returns (excluding online orders that are returned in-store), or $371 billion.
“Retailers continue to test and implement new ways to minimize losses from returns, particularly those that are fraudulent, while at the same time optimizing the shopping experience for their customers,” said NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews. “Retailer’s efforts include providing greater detailed descriptions on sizing and fit of products for online purchases and requiring a receipt with returned items. As a whole, the industry is prioritizing efforts to reduce the amount of merchandise returned in stores and online.”
This year, return fraud contributed $101 billion in overall losses for retailers. Moreover, for every $100 in returned merchandise, retailers will lose $13.70 to return fraud.
As concerns around return fraud continue to grow, retailers are bolstering their efforts to mitigate the related losses. With increases in both in-store and digital traffic, many retailers are testing in-store policy changes and limiting the flexibility of online returns. Keeping customer satisfaction in mind, retailers are strengthening customer service operations through frictionless retail and a seamless end-to-end user experience.
Among the types of return fraud retailers say they have experienced in the past year, nearly half (49 percent) cited returns of used, non-defective merchandise, also known as wardrobing, and 44 percent cited the return of shoplifted or stolen merchandise. Over one-third (37 percent) said they experienced returns of merchandise purchased on fraudulent or stolen tender and one-fifth (20 percent) said they have experienced return fraud from organized retail crime groups.
“The continued growth of online channels has had a significant impact on retail sales and returns,” Appriss Retail CEO Michael Osborne said. “One example is our tracking of claims and appeasements, which is a new category in online returns that covers reports for missed, late or damaged deliveries, and is the fastest-growing category for return fraud.”
While the holiday season is one of the biggest sales periods of the year for retailers, they only expect a slight uptick in the return rate compared with the rest of the year. The study finds that $148 billion in holiday merchandise is expected to be returned at a rate of 15.4 percent. However, retailers anticipate nearly $25 billion in fraudulent returns, which represent 16.5 percent of total holiday returns. The holiday season, with increased foot traffic, can be exploited by those seeking to make fraudulent returns.
NRF has partnered with Appriss Retail to pair its customers’ returns data with NRF survey responses. Appriss Retail’s customers include 60 of the top 100 retailers in the United States and allow greater granularity in the data. Given the change in methodology, unless otherwise noted, 2023 numbers cannot be compared to the 2022 returns report.
Click here to view the 2023 returns results.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF conducts research throughout the year, staying on the pulse of the industry and consumer behavior as they evolve.
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Atlanta Market Magazine Previews Winter Show
The Winter 2024 edition of the semi-annual Atlanta Market Magazine is now available online and in print, giving buyers a preview of the cross-category resources and programming highlights available at Atlanta Market, Jan. 16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta. The 300-page guide features trend reports for smart sourcing and informative articles to engage buyers before, during and after the buying event.
“The Winter 2024 Atlanta Market Magazine is designed to prepare buyers to take advantage of the myriad sourcing and networking opportunities available at Market this January,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief marketing officer. “Whether browsing digitally or flipping through a hard copy, buyers can plan their Market with the insider secrets of smart shopping, found in this Winter’s edition.”
Trend Information, Feature Stories & Planning Tips
Atlanta Market Magazine contains trend information to keep buyers keyed into the new and now for Winter 2024, including the latest design and color directions in gift and home décor. “Market Snapshot” teases what’s to come in the Winter 2024 edition of People’s Choice voting and highlights the top trending products and winners from the Summer 2023 Market; and “Ahead of the Curve” previews Luxe Interiors + Design’s exclusive “Ahead of the Curve” presentation, highlighting the trends capturing the industry’s attention in the coming year. Additionally, in “Behind the Scenes of an Atlanta Market Photo Shoot,” follows stylist Giana Shorthouse as she sources directly from Atlanta Market to bring the Winter 2024 vision to life.
Feature stories offer business education and inspiration for both designers and retailers, including “The Ultimate Visual Branding Crash Course,” with a breakdown of brand extensions and marketing strategy by creative director of Dox Design, Kaila Piepkow, who also will present a seminar at Market. “Market Three Ways” provides tips from three buyers detailing how they tackle Atlanta Market and make the most of their week. In “Be More at Winter Market,” find details on how to maximize Atlanta Market and take every opportunity to source and engage with three key tips.
Helpful planning tools include an overall market preview, information on showroom updates and temporary exhibitors and a step-by-step guide on ANDMORE digital tools in “Maximize Your Time At Market With the @Market App.” Also included are features on new casual/outdoor furnishings brands following the successful launch of Casual Market Atlanta, as well as tips for first-time attendees. Buyers also will find comprehensive Atlanta Market information with details on registration, travel and transportation, floor plans, programming, industry partners and more.
Market Info 24/7
The digital version of the Atlanta Market Magazine is available online at AtlantaMarket.com/News-and-Trends/publications for easy access on smartphones and other devices. Interactive features include hot spots that lead to corresponding pages on AtlantaMarket.com; hyperlinked exhibitor photos that lead to digital showrooms; and hyperlinked advertisements that lead to brands’ websites for buyers to learn more and to make appointments.
Other market planning and preparation tools include the soon-to-be-online at-market Atlanta Market Buyer’s Guide, which includes A-Z listings of exhibitors by company name and market location and detailed floor maps. AtlantaMarket.com features a robust exhibitor directory, event calendars, travel information, registration links and more.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries. The winter 2024 edition runs January 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
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ANDMORE Hosts Buying Groups at Markets
ANDMORE is hosting some 23 buying groups for education and networking this Winter at its Atlanta Market (Jan. 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta) and Las Vegas Market (Jan. 28-Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas), with four new industry partnership initiatives launching for 2024, in addition to recurring onsite activities for member-based organizations.
“ANDMORE is excited to welcome several new and returning industry partner organizations to the Atlanta and Las Vegas Markets for another season of industry connections and community,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief marketing officer. “These partner-hosted activities offer members and non-members alike face-to-face connection with influential industry organizations and buying groups, making Market week the perfect opportunity to meet, learn and network all in one location.”
Atlanta Market Industry Partners
Atlanta Market is offering a total of 15 member-based organization events at the January buying event.
Two new initiatives will be unveiled at Atlanta Market. The ANDMORE Roundtable will bring together nearly 50 retailers from various buying groups and associations to discuss industry trends in 2024; and the International SPA Association’s board of directors, brings representatives from the entire arena of the spa experience – from resort/hotel and club to medical and day spas and service providers – to AmericasMart for the January market.
“We are thrilled to experience the Winter Atlanta Market and make lasting connections with vendors and attendees,” said Lynne McNees, ISPA President. “The team at AmericasMart have always been supportive of the International SPA Association, and we are happy to return that support during this event.”
Atlanta Market also welcomes the return of 13 industry partners in January, offering an array of education, member-only events and hosted meeting spaces and product discovery throughout the Market. Confirmed industry partners, to date, are: American Specialty Toy Retailing Association; Brixy; Fair Trade Federation; GC Buying Group; Hallmark; HTI Buying Group; MAI; Munce/Christian Retail Association; Museum Store Association; North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association; Palmer; Purchasing Power Plus; and Southwest Buying Group.
Las Vegas Market Industry Partners
Las Vegas Market hosts eight member-based industry organizations, two of which are new to Market, this Winter.
New to Market in January, members of North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association will be hosted by Just Got 2 Have It!; and longtime Market partner, International Association of Home Staging Professionals presents its national convention, running concurrently with Las Vegas Market.
Six partners return to Las Vegas in January, offering member-only events, product displays and at-Market tours. Confirmed partners include: American Specialty Toy Retailing Association; Fair Trade Federation; Museum Store Association; Pacific Furniture Dealers; Spa Industry Association; and The Rental Industry Buying Group.
“The Las Vegas Market is one of the key opportunities our members look to annually for sourcing new product for their institutions’ nonprofit retail initiatives,” said Elizabeth Price, Museum Store Association executive director. “Having so many high-quality wholesalers in one location enables our retailers to fulfill their museums’ missions efficiently and effectively.”
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries.
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Gift for Life’s Russ Jones Up for ARTS Honor
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole national charitable organization, is holding a special fundraising campaign celebrating the nomination of GFL board member Russ Jones for his 2024 ARTS Award nomination in the Sales Representative East/Atlantic category. Donations, which benefit GFL beneficiary World Central Kitchen, are accepted at www.giftforlife.org/donate.
ARTS Award winners will be announced at a gala event on Friday, Jan. 12, during the Dallas Total Home and Gift Market. Tickets can be purchased at https://dallasmarketcenter.com/ArtsAwards/reservations/.
“This nomination is a testament to Russ’ ingenuity and passion for the industry he serves,” said Ari Lowenstein, Chair of Gift for Life. “We are so fortunate that he is a part of the GFL board and uses his many talents to benefit World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts and to raise funds for GMHC as a member of our Gift for Life AIDS Walk team. We wish him the best of luck in January!”
Russ joined Gift for Life in 2017 and in 2022 spearheaded the launch of Home vs Hunger, the first independently organized partnership between Gift for Life and leading members of the home industry. Since that time, this new home industry charitable initiative has raised nearly $40,000 for World Central Kitchen through events at High Point Market and ad hoc online fundraising.
“Being nominated for the 2024 ARTS Award is a profound honor. This nomination fuels my passion to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. I am truly touched by the recognition and excited for what the future holds,” said Jones. “Serving on the Gift For Life Board has been immensely fulfilling, especially in championing the Home vs Hunger initiative, which strives to combat crisis-related hunger through our collective efforts. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to World Central Kitchen’s vital mission and to support GMHC through Gift for Life’s AIDS Walk team.”
For the past 18 years, Jones has worked with Ivystone as a luxe home and hospitality sales representative, working with key accounts and retail stores along with hundreds of New York City design and architectural firms. Prior to Ivystone, Jones had a successful career in showbiz as a singer/dancer on Broadway and ran a gift store called Flights of Fancy for 10 years on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The ARTS Awards is a peer-nominated program developed by the non-profit ART (Accessories Resource Team) and produced by Dallas Market Center. Submissions are independently reviewed and scored based on criteria established by the ARTS Awards committee, and hundreds of nominations are evaluated to determine the list of finalists.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need.
By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal.
Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief and has funded provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. The all-volunteer organization continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and advocacy programs.
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Nassau Candy Updates Decades Box Nostalgic Candy Gift Sets
Nassau Candy, leading manufacturer of specialty and private label confections, is unveiling a new look for its popular Decades Box Nostalgic Candy Gift Sets. The re-design serves up a more interactive experience, making the Decades Boxes more giftable, while featuring a new assortment of nostalgic goodies.
Each new Decades Box has the signature look and feel of the decade while still creating a cohesive presentation when merchandised together. But what makes the re-design extra fun and interactive are hidden facts about that particular decade incorporated into the design. This is intended to spark memories, conversation, and add to the nostalgic experience.
Not only does the new art make the Decades Boxes more appealing gifts, it also makes merchandising simple. The new package art is vertical on one side and horizontal on the other, allowing for multiple merchandising options.
Also new for the re-launch is the addition of a 2000s box. It joins the current line, which features 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s boxes.
“Nostalgic candies are the most sought-after confectionery items,” said Dana Rodio, director of brand strategy for Nassau Candy. “Our re-designed Decades Boxes offer up their longtime candy favorites all in one place, while transporting them back in time with nostalgic imagery and fun facts. That’s why the entire Decades Box line has long been a favorite gift for milestone birthdays and as party centerpieces.”
The fully re-designed Decades Boxes are available and shipping. To see the entire line and other Nassau Candy gifting options, visit, www.nassaucandy.com.
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Sugar Plum Introduces Wonderful Winter Chocolate Collection
Sugar Plum Chocolates‘ just-released Wonderful Winter Chocolate Collection of five gourmet snacks is sure to be a hit at any winter festivity.
The Wonderful Winter Chocolate Collection is a delectable assortment that encapsulates the enchantment of the winter season in every bite. This delightful gift box of chocolate treasures is carefully curated to bring warmth and joy to your winter celebrations. The Wonderful Winter Chocolate Collection is not just a gift box of chocolates; it’s a delightful journey through the tastes and textures of the season.
Share these delectable chocolates with loved ones, or savor them yourself as you bask in the festive ambiance of the most wonderful time of the year. This collection is an enchanting gift that will sweeten any winter gathering and create cherished memories for years to come.
The box includes 4 ounces of Milk & White Chocolate Peppermint Snowflakes, 3 ounces of Milk Chocolate Holiday Pretzel w/ Red and Green Drizzle, 3 ounces of Milk Chocolate Holiday Nonpareils, 3.6 ounces of Milk Chocolate Holiday Sandwich Cookies with Red and Green Drizzle and 4 ounces of Holiday Milk Chocolate Spiced Cookie Bark. Retails for $39.95 online.
On March 1, 1995, Sugar Plum Chocolates opened its first store in Northeast Pennsylvania, marking the inception of a remarkable journey. The mission was clear: to craft a candy business dedicated to spreading joy, one delectable bite at a time. Fran, alongside her son Neil, founded the company with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional service, and unbeatable value. This dedication allowed them to rapidly expand their local presence. In 1996, with the launch of their first website, Sugar Plum Chocolates took a giant leap toward reaching a nationwide audience, achieving that goal by 2000.
For over 28 years, the Edley family has delighted clients with their premium chocolate confections, using only the finest ingredients to create irresistible treats. Customers have come to rely on Sugar Plum for marking their most cherished moments.
From the very beginning, their vision centered on being a creative, independent, female-owned business. Their unwavering focus remains crystal clear – to make a positive impact on people’s lives by offering high-quality, delicious treats perfect for employee recognition, client appreciation, weddings, birthdays and a plethora of other special occasions.
Sugar Plum has earned accolades from a plethora of media outlets, including Women’s Day magazine, Bridal Guide, PARADE Magazine, USA Today, and The Today Show, among others. With a seamless shopping experience available 24/7, 365 days a year, the company is committed to catering to the needs of its customers and clients consistently.
Showcasing an array of gift baskets suitable for every occasion – from Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and Halloween to Secretary Day, baby showers, bridal showers and other significant holidays and events throughout the year – Sugar Plum is also renowned for its ability to customize baskets to meet customers’ preferences, including corporate chocolate gifts and large quantity orders.
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142M Shoppers Expected on Super Saturday
Nearly 142 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas, according to the latest survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The number of expected shoppers is up significantly from the last time Super Saturday fell on Dec. 23, when 126 million consumers were expected to shop on that day in 2017.
“Traditionally, Super Saturday marks the final major shopping holiday of the year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “While most consumers still have plenty of shopping left to do, retailers are prepared both online and in stores with gifts, decorations and other items that people need to make this season fun and memorable.”
With Super Saturday taking place only two days before the Christmas holiday this year, more consumers are planning to purchase last-minute gifts and other holiday items in-person. Approximately 53 million (37 percent) Super Saturday shoppers expect they will shop exclusively in stores this year, up from about 44 million (28 percent) last year, and 58 million (41 percent) plan to shop both online and in stores. Around 31 million (22 percent) plan to shop exclusively online.
As of early December, holiday shoppers have picked up about half (49 percent) of the items on their lists. For those who still have more than half of their shopping remaining, over one-third (36 percent) say they are still figuring out what to buy. And consumers may also be waiting for the best deals. In November, 85 percent of Thanksgiving weekend shoppers said they expected the deals during the rest of the holiday season to be the same or better than Thanksgiving weekend.
“This year Super Saturday is truly aligned for last-minute shoppers,” Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “A majority of consumers also plan on purchasing their last gift in the week leading up to Christmas.”
Popular destinations where consumers will finish their shopping include online (49 percent), department stores (38%), discount stores (28 percent), clothing and accessories stores (26 percent),
and grocery stores (19 percent).
So far, the top gifts consumers have purchased include clothing (50 percent), toys (34 percent), gift cards (27 percent), books and other media (24 percent) and personal care or beauty items (23 percent).
Holiday shopping will continue through the end of December and into early January. Most consumers (70 percent) say they plan to shop in the week following Dec. 25. The top reasons consumers shop then are to take advantage of holiday sales and promotions (48 percent), use gift cards (26 percent) and return or exchange unwanted gifts and holiday items (16 percent).
The survey asked 7,973 adult consumers about their holiday shopping plans. It was conducted Dec. 1-6 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
NRF expects holiday spending will reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3 percent and 4 percent over 2022, totaling $957.3 billion to $966.6 billion, according to NRF’s holiday forecast. By comparison, last year holiday sales totaled $929.5 billion.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.
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Saladmaster’s Olaseinde Appointed Chair of UK Direct Sales Board
Ayo Olaseinde, global president of Saladmaster and a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in the direct sales industry, has been appointed as the chairman of the board for the Direct Selling Association of the United Kingdom, after serving in 2023 as a board member for the organization. This prestigious appointment reflects Ayo’s outstanding leadership, commitment to personal growth, and dedication to the industry.
Olaseind’s direct sales career began in 1982 when he transitioned from working in a bakery to embarking on a journey into direct sales with Kirby Vacuums. He established his first direct sales dealership in 1984 and eventually assuming a regional manager role with Kirby, where he fostered and promoted strong leaders within the organization.
In 2005, Olaseind joined Saladmaster, where he started as a one-person operation in the United Kingdom. Under his leadership, Saladmaster UK expanded into other European markets, Africa, and the Middle East, becoming the fastest-growing region in Saladmaster. His leadership and commitment to the industry led to his appointment of global president of Saladmaster in 2018.
Olaseind remains at the helm of Saladmaster’s operations spanning 60 countries worldwide. His expertise in direct sales and passion for healthy living, has empowered Olaseind to champion Saladmaster’s mission of delivering high-quality cookware and kitchen products that promote healthy and delicious cooking.
In his stewardship, Saladmaster has evolved into more than a cookware provider; it has become a lifestyle brand dedicated to promoting healthy eating and living. Olaseind’s dedication to personal growth and his fervor for motivating and nurturing individuals to full potential continues to drive the company’s growth and prosperity.
Ryan Reigle, CEO of Regal Ware, the holding company of Saladmaster, said, “Ayo’s leadership has been instrumental in Saladmaster’s expansion and the promotion of our mission to inspire people to live healthier, happier lives. His commitment and passion for the direct sales industry make him the perfect choice for Chairman of the Board for the DSA UK.”
“I am humbled to be recognized by the industry and DSA association,” Olaseind said. “To go from my background to where I am today is a testimony of the opportunity and training within direct sales. There are no limits if you work hard, learn, and apply. The only limits are the ones you put on yourself. Direct sales is a beacon of hope for the ordinary person to excel in any areas they want too. Our goal at the DSA UK is to raise the profile of direct sales, with the government and media, while setting standards.”
Olaseinde’s journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished leader in the industry exemplifies his favorite inspirational quote: “Anything Is Possible.”
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Casual, Outdoor Living Sneak Peek Coming
The casual and outdoor living category at AmericasMart Atlanta, welcomes 16 showroom updates in time for the Jan. 16-22, Atlanta Market. These new and expanding showrooms provide a sneak peek into all casual offerings featured at the Summer 2024 Casual Market Atlanta, running July 15-18, 2024, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Six months after a successful launch of Casual Market Atlanta, AmericasMart Atlanta is proud to expand casual offerings at the turn of the new year,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “These category updates give Atlanta Market and AmericasMart’s Open Year-Round buyers a first look at the new and next of outdoor in 2024.”
New Showrooms Bring Fresh Product
With new and expanding showrooms, AmericasMart Atlanta offers nearly 400,000 square feet of casual furniture and outdoor accessory resources across five floors in Building 1. In January 2024, 15 showrooms are new, and one expands in the outdoor furnishings category, bringing the total number of casual/outdoor showrooms to more than 65.
New showrooms are America’s Backyards & Outdoor Living (backyard patio furnishings); Armen Living Furniture (outdoor seating); Breezesta (recycled poly outdoor furniture); CABANACOAST (luxury residential and commercial patio furniture); COUTURE Jardin (elevated outdoor furnishings); Ideal Living (patio accessories and seating); International Home Miami (modern wooden patio furnishings); Pacific Casual (outdoor living products); Prestige Casual (outdoor seating); Skyline Design (premium outdoor furniture); Sunset West (contemporary patio furnishings); Suns Outdoors (garden furniture and lifestyle); Tempo Patio (shade solutions); TULP Outdoor Furniture (European-style outdoor furniture); and Vanguard Furniture Co. (traditional patio entertainment and furnishings). Mode Patio Living (sustainable high-end outdoor furniture) expands and relocates to a new showroom.
In addition to these new and expanding showrooms, industry leaders return to the casual showcase in January. Some notable names include: Agio (high-end outdoor furniture); Alfresco Home (casual furniture, garden planters and patio accents); Bambrella USA (aluminum and bamboo market and patio umbrellas); Jensen Outdoor (sustainable wood outdoor furniture); Plank & Hide Co. (outdoor lifestyle and indoor entertainment furniture); POLYWOOD (outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic materials); Summer Classics (modern outdoor furniture); Telescope Casual Furniture (wicker, aluminum and resin outdoor furniture); and TUUCI (shade products). A full list of AmericasMart Atlanta exhibitors is available at AmericasMart.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
The presentation of these 65+ casual furniture and outdoor accessories showrooms create cross-market business opportunities for Atlanta Market buyers to source the latest in outdoor furnishings, accessories, fabrics and more from industry leaders and innovative newcomers. Casual Market Atlanta buyers have easy access to Atlanta Market’s 6,000 complementary furnishings, gift, lifestyle, seasonal, housewares and gourmet lines; and casual and outdoor brands can connect with tens of thousands of retailers and designers from across the United States and around the world visiting the Jan. 16-22 and July 16-22 buying events.
In addition, AmericasMart Atlanta’s Open Year Round collection showcases 350 home and décor showrooms with lighting, accent furniture, casual furnishings, rugs, wall décor, linens, textiles and more.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. Each January and July at AmericasMart Atlanta, it features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
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Retail Worker Safety Report Shares Concerns
As the year’s peak shopping season hits its stride, an inaugural Retail Worker Safety Report from Motorola Solutions found that many retail workers and managers perceive safety incidents at their stores are on the rise.
The survey’s U.S. respondents reported that petty theft (54 percent), grab-and-run incidents (35 percent) and hostile customer interactions (31 percent) have increased in their stores over the past year, and as a result, nearly two out of three are at least somewhat concerned for their personal safety at work heading into the holiday shopping season.
“The holiday bustle can be a stressful time for retailers. Sales associates and managers shouldn’t have to be concerned about their safety on top of everything else,” said Sharon Hong, vice president, Ecosystem Solutions at Motorola Solutions. “Our report found that retail workers are looking for more technology that can help them be better aware of safety threats, spot illicit activity and communicate quickly and seamlessly with other employees and first responders should an incident arise.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Low-tech communication channels are still heavily relied upon during store emergencies: Retail workers and managers said they access landline telephones (58 percent) and PA systems (45 percent) to report store safety concerns while nearly one-third (28 percent) would rely on yelling to inform coworkers of an incident. These methods do not often enable a quick connection with public safety officials should store employees need immediate help.
- Technology can play a meaningful role in increasing retail workers’ feelings of safety: Respondents said their stores currently feature video security systems (76 percent), alarm systems (64 percent) and merchandise sensors (44 percent), but that additional technologies would make them feel safer such as artificial intelligence (AI) to detect guns (42 percent), access control systems to lock doors when threats are detected (36 percent), wearable/mounted panic buttons to alert for help (30 percent) and license plate readers to identify vehicles associated with criminal activity (30 percent).
- Some retailers are updating their safety and security protocols to support preparedness: Respondents reported progress in terms of preparedness and awareness. About one-third (36 percent) said their employer has introduced a new worker safety measure in the past 12 months, with top changes including increased emergency response training (49 percent), more timely communication about in-store incidents (41 percent) and additional security personnel (33 percent).
- Retail workers who feel safer stay longer: One in 4 (26 percent) respondents said they have considered leaving retail due to safety concerns. Retailers who invest in store safety and security measures are more likely to build employee morale and retention.
“The retail industry employs tens of millions of Americans and contributes trillions to the U.S. economy each year,” said Hong. “Technology, communication channels and preparedness training can help to create safer store environments for employees and shoppers alike.”
To view the full findings of Motorola Solutions’ 2023 Retail Worker Safety Survey, download the report here.
The independent market research firm Researchscape surveyed more than 1,000 retail store associates and managers in November 2023.
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Dallas Market Center Ready to Open Season
Buyer registration and hotel reservations are trending up and demand for exhibit space is strong for the upcoming Dallas Total Home & Gift Market taking place Jan. 10-16. The first trade event of the new year will welcome retail decision makers from around the world to experience hundreds of new brands and collections, one-of-a-kind and artisan items, and inspiring special exhibits and events.
“Buyers are eager to be first in line to discover new products and place orders in Dallas,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We are anticipating a strong show, with retailers and designers seeking a single location for new products, connection, and inspiration. We will welcome buyers from all 50 states plus Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and other regions.”
Pre-registration, which is the exclusive method to receive a FastPass for quicker entry, is now available at dallasmarketcenter.com.
New and Expanding Showrooms
Dozens of new and expanding permanent showrooms will debut across the marketplace.
The World Trade Center atrium will be reimagined via the arrival of several key showrooms including the debut of the flagship OneCoast showroom; the arrival of Anne McGilvray & Co. and Kimberly Wahlberg; and the expansion of Ivystone featuring a branded space for Consuela fashion accessories.
Also in the World Trade Center, The Gerson Companies arrives in WTC 315; RAZ expanded in WTC 332, 340, and Ashore expanded into an addition space in WTC 570. New spaces for The Light Garden (WTC 360) and many floral and holiday companies have new homes. Those include American Best (WTC 452), Cheungs (WTC 467), Diamond Star (WTC 312), Farrisilk (WTC 322), Green Import Limited (WTC 265), Maxsilk (WTC 316), Unlimited Containers (WTC 423), Vickerman Company (WTC 386), Wholesale Glass Vases (WTC 451), Zucker Feather Company (WTC 334), and Fantastic Craft (WTC 334).
In the Trade Mart, a large new showroom from Primitives by Kathy debuts in TM 1333. P. Graham Dunn opens in 2634, Candleberry Candles debuts in TM 1735, Gift Essentials opens in 1440, plus there are new spaces for Round Top Collection (TM 2066), Catherine Lillywhite (TM 1335) and Honey & Me (TM 2301).
Upstairs in the lighting neighborhood, the new International Pavilion (TM 4909) is home to lighting manufacturers from around the world including new exhibitor Buster + Punch joining many others. Other additions include SDQStaunch (TM 4331).
In the Interior Home + Design Center, Visual Comfort & Co. (1D111) debuts an expanded showroom with all brands together in one place. Surya debuts its new showroom in 1D321 with a celebration. MC Studio (2F140) expands to include Bernhardt Interiors and Tomlinson Furniture. Shadow Catchers Art (WTC 194) has its own showroom in the hallways between the IHDC and WTC. Noble Furniture relocates to the second floor (2F125). Game Room Furniture Partners debuts in 1D102. French Market Collection arrives (2F133) The Gallery showroom (IHDC 1D202) welcomes new exhibitors Shelfology (GL 80), The Library by Anne McGilvray (GL 18), and Home Trends & Designs (GL 102) joining recent arrival Mainly Baskets Home (GL 82).
Gourmet Market exhibitors have a new home inside the Temps on the 12th floor, but two exhibitors have showrooms of their own: KMBK, with gourmet foods, kitchen, outdoor, home and pet products is now in Trade Mart 2242, and Oh Sugar! is in Trade Mart 2218.
A complete list of new, expanded and relocated showrooms is available in the current issue of Spark magazine, available online and at market.
Exhibitor Anniversaries
Several Dallas exhibitors will celebrate important milestones that will be celebrated with customers including Loloi, celebrating 20 years; Cathy & Co, celebrating 30 years; and Portico Collection, celebrating 30 years.
The Reimagined Temps For New Product Discovery
The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, January 10-13, will expand for the winter edition to include new categories and destinations as well as hundreds of new exhibitors. More than 40% of the exhibitors in The Temps are new to Dallas Market Center. The Temps leasing team has spent months traveling to shows, fairs, festivals, and bazaars across the U.S. in order to deliver trending products and new brands.
Alongside a range of sought-after incoming brands is the exciting debut of the Toy Fair Pavilion and Gourmet Market, plus the home furnishings categories including Home, Home Textiles & Fine Linens, and Antiques have a new home on the 10th floor.
Highlights include:
- World Trade Center 10 is THE destination for design and home décor featuring the curated home collections of High Style Dallas (HSD), High Style Boutique, plus the newest additions of Home, Home Textiles & Fine Linens. High Style Dallas is “best of the best” gifts and décor including home accents, artwork, decorative soft-goods, tabletop, gifts, accessories, children’s items, paper products and more. Featured vendors include 727 Sailbags, Prince of Scots, Molinos Handicrafts, Laura Park Designs, and many others. High Style Boutique’s high fashion jewelry, accessories and apparel will include M Donohue Collection, Hannah Carson Designs, Natalie Wood Designs, and Tulum 2U. New to the floor are Home resources including Briarwood Lane, The Mood, Annie Sloan Interiors, and LUXELIFESTYLEDECOR, Lucky Textiles, and Magic Rugs.
- Trade Mart 1 Pavilion: Features an eclectic collection of design-oriented products from all categories of merchandise. Featured exhibitors Dragonfly Fragrances, Cozy Earth, J Alexander Silver, and Gage Inc will be joined by dozens of other companies.
- World Trade Center 12 is the largest collection of new companies and trending products, and includes the debut of Toy Fair Pavilion including Toysmith, Storyastic, Toony Design, and Snapo Toys andGourmet Market featuring Country Home Creations, The French Farm, Crockstar Dinner Club, and Simple Modern. In Body & Spa, vendors will include California Mango, Greenwich Bay Trading Co., Eleven Point Fragrance, and The Naked Bee. Emerging Gifts will include Words for a Season, Lanyard Lovebirds, Crescent City Clay, and Muscadine Press among others. General Gifts will include Rustic Charm Candles, TINte Cosmetics, Mackenzie’s, and Fox Chapel Publishing. Global Fair Trade has The Mended Company and Via Bella. Seasonal & Outdoor has Stony Creek at Home,
Christmas by Krebs, 2 Saints Inc, and Front Porch Elegance. In the HIM section of men’s gift items, therewill be Roostas and Dugout Mugs. The MADE collection includes handmade, American made, and Made in Texas gifts from companies including Hart & Hollow, Talla Imports, Uncommon Melody, and Recherche Furnishings. In Tabletop | Housewares,we welcome Vestiges, Wild Hare Designs, Jane Fifteen Thirty, and Lark at Home. In the T-shirts section JEDCO/Jeep Apparel, EMI Sportswear, August Bleu, and August Bleu will be featured.
- World Trade Center 13 is the fashion destination featuring Apparel & Fashion Accessories including Baggallini, Little Words Project, Handbag Handcuff, Anea Hill, THML Clothing, and Pink Pineapple.
- Market Hall is the home of Immediate Goods. In North Hall, Artisan, Gifts and Jewelry, Fine Jewelry will includeGlenda Gies, Bora, A Rare Bird, and DreamWeaver Textiles in the Artisan neighborhood; in Gifts & Jewelry Buddy Love, Salteez LLC, Southern Bliss Company, and Sandy + Rizzo Jewelry. In the Vintage & Home neighborhood, featured exhibitors include Forever Green Art, Karma Living, Cima Wholesale, and Age of Industry along with many others. Market Hall vendors offers both Cash & Carry AND order writing purchasing options.
Welcoming Major Stores and Buying Groups
Many of the top multi-location retailers and buying groups, representing billions of dollars in purchasing power, will conduct business at Dallas Market Center during Total Home & Gift Market. Those attendees will include Mardel, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Hy-Vee, Von Maur, Harry & David, United Supermarkets, Dillard’s, Central Market, Neiman Marcus, Old Time Pottery, JCPenney, Michaels, Brookshires, Hallmark Corporate, Buc-ees, AAFES, Gelsons Market, and many others.
34th ARTS Awards
Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, will hold the 34th ARTS Awards on Friday, January 12 at the Hilton Anatole hotel, hosted by Thom Filicia and Carson Kressley. The ARTS Awards is the premier international awards program dedicated to home industry excellence and achievement. The ARTS Awards will include category awards as well as a special Academy of Achievement honor for Maria Mullen, CEO of Hubbardton Forge; the Legendary Leadership Award to Karen McNeill of the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame; and a special HEARTS Award presented to Amit Loloi. The ARTS Awards Preview Party takes place on Thursday at 6 p.m. on the 10th floor of the World Trade Center. All buyers are welcome to attend; tickets are available on the Dallas Market Center website.Ticket information is available at https://dallasmarketcenter.com/ArtsAwards/
Speaking of Retail: A Collective Conversation Series
Everyone is invited to join two great retailers plus retail experts for three conversations of 45 minutes each that will be honest and open exchanges to generate ideas and plans for 2024.
- Wednesday, 9 a.m., WTC 192 – How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love My Reps – Join the discussion as Courtney Garrigan, co-founder of Coco & Dash, and Sales Reps Cherry Bernish Heather Turner share the secrets of building strong and profitable relationships between retailers and reps. The conversation will focus on good communication, respect, expectations, and commitment and how they benefit your bottom line.
- Thursday, 9 a.m., WTC 192 – Are You Talking To Me? – Join Teddie Garrigan, co-founder of Coco & Dash, and Crystal Vilkaitis, owner of Crystal Media, in a conversation that will shed light on the powerful value of Instagram for small business. Learn how to find your Instagram voice, identify your community, and engage with customers so your retail business can grow.
- Friday, 9 a.m., WTC 192 – Growing Your Ecommerce From the Start – Chat with experts Alison Dodson Anderson, owner A. Dodson’s, and Ashley Alderson of The Boutique Hub as they share their strategies to take your e-commerce business to the next level. Learn how to meet your business goals by using different platforms, workflows, emails, and social media.
Other Special Events and Hospitalities
Events across campus will offer inspiration, connection, and celebration. In addition to daily welcome events including the 9 a.m. New Buyer Scoop in the WTC atrium. Additional events of note:
Wednesday
- 9:30 a.m. to noon — Live Podcast Studio – The Retail Whore Podcast with Michelle Sherrier. Sponsored by Patrick & Co. and Dallas Market Center. Stop by to hear from a series of insightful guests including retailers and brands.
- 2 p.m. – Temps Tour With The Boutique Hub: Market Hall. Tour Market Hall with The Boutique Team and discover the best deals in accessories and apparel. The Hub team will identify the latest trends for 2024, uncover opportunities for margin building, and show you how to secure the newest products before others in your market. Buy it now, take it now!
Thursday
- 11 a.m. – Vacation Rental High/Low Luxury Tour. Meet at Trade Mart Temps. Join design expert Jessica Duce for a design tour of exhibitors with home furnishings for the luxury look. Tour will include temps and permanent showrooms.
- 1 p.m. – Temps Tour With The Boutique Hub: World Trade Center. Meet on WTC 190 and follow industry expert, Ashley Alderson and The Boutique Hub team on a tour of the temp floors. Learn how to make smart inventory investments from a variety of product categories. The Boutique Hub Team will highlight buying trends and top brands. This tour will provide you with actionable takeaways for buying at Dallas Market.
- 4 to 5 p.m. — Fireside Designer Chat with ARTS Awards Interior Design Finalists –Interior Design Finalists for the ARTS Awards, Kristi Hopper, Lisa McDennon, Traci Connell, and Wendy Glaister will discuss trending topics within the design world, why home accents are important to an overall project, client relationships and the art of gifting.
- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – 34th ARTS Awards Gallery Preview Party – Celebrate the amazing finalists of the 34th ARTS Awards! Enjoy beautiful home accents product by the ARTS Awards Product Designer and Manufacturing finalists.
Friday
- 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Live Podcast Studio – Rooted in Retail with Crystal Vilkaitis. Stop by to hear from insightful guests on topics that matter to retailers.
- 1 to 2 p.m. — Style Eyes Trend Panel & Party in The Gallery – Join our Style Eyes, Jessica Duce of JDuce Design, Juliana Ewer of J Squared Interior Designs, Abbe Fenimore of Studioten25, and Dann Foley of Dann Foley Lifestyle as they discuss the hottest gift, home, and design trends.
- 6 to 11 p.m. — 34th Annual ARTS Awards Gala – Celebrate with fellow design professionals at the 34th Annual Arts Awards Gala, the premier awards program in the U.S. honoring top manufacturers, retailers, designers, and sales representatives.
Saturday
- Noon to 1 p.m. — Taste of 12 at 12: Gourmet Category & Wine Tasting – Savor the delicacies of the Gourmet Temps and pair with our complimentary selection of red and white wines.
A complete list of events is available via the Dallas Market Center website.
Style Eyes Trendspotting
This year’s panel of trend experts and retail mavens will be discovering new products at market, as the Style Eyes returns for winter as the program leveraging the knowledge and taste making skills of many leading
industry social media influencers for their insights and discoveries. The Style Eyes will spot must-see
and unique products and trends across the marketplace including gifts, home décor, lighting, holiday/floral and fashion. Follow along on Dallas Market Center social media channels and #dallasstyleeyes. This year’s Style Eyes:
- Jessica Duce, JDuce Design
- Juliana Ewer, J Squared Interior Designs
- Abbe Fenimore, Studioten25
- Kristen Miller, owner, All Good Things
Spark Magazine: Winter Issue
More than 50,000 customers have received the latest issue of Spark magazine, the stylish pre-market publication highlighting trends, what’s new inside the market center, and insights from makers and influencers. The cover story is a profile of Breegan Jane, the interior designer and HGTV star who will launch a lighting collection with Savoy House in January. The biggest story in this issue and inside the marketplace is the bigger, better, reimagined Temps at Total Home & Gift Market. Also in this issue are the latest in fashion accessories; holiday products; gifts for wellness; trends in lighting and home; and highlights of new and expanding showrooms across the marketplace. Finally, the magazine offers plenty of reasons to explore new restaurants around Dallas.
Unmatched Hotel Offers
Dallas Market Center partner hotels are offering new, lower rates to support buyer travel budgets. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $169. Rates valid until 2 weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time so please reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.
For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the DMC Daily Dose.
for more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Gift for Life Kicks Off Fundraising at Winter Atlanta Market With ‘World Central Kitchen Cookbook’ Giveaway
Gift for Life, the gift, stationery, and home décor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced today that its 2024 fundraising will begin at the winter 2024 Atlanta Market with two activities tied to the new “World Central Kitchen Cookbook” and special connection with the market’s Opening Night Party.
Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life, and owner of Ari’s Pantry will prepare and serve dishes from the WCK cookbook on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 5-7 p.m., in the Darrah and Co showroom (Building 2, Floor 18), and will do a live cooking demonstration from the WCK cookbook on Friday, Jan. 19, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., in the JURA Demonstration Kitchen (Building 2, Floor 8). Attendees at the two events can sample the dishes and qualify to win cookbooks donated by publisher Penguin Random House.
With a contribution of at least $20 to World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts, donors will qualify to win one of 50 free copies of the cookbook. On Friday, during the Demonstration Kitchen session, one cookbook personally signed by celebrity chef and WCK founder Chef Jose Andres will be awarded. Donate online at donate.wck.org/fundraiser/giftforlife2024.
The World Central Kitchen Cookbook is filled with recipes inspired by the places the WCK Relief Team has cooked following disasters and other crises around the world. Each chapter focuses on one of their core values and shares inspiring stories from the chefs, volunteers and communities they’ve helped during times of crisis or conflict. In addition to tasty and nutritious recipes, the book tells the fascinating story of WCK and its network of volunteers and cooks around the world who work to “Build longer tables, not higher walls.” (https://wck.org/cookbook)
On Thursday, Chef Ari will cook a dish from each of the seven core values and inspirations of WCK as an organization: Empathy (Braised Pork al Pastor): Urgency (Arepas); Adaptation (Reem’s Kafta Bil Bandora); Hope (Ukrainian Borsch); Community (Brook’s Carrot Farro Salad); Resilience (Kamal’s Freekeh); and Joy (The Duchess’s Lemon Olive Oil Cake). On Friday, his live cooking demonstration will showcase the WCK Cookbook’s Arepas, round corn patties that are grilled and eaten in South America, naturally gluten free and more nutritious than most bread.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to create two food and fundraising events centered on raising awareness for World Central Kitchen and their amazing work around the world,” said Lowenstein. “We hope the industry will join us and share this experience!”
As an extension of the cooking events, Atlanta Market’s “Market Kick-Off Party,” on Wednesday, Jan. 17, also will benefit Gift For Life and World Central Kitchen. The event, which runs from 6-7 p.m. in the Building 3 Atrium celebrates opening day of the Atlanta Market temporary exhibits with music, drinks and light bites. ANDMORE, owner/operator of Atlanta Market, will match donations, up to $2,500, made to World Central Kitchen.
Atlanta Market runs Jan.16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta. Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel, and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at wck.org.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief and has funded provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. The all-volunteer organization continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
ANDMORE Updates @MarketApp
ANDMORE is set to roll out updates to its @Market App, Now available for Android as well as Apple users, adding enhanced wayfinding and a new guest log-in capability in time for the 2024 market cycle: Atlanta Market (Jan. 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta), Las Vegas Market (Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas), Atlanta Apparel (Feb. 6 -9, at AmericasMart Atlanta) and Las Vegas Apparel (Feb. 13 -15, at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas).
“Market-goers asked and we listened: ANDMORE is expanding the reach of the @Market App and its utilities at Market,” said Mark Crowther, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief digital officer. “Buyer feedback to the app launch last summer was overwhelmingly positive. These latest app updates offer continued enhancements that make a great new tool even better. We’re committed to ongoing expansion of ANDMORE’s omnichannel offerings to address customer needs.”
The app’s newest feature is a guest log-in, providing all market-goers access to the app for Market navigation and exhibitor directory search. This new capability provides sellers, media and industry suppliers access to information which previously was exclusive for buyers.
Additionally, beginning in winter 2024, existing wayfinding features extend beyond permanent showroom and temporary exhibitor locations to include enhanced navigational elements, such as locations of dining areas, amenities, restrooms, stairwells and other points of interest. With this addition, the app now offers step-by-step directions to almost any destination at market.
Popular continuing features include enhancements to: Market Plan, a planning and organizational tool which allows buyers to save must-see exhibitors and to capture showroom visits, personal notes and showroom photos at market; a Scan & Go Registration QR Code, simplifying badge pick up for attendees who are pre-registered for market and have activated their app accounts; Showroom Photos, a tool that uses the built in camera and the app to automatically organize buyers’ product and inspiration pictures by showroom for easy review and sharing; a Showroom QR code scanning tool, which allows buyers to scan showroom and booth codes to quickly view and save brand information to a Market Plan; and a personalized post-market recap highlighting app activity after market, outlining their Market Plan, all showroom visits, personal notes, showroom photo albums and vendor contact information.
Pre-Market Incentives and Onsite Assistance
As an incentive to utilize the app, from now through Dec. 20, the first 1,000 Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market buyers to activate their accounts will receive a complimentary $5 Starbucks e-giftcard. The App is available for Android users in Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andmore.atmarket and for Apple users in the App Store at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/market/id6444213157.
During each market, ANDMORE “App-bassadors” will be available for onsite support and assistance, and buyers can learn more about the new @Market app at Innovation Labs on both ANDMORE’s Atlanta and Las Vegas campuses this Winter. Between markets, ANDMORE’s mobile-friendly market websites provide buyers with easy access to market information, exhibitor directories and event calendars.
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NY NOW Celebrates Centennial at Winter Market
NY NOW, owned by Emerald Holding, Inc., the largest, premier wholesale trade show in New York serving the gift, home and accessories marketplace, is preparing for the 100th anniversary of the event with the upcoming 2024 Winter Market.
At the center of this commemoration will be key enhancements aimed at providing an even more collaborative and immersive experience for the thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees expected to attend NY NOW, scheduled for Feb. 4-7 at New York City’s Javits Center. Buyers, designers, industry veterans, and members of the media are cordially invited to attend.
“Not only is NY NOW’s 100th anniversary a true milestone for an event, but it also signifies the culmination of a journey driven by our unwavering commitment to community, quality, and innovation,” said Kim Mancuso-Telford, general manager of NY NOW. “As we mark this milestone, we take great pride in drawing upon our history to create a highly evolved version of the market. Our focus remains centered on advancing the future of the industry while continuing to foster meaningful connections within our vibrant community, ensuring that NY NOW paves the way for the next 100 years of ingenuity and thriving collaboration.”
Twice per year, NY NOW draws top buyers who eagerly anticipate the latest debuts, high-end designs and must-have wares in the gift, home and accessories industries. With three recently re-envisioned categories – Gift & Lifestyle, Home, and Jewelry & Accessories – NY NOW offers a meticulously curated space trusted by tens of thousands of retailers for trendspotting, discovering emerging brands and networking with industry trailblazers.
As the Winter Market approaches, NY NOW commemorates its 100-year legacy through immersive experiences, live programming, lobby installations and vibrant receptions across the show floor. These initiatives aim to deepen community connections, celebrate the industry’s long-standing commitment to this event, and ignite enthusiasm for the market’s promising future. More details on these show enhancements will be coming soon.
While honoring our remarkable 100-year legacy, Matthew Mathiasen, event director of NY NOW, emphasizes the event’s unwavering commitment to innovation. “With the renewed focus on content and the launch of additional programs designed to nurture emerging talent, such as our Emerging Fine Jewelry Designer Incubator, we know our buyers will be thrilled to see what we have in store this February.”
NY NOW also offers Market “Destinations,” areas of the show floor that are dedicated to fostering and connecting specialized communities. These destinations include:
- Rising Artisans (a program for global makers)
- Luxury Lifestyle (a community of luxury jewelry and accessory designers)
- NY NOW’s powered by Bulletin Incubator Program (new-to-NY NOW brands under 5 years old), and International Pavilions.
In addition, brands and buyers can anticipate a suite of transformative updates, encompassing smarter merchandising, dedicated product neighborhoods for seamless discovery, an amplified emphasis on content programming, and a hybrid market experience through NY NOW Online, the fully integrated wholesale platform.
Visit www.nynow.com for more information about exhibiting or registering for the upcoming event.
NY NOW is the largest gift, home and accessories wholesale trade show in New York, where brands, buyers, and designers come twice per year to make the game-changing connections that supercharge their businesses. NY NOW and online wholesale marketplace partner, Bulletin, connect 4,000+ independent brands with 40,000+ U.S. and international buyers from independent stores, museums, department stores, bookstores, galleries, general gift shop, art & entertainment venues and many more.
With 3 core sections across 35+ product categories, NY NOW encompasses home décor and tableware, gifts, accessories, jewelry, and so much more. Attendees can explore an extensive range of offerings, from stationery, eclectic gifts, and trending home décor to aromatherapy and fragrance, skincare, wellness, and fine jewelry, and even emerging categories such as sexual wellness and cannabis and psychedelics. The show promises the unrivaled thrill of in-person connection and endless discovery, and NY NOW Online, the integrated wholesale platform, makes ordering a breeze for thousands of buyers in attendance. It’s a true hybrid wholesale experience.
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Drew Barrymore, Shae Hong to Keynote at NRF Big Show
Collaborators Drew Barrymore and Shae Hong will deliver the closing keynote at NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show, reflecting on the launch of the Beautiful line of high-performance appliances and cookware and the company’s success in omnichannel retail.
“Drew Barrymore has an extensive career in film and television, and in recent years, she has capitalized on her creativity by expanding into retail,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Highlighting her collaboration with notable entrepreneur and home cook Shae Hong, the pair will close Retail’s Big Show, sharing how they combine elegant design with premium products that are accessible and affordable for consumers.”
The closing session on Jan. 16 will feature a conversation between Barrymore and Hong, who worked together on the Beautiful line. The two will discuss their respective companies, how they leverage the intersection of innovation and design, and their mission of fostering human connection in the kitchen and home.
Along with Beautiful, Barrymore also established cosmetics company FLOWER Beauty, and has beauty, eyewear and hair tools in her portfolio. She created her own production company, Flower Films, in 1995. Barrymore is an award-winning actor, appearing in “Never Been Kissed,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “50 First Dates” and other feature films. She is also a published author, releasing “Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Life” in 2021.
Hong is a wellness-focused home cook who revolutionized the kitchenware category at age 25 when he founded Made by Gather kitchenware brands. Known for being in tune with the modern consumer, he is credited with bringing fashion to the countertop, capitalizing on contemporary trends, and growing the company on the belief that kitchen essentials can inspire creativity.
In addition to Barrymore and Hong, speakers at NRF 2024 include basketball legend and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson, FedEx Corporation President and CEO Raj Subramaniam, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner, Levi Strauss & Co. President Michelle Gass and Under Armour President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz, among others.
The annual convention will be held in New York City Jan. 14-16 and is expected to bring together more than 6,200 brands and approximately 40,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries.
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Walmart Presents ‘Add to Heart’ Shoppable Series
Walmart is bringing together two favorite traditions this holiday season: shopping and watching rom coms. The retailer is launching “Add to Heart” – a new opportunity for customers to find holiday gifting inspiration while tuning in to the 23-part shoppable series … a RomCommerce of sorts. “Add to Heart” is a first-of-its-kind shoppable commercial series featuring items at the top of holiday wish lists, making it seamless for customers to watch, shop and swoon with each scene.
Nearly 60 percent of Americans say they are looking to make a purchase via social media this year. Pair that with the fact that Americans rank watching holiday movies over decorating the tree and baking cookies as one of their favorite holiday traditions, Walmart found an opportunity to create a connection. The shoppable series will be released on TikTok, Roku and YouTube starting on Dec. 2, with the remainder dropping Dec. 5 and Dec. 8.
“The holidays are such a special season. We know gifting and curling up to watch a favorite Christmas movie are part of so many families’ traditions. So, what better time to launch an innovative, first-of-its-kind shoppable series,” said William White, chief marketing officer, Walmart U.S. “‘Add to Heart’ is a fun, unique way for our customers to be entertained while shopping for the great deals on top brands that they expect from Walmart. We hope they enjoy it and the amazing gifts they order throughout.”
Customers can watch “Add to Heart” on TikTok, Roku and YouTube as well as on Walmart’s owned social channels. From furniture and holiday décor to fashion from the entire cast, almost everything in “Add to Heart” was sourced from Walmart and customers will have the opportunity to shop over 330 products across the experience.
This is TikTok’s first fully shoppable holiday series. With TikTok’s Video Shopping Ads, and Roku’s “Ok to Text” feature, customers will be able to shop from wherever they are, at home or on the go. Roku users can access the series through Walmart’s first shoppable branded entertainment playlist and a marquee ad on the Roku home screen.
The shoppable series follows New York designer Jessica as she returns to her hometown for the holidays. After losing her luggage on her travels, she visits her local Walmart, where she bumps into an old flame Javi. Between the town festivities, decorating, and shopping, they start to rekindle their spark. How will it end? What will you shop? Tune in to find out how the story unfolds.
Shoppable commercial content like “Add to Heart” is another example of how Walmart is innovating to shorten the distance from gifting inspiration to purchase, including recent pilots with NBCU and Roku, TikTok and more.
To find out more about and to shop the collections from the series, visit https://www.walmart.com/AddToHeart.
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Hotel del Coronado Enters Final Phase of Restoration
The legendary Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, has plans to restore and revitalize the hotel’s historic Victorian building with a more than $160 million investment, marking the next and final phase of Blackstone Real Estate’s more than $550 million development plan to preserve and enhance the National Historic Landmark property for the enjoyment of guests, visitors and the community alike. The upgrades will encompass all Victorian guestrooms, suites and event spaces such as the iconic Crown Room, with a targeted completion date of Spring 2025.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting and final journey of Blackstone’s investment in this one-of-a-kind resort,” said Harold Rapoza, managing director, Hotel del Coronado. “The Victorian building holds a special place in the hearts of our guests, and we are dedicated to preserving its historical significance while elevating the bespoke guest experience to new heights.”
Rob Harper, head of real estate asset management Americas at Blackstone added, “Since our more than $550 million investment plan began in 2018, we have worked diligently to preserve The Del as a National Historic Landmark while cementing the property’s status as an iconic and timeless destination for generations to come. We are immensely proud of the thoughtful work completed to date and look forward to partnering with the local teams to make this next phase of the project a reality.”
For more than 135 years, Hotel del Coronado has welcomed travelers from all over the world to experience the best of Southern California coastal lifestyle. The Victorian building is the original, iconic beachfront hotel established in 1888, and is renowned for evoking a bygone era, with a star-studded legacy and magic of nearly two centuries.
Led by Wimberly Interiors in partnership with WATG’s California architecture studio, the design for the Victorian building celebrates the legacy of the property, ensuring the public areas remain truly Victorian with original finishes remaining intact, but with contemporary design enhancements to bathrooms, furnishing, artwork and state-of-the-art technologies to elevate the level of comfort and luxury.
David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning is leading The Victorian guestroom redesign effort with the same vigor and attention to detail that awarded the firm a Preservation Project of The Year honor from the Save Our Heritage Organisation, as well as a Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation following their extensive and diligent reconstruction of the hotel’s front porch and lobby areas.
Beginning in 2018, Hotel del Coronado embarked on a renovation and development plan, facilitated by Blackstone Real Estate, to ensure the resort remains a sought-after destination.
- Ocean Concierge Club — A modern and refined take on the classic concierge club experience, housed in the renovated historic Windsor Cottage, which has been preserved with historic elements dating back to its original conception in 1905. Debuted this summer.
- Beach Village at The Del — An enclave of cottages and villas, which is set to unveil a full makeover by the end of 2023.
- Shore House at The Del — The newest neighborhood inclusive of 75 new residential-style accommodations on the south end of the resort, which debuted in 2022.
- Fitness Center — Expanded fitness center with a variety of equipment, certified trainers and a range of classes including Beach Spin, Yoga, Pilates, Paddleboard Yoga and more.
- Ice House Museum — Showcasing The Del’s history with behind-the-scenes moments and legendary guests.
- Shops at The Del — A completely new comprehensive retail experience with specialty shops and apparel.
- Victorian Building Entrance — A completely reimagined front drive—reorienting the guest arrival experience to restore it to mirror The Del’s original arrival experience at its grand Victorian Lobby.
- Vista Terrace — One of the hotel’s most popular outdoor event venues that can host up to 900 guests, which re-launched in 2019.
- Serẽa Coastal Cuisine — The sustainable sea-to-table restaurant concept debuted in 2019, with James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch Leader Executive Chef JoJo at the helm.
- The Cabanas & The Views – Renovations of guestrooms in the Cabanas and Views neighborhoods, which added 97 and 217 rooms respectively
- Cabana Pool — New main pool, heated year-round, accompanied by shaded chaise lounges, umbrellas, Premium Cabanas and Cabanettes.
- Culinary Upgrades — Upgrades and re-concepting of multiple dining outlets including the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, and ENO Market & Pizzeria.
- Spa & Salon at The Del — Completely reimagined spa with ocean-inspired treatments that tap into the healing power of the sea.
During the reimagination of The Victorian, accommodations continue to be available in The Del’s other four neighborhoods: The Views, The Cabanas, Beach Village and Shore House. Exciting guest experiences will debut and The Del’s popular signature programming will continue.
For the latest information on The Del’s enhancements, or to book online, please visit hoteldel.com.
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Record 200.4M Shop Over 5-Day Holiday Weekend
A record 200.4 million consumers shopped over the five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, surpassing last year’s record of 196.7 million, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figures surpassed NRF’s initial expectations of 182 million shoppers by more than 18 million.
“The five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday represents some of the busiest shopping days of the year and reflects the continued resilience of consumers and strength of the economy,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Shoppers exceeded our expectations with a robust turnout. Retailers large and small were prepared to deliver safe, convenient and affordable shopping experiences with the products and services consumers needed, and at great prices.”
Consumers utilized both online and in-store channels throughout the weekend, with 121.4 million people visiting physical retail locations to browse items and make in-store purchases. This figure is consistent with 122.7 million in 2022. Online shoppers totaled 134.2 million, up from 130.2 million last year.
Black Friday continued its streak as the most popular day for in-store shopping, with 76.2 million shoppers opting to visit bricks-and-mortar locations, up from 72.9 million in 2022. About 59 million consumers shopped in stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, down from 63.4 million last year. On par with last year, 78% of Saturday shoppers shopped specifically for Small Business Saturday.
Continuing the trend that started in 2019, Black Friday was also the most popular day for online shopping. Roughly 90.6 million consumers shopped online on Black Friday, up from 87.2 million in 2022. By comparison, approximately 73 million consumers shopped online on Cyber Monday, down slightly from 77 million last year.
Consistent with last year, about 44 million consumers used their home desktop or laptop to shop online on Cyber Monday. Another 40.5 million shopped online using their mobile devices, down from a record 45.7 million in 2022 but still well above pre-pandemic levels.
The top destinations for Thanksgiving weekend shoppers were online (44%), grocery stores and supermarkets (42%), department stores (40%), clothing and accessories stores (36%) and electronics stores (29%).
The vast majority (95%) of Thanksgiving weekend shoppers made holiday-related purchases during the event, down from 97% last year, but in line with historical levels. Consumers spent $321.41 on average on these types of items, consistent with $325.44 last year. Approximately 70% ($226.55) was spent specifically on gifts.
The top gifts shoppers purchased during the five-day period were clothing and accessories (bought by 49% of those surveyed), toys (31%), gift cards (25%), books, video games and other media (23%), and personal care or beauty items (23%).
“Over the course of the weekend, consumers were able to find great deals on holiday gifts and other items they wanted,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “This year is the first time personal care and beauty items were among the top five most popular gifts purchased over Thanksgiving weekend, with nearly one-quarter of shoppers purchasing these items.”
Consumers reported that on average, 55% of their Thanksgiving weekend purchases were specifically driven by sales and promotions, up from 52% in 2022. Another 31% said a limited-time sale or promotion convinced them to make a purchase they were hesitant about, up from 29% last year.
Retailers have continued to respond to earlier holiday demand with sales and promotions throughout the season. A little over half of consumers (55%) took advantage of early holiday sales and promotions. About one-third (35%) shopped specifically in the week leading up to Thanksgiving (Nov. 16-22).
Similar to last year, as of Thanksgiving weekend, the majority (85%) of consumers had started holiday shopping and were about halfway (48%) done so far.
NRF defines the holiday season as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 and has forecast that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels and will grow between 3% and 4%, totaling $957.3 billion to $966.6 billion.
The survey of 3,498 adult consumers was conducted Nov. 22-26 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.7 percentage points.
Read more about the holiday season at the NRF Winter Holiday Headquarters.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.
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Just Got 2 Have It! Founder Barbara Knight Dies
Barbara Knight, founder of Just Got 2 Have It!, a leading wholesale sales rep agency specializing in the trendy gift, fashion, and home décor industry, died on Nov. 16. The company released this statement on Nov. 17:
Our Just Got 2 Have It! family is devastated to share that our beloved founder Barbara Knight passed away late yesterday evening following her courageous battle with leukemia. She was surrounded by her family to the end and leaves an indelible mark on the lives of so many.
Barbara and Just Got 2 Have It! are synonymous in many circles throughout our industry and beyond. Her brilliance, vision, passion, innovation, and zest for life helped make Just Got 2 Have It! the industry leader we are today. She founded Just Got 2 Have It! in 2000 and she and her partner Michelle Ruby Morgan went on to win several outstanding awards, building a premier agency in the gift and decorative accessories space.
Barbara was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in January 2021, but she bravely faced the odds with unwavering grace and extraordinary strength. During her time in the hospital, she became keenly aware, as only Barbara could, of fellow AML patients stressed by the financial burdens of ongoing care. Barbara created the Barbara Knight Foundation to promote awareness of AML and provide financial and emotional support for those who continue their own fight. https://www.barbaraknight.org/
Every area of Just Got 2 Have It! is profoundly better because of Barbara Knight. She lived an amazing life, inspiring all who met her with her positivity, poise, and faith. Barbara’s philanthropy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and visioneering are outpaced only by the love and care she embodied for all. Arrangements are in development for a Celebration of Life event in the Boca Raton area.
For the one who taught us how much a great gift means, we are missing one of the greatest gifts today: Barbara Knight.
ANDMORE Sets 2024 Market Calendar
ANDMORE has announced a 2024 market calendar with 33 apparel, gift and home furnishings buying events to take place in Atlanta; High Point, N.C.; Las Vegas and New York City.
“We’re preparing for in-person events that fuel opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper,” said Bob Maricich, CEO. “As we enter another year of face-to-face commerce, ANDMORE will continue to raise the bar for buying and selling, providing the notable brands, hallmark hospitality and tailored education necessary to be successful in an ever-changing commercial landscape.”
Among market calendar highlights in 2024, ANDMORE will continue its expansion of Shoppe Object with introduction of a new, second New York City location during the February edition and presentation of Shoppe High Point during spring and fall editions of High Point Market; showcase the second annual edition of Casual Market Atlanta at AmericasMart Atlanta; and debut a new co-location of Las Vegas Apparel and Womenswear in Nevada at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas to enhance and streamline Las Vegas Fashion Week offerings.
ANDMORE’s 2024 calendar is:
January 16 – January 22, 2024: Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits January 17 – 21) www.atlantamarket.com
January 28 – February 1, 2024: Las Vegas Market at World Market Center Las Vegas (temporary exhibits January 28 – 31) www.lasvegasmarket.com
February 4 – 6, 2024: Shoppe Object at Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing in New York City www.shoppeobject.com
February 6 – 9, 2024: Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta www.Atlanta-Apparel.com
February 13 – 15, 2024: Las Vegas Apparel at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas www.LasVegas-Apparel.com
March 3 – 5, 2024: Spring Buying Event at World Market Center Las Vegas https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/en/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
March 4 – 6, 2024: Spring Market at AmericasMart Atlanta www.americasmart.com/en/Markets/Spring-Market
March 20 – 22, 2024: Spring Sample Sale at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) www.adacatlanta.com/events
April 9 – 11, 2024: Formal Markets at AmericasMart Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com/Markets/Formal-Markets
April 9 – 12, 2024: Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta www.Atlanta-Apparel.com
April 13 – 17, 2024: ANDMORE at High Point Market https://www.andmorehighpointmarket.com/
April 13 – 15, 2024: Shoppe Object at High Point Market www.shoppeobject.com/high-point-market
April 23 – 25, 2024: Design ADAC at ADAC www.adacatlanta.com/design-adac
May 6 – 8, 2024: Spring Cash & Carry at AmericasMart Atlanta www.americasmart.com/en/Markets/Spring-Cash-and-Carry
May 15 – 17, 2024: Spring Sample Sale at World Market Center Las Vegas https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/en/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
June 4 – 7, 2024: Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta www.Atlanta-Apparel.com
July 15 – 18, 2024: Casual Market Atlanta at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits run concurrently with showrooms) https://casualmarketatlanta.com/
July 16 – 22, 2024: Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits July 17 – 21) http://www.atlantamarket.com
July 28 – August 1, 2024: Las Vegas Market at World Market Center Las Vegas (temporary exhibits July 28 – July 31, 2024) https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/
July 30 – August 2, 2024: Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta www.Atlanta-Apparel.com
July 29 – August 2, 2024: Formal Markets at AmericasMart Atlanta www.atlanta-apparel.com/Markets/Formal-Markets
August 11 – 13, 2024: Formal Markets at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas https://www.atlanta-apparel.com/en/Markets/Formal-Markets/August-LV
August 18 – 21, 2024: Las Vegas Apparel at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas www.LasVegas-Apparel.com
August 21 – 23, 2024: Fall Sample Sale at ADAC https://adacatlanta.com/events
August 2024 (Dates TBD): Shoppe Object at Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing in New York City www.shoppeobject.com
September 16 – 18, 2024: Casual Market Atlanta at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits run concurrently with showrooms) https://casualmarketatlanta.com
September 16 – 18, 2024: Fall Market at AmericasMart Atlanta https://www.americasmart.com/en/Markets/Fall-Market
September 24 – 26, 2024: Discover ADAC at ADAC https://adacatlanta.com/events
October 15 – 18, 2024: Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta www.Atlanta-Apparel.com
October 26 – October 28, 2024: Shoppe Object at High Point Market www.shoppeobject.com/high-point-market
October 26 – 30, 2024: ANDMORE at High Point Market https://www.andmorehighpointmarket.com/
November 6 – 8 2024: Fall Sample Sale at World Market Center Las Vegas https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/en/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
November 11 – 13, 2024: Fall Cash & Carry at AmericasMart Atlanta https://www.americasmart.com/Markets/Fall-Cash-and-Carry
In addition to the markets, AmericasMart Atlanta, the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center and the Las Vegas Design Center are open daily to the trade and offer in-person programming throughout the year.
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Kids Clamor for Video Game-Related Presents
The Entertainment Software Association surveyed U.S. adults and children (ages 10-17) to find out what Americans are asking for this holiday season and learned that kids are most likely to ask their parents for video game-related presents (72 percent).
Requests for video game gifts are followed closely by money/gift cards (70 percent), clothes/accessories (66 percent) and electronics/tech items such as phones and smartwatches (62 percent). Fewer wish lists will include physical toys and games (38 percent), tickets and experiences (32 percent), arts and crafts (28 percent) and books (26 percent).
The majority of both girls (59 percent) and boys (86 percent) say they plan to ask for video game gifts for the holidays, with the top five specific asks being for game subscriptions (39 percent), game consoles (38 percent), game gear/accessories (32 percent), in-game currency (29 percent) and physical video games (22 percent).
Meanwhile, about one in three (32 percent) adults say they plan to buy video game gifts for themselves or others for the holidays, with that number jumping to 57 percent for parents. Adults who say they will be buying video game-related presents are planning to spend an average of $485 on these gifts.
“More than 212 million Americans play video games regularly, so it comes as no surprise that games are at the top of this year’s wish lists,” said Stan Pierre-Louis, president and CEO, ESA. “Whether a family is getting a new console, updating their controllers and headsets or adding to their library with new games and expansion packs, we know video games are a great tool for families to play together and connect during the holiday season and beyond.”
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Zevo Seeks to Calm Holiday ‘Bugxiety’
‘Tis the season to deck the halls, dusting off the holiday boxes from the garage or basement in order to get your home ready for the most wonderful time of the year. With the vast majority (87 percent) of Americans hosting more in their homes during the holidays than any other time of year, the fear of unwanted house guests is at an all-time high (77 percent).
Procter & Gamble’s Zevo, developed by P&G Ventures, where new brands in new spaces are created to help consumers live life better, recently conducted a 2023 survey. The survey aimed to learn more about consumers’ fear of bugs, aka Bugxiety, ahead of holiday hosting. Want to read some interesting findings?
- 72 percent of Americans are concerned about finding bugs hiding among their holiday decorations
- People are especially concerned about finding bugs in wreaths (63 percent), holiday lights (60 percent), trees (52 percent), garlands (51 percent), and ornaments (40 percent)
- Surprisingly, residents in the Northeast (85 percent) experience more bugs in their home during the holidays than other regions due to the harsh change in weather and certain bugs finding warmth inside
Zevo brand ambassador Rebel Wilson used to suffer from a similar level of Bugxiety during the holiday season.
“My jam-packed holiday calendar leaves me hardly any time to prep my home for holiday guests and hosting, but making the holidays special for my family is an absolute must for me. Thanks to my favorite Zevo Flying Insect Traps and its 24/7 continuous catch, I can plug them in with peace of mind knowing the pesky flying bugs won’t be crashing our fun! I’ve even started gifting the Traps to some of my best friends and their reactions to seeing how many bugs they catch are priceless.”
During this busy time of year, Zevo’s go-to entomologist, Daniel Perry, has all the tips you need to keep bugs from “bugging” you and your house guests this holiday season.
“Flies and crawling bugs tend to follow the food – and we know that holiday parties involve fresh decor and spreads that often sit out for hours, unintentionally luring pests into your home,” said Perry. “Once plugged in, Zevo’s best-selling Flying Insect Trap does all the work for you, continuously attracting and trapping a variety of flying insects without any extra holiday-prep woes.”
“Having the Zevo Multi-Insect Killer Spray on-hand as well can help ensure you’re equipped to quickly handle any unwanted pests that may appear,” Perry continued.
Homes decked in festive foliage, with holiday fruit bowls, and cookie crumbs sprinkled around the floor can create an inviting space for those creepy crawlers to wander in. While some people (39 percent) would call an exterminator upon first sight, almost a third (32 percent) would look to kill bugs immediately. Luckily, Zevo can help bring a sense of clean and calm to the holiday chaos – just plug or spray, then walk away.
So how can Zevo help Americans keep the critters from crashing their holiday festivities?
- Flying Insect Trap: Zevo’s Flying Insect Trap – the #1 powered insect trap in the category – uses a special blue & UV light system to attract and trap flying insects (e.g. house flies, fruit flies and gnats that love to buzz around an appetizer tray or fruit display) on a strong adhesive pad, which can be easily removed and disposed of via a pull tab. The traps even make a perfect holiday gift for the friend or family member who loves to entertain, values a clean home, or who already has everything else!
- Multi-Insect Killer Spray: For those who freak out when they see creepy-crawly pests, Zevo Insect Killer Spray offers complete protection against spiders, roaches, ants and more. Simply spray directly on unwanted bugs and watch while Zevo targets and shuts down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets. Wipe away with a clean cloth or paper towel with no residue left behind…and that’s it.
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Americans Cutting Back on Holiday Spending
i2c Inc., a provider of banking and payments solutions, and PYMNTS Intelligence, have released the results of a new survey revealing most Americans are cutting back on holiday spending because of inflation and economic uncertainty.
i2c sponsored the survey, which was conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence. A cross section of 3,302 consumers in the United States were polled between Sept. 20 and Sept. 26 to explore the level of holiday spending in 2023 and what drives interest in and usage of credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later to pay for gifts and holiday travel.
The survey found:
- Inflation is a key factor driving many U.S. consumers to trim seasonal expenses, such as travel and dining out, to make ends meet.
- However, most American consumers are not planning to reduce what they spend on gifts. Most members of Gen Z, in fact, will spend more on gifts than last year.
- Credit cards are the most popular type of credit product that will be used to pay for holiday spending, but younger consumers rely more on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).
The full report of survey results is available free for download and can be found at: https://www2.i2cinc.com/report-credit-economy-holiday-spend. It offers insights into generational differences in holiday spending, in-store vs online shopping, and details about the most popular methods of payment.
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Lovesac Adds Limited-Edition Holiday Coverings
The Lovesac Company, the home furnishing brand best known for its Sacs, The World’s Most Comfortable Seat, has unveiled a limited-edition collection just in time for the holiday season.
The Lovesac story began 25 years ago when founder and CEO Shawn Nelson hand-crafted the original eight-foot-wide foam-filled Lovesac in his childhood Utah home. Since then, the brand’s Sacs category has continued to innovate and evolve to focus on the ultimate in comfort and style.
The Northern Nights Sac Collection consists of three holiday-inspired fabrics that showcase timeless and stylish faux furs, striking the perfect balance between cloud-like comfort and arctic elegance.
Featuring the most dense and luxurious faux fur options to date, the limited-time collection offers Cover options in Snow Leopard Phur, Black Bear Phur and Grizzly Phur. This exclusive luxe assortment is perfect for those looking to make their living room comfy and cozy this holiday season.
The Snow Leopard Phur promotes a short to medium pile fabric with shades of white, tan, and gray with subtle stripes and spots. For those looking for premium warmth, the Black Bear Phur features long piles made to resemble a winter coat, offering the ultimate comfort as the temperatures outside drop. The last fabric in the collection, the Grizzly Phur, showcases shades of dark brown and black with a medium to long pile, creating an unmatched comfort experience for cozy winter nights.
“The timeless appeal of the iconic Phur fabrics, paired with our curated modern aesthetic, is the perfect combination this holiday season,” said Nelson. “Lovesac has been Rewriting the Rules of Comfort for more than 20 years, prioritizing versatility and adaptability to ensure customers can customize the perfect setup for their home. Adding to the 200+ Cover options Lovesac already offers, this limited-edition collection was dreamed up with life’s simple luxuries in mind.”
The Northern Nights Collection fabrics are offered in all Sac sizes, Squattomans and Footsacs. Current Lovesac Sacs owners can easily swap in a new look, with changeable and washable Cover fabrics.
To celebrate the season of giving, the Northern Nights Sac Collection and bundle offerings will be offered at 30 percent off through the holiday season while supplies last. Additionally, Lovesac has launched a variety of promotions to consumers this holiday season.
The new collection is available for purchase while supplies last in all Lovesac showrooms and online at lovesac.com.
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Clothing Tops Holiday Shopping Choices, NRF Says
As three-quarters (74 percent) of consumers mark their calendars to shop during the upcoming five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the latest survey from the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics shows the top items consumers are shopping for throughout the holiday shopping season, including the most popular toys.
“This holiday season, particularly the busy shopping days surrounding Thanksgiving, marks an important time of year for many Americans who enjoy traditions and celebrations with family and friends,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers are stocked and ready with competitively priced products to help customers stretch their budgets and find all the items on their holiday lists.”
The top five gift categories consumers plan to give are clothing (56 percent), followed by gift cards at 44 percent, toys at 37 percent, books, video games and other media at 31 percent and food/candy at 29 percent. A record 28 percent of consumers intend to buy personal care and beauty items as gifts this holiday season, up from about one-quarter in recent years.
The most popular source for gift inspiration remains online search (44 percent), followed by friends and family (35 percent), in-store (32 percent) and wish lists (26 percent).
“Social media continues to be a popular destination to find holiday gift ideas, especially among younger consumers, who are turning to TikTok and Instagram for inspiration,” Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “For those between the ages of 35 and 44, Facebook is the favored platform for gathering gift ideas.”
Gift cards remain a perennial favorite for holiday shoppers. Total gift card spending is expected to reach $29.3 billion, up from $28.6 billion last year. Similar to last year, holiday shoppers plan to purchase between three to four gift cards and spend an average of $49.43 per card ($166.69 per person).
Restaurant gift cards are most popular (30 percent), followed by bank-issued gift cards (26 percent), department stores (26 percent) and coffee shops (21 percent).
The top toys for boys this year include Legos, Hot Wheels and cars, and the top toys for girls include Barbie, dolls and Legos.
Holiday shoppers expect to spend $875 on average on gifts, decorations, food and other key seasonal items.
Forty-seven percent of holiday shoppers say they use debit cards most often to pay for holiday items, compared with 35 percent saying they use credit cards. Five years ago, 37 percent said they used debit cards most often and 42 percent said they used credit cards. Those saying they mostly use cash (16 percent) has stayed the same. A majority of holiday shoppers (59 percent) are also using alternative payment methods such as PayPal, Apple Pay and Venmo, up from 54% last year.
The survey asked 8,424 adult consumers about their holiday shopping plans. It was conducted Nov. 1-6 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
Overall holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3 percent and 4 percent over 2022, totaling $957.3 billion to $966.6 billion, according to NRF’s holiday forecast. By comparison, last year holiday sales totaled $929.5 billion.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.
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Atlanta Market Sets Winter Education Events
Atlanta Market’s Winter 2024 edition features four days of education and events with nearly 20 tastemaker presentations, keynote seminars, celebrations and amenities planned for the Jan. 16-22, 2024, Market.
“Atlanta Market’s Winter 2024 programming combines industry education with the chance to connect and collaborate through Market celebrations,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief marketing officer. “These specially curated events perfectly complement the abundant sourcing opportunities available in January, making this Market the can’t-miss event of the season.”
Thought Leadership in Atlanta
Some seven educational seminars and panels invite Atlanta Market attendees to think outside of the box at the top of the buying year.
The Atrium on Floor 2 of Building 3 features three keynote presentations from retail mavens and moguls. Anita Desai, Head of Industry at TikTok, discusses the rise of digital commerce as a tool for storytelling and community in Discovery to Purchase in a Digital World on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. Craig Conover takes the stage for Fireside Chat with Craig Conover, as the Southern Charm star and cofounder of Sewing Down South discusses industry insights, followed by a book signing, on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. Closing the Atrium keynote series is Austin W. Bunch, as he details the process for successful selling in Train Your Staff to Support Your Company on Friday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m., also followed by a book signing.
Additional education focuses on innovation and staying relevant in the design sphere. Furniture, Lighting & Décor presents Beyond the Backyard, moderated by editor-in-chief, Diane Falvey to disover outdoor space configuration on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m. The Ultimate Visual Branding Crash Course covers the key components that make up a visual brand and how to stand out with Kaila Piepkow, founder of Dox Design, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 p.m. Ginger Curtis presents Neuroaesthetics: A Beautiful Conversation on the intersection between design and emotionon Thursday, Jan. 18, at 2:30 p.m. The Luxe Interiors + Design Ahead of the Curve Panel acts as an exclusive preview of the new and next in home design and décor on Friday, Jan. 19, at 2:30 p.m. These sessions are presented in the Seminar Space in Building 1, Floor 14.
All sessions at Atlanta Market are free and open to all attendees.
Light Bites in the Demonstration Kitchen
Three interactive cooking demonstrations showcase top tastemakers in the JURA Demonstration Kitchen on Building 2, Floor 8.
Antoni Porowski of the Netflix series, Queer Eye, visits the kitchen on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 p.m. in Cooking Demo with Antoni Porowski. Chef Joseph Nguyen of O-Ku Sushi in Atlanta serves up traditional sushi fare on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 2:30 p.m. A Gift for Life Cooking Demo will showcase recipes from Chef Jose Andres’ new World Central Kitchen Cookbook, on Friday, Jan. 19, at 2:30 p.m. Atlanta Market attendees who donate at least $20 to World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts are automatically entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of the cookbook.
Dig Deeper with AmericasMart Tours
AmericasMart’s ample exhibit space breeds curiosity among the new-to-Market. In January, buyers are offered the opportunity to explore campus in special guided tours of key destinations.
Join Marie Knight, ANDMORE Vice President – Gift & Home Tradeshows, for Buyer Tour: Temporaries to discover nine floors of Temporaries at Atlanta Market on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. Paula Cox, ANDMORE Marketing Manager – Casual, leads Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings, led by, for an hour-long tour of casual furniture resources on five floors in Building 1 on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Celebrate Market Week
Atlanta Market presents its signature parties and amenities to welcome the industry back for another season of inspired sourcing.
The celebrations commence with the Market Kickoff Party on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. The welcome party features complementary drinks, a DJ and light bites in Building 3 on the opening day of the Temporaries. Buyers can enjoy the Café Fwi Cappuccino Bar in the Designer Workspace on Building 1, Floor 15, Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Afternoon Beats returns Thursday, Jan. 18 – Saturday, Jan. 20, at 3:30 p.m. in the Building 3 Atrium.
A full list of market events is at AtlantaMarket.com/Attend/Events. Events are open to all Atlanta Market attendees.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 50 countries. The winter 2024 edition runs Jan. 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
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DeRUCCI Smart Mattress Earns 2 CES Innovation Awards
The DeRUCCI Group, a leading public company and sleep technology brand, has won two CES 2024 Innovation Awards in the Smart Home and Digital Health categories for the DeRUCCI AI series T11 Pro Smart Mattress, an Artificial Intelligence of Things (IoT) intelligentsleep solution based on extensive sleep/health research with international universities and institutions.
The T11 Pro Smart Mattress is the first smart mattress that instantly adjusts to the individual’s health for optimal sleep; actually warning the user about potential health issues before they are aware of them.
DeRUCCI Innovative Design & Ergonomics
DeRUCCI won the CES Innovation Award for its innovative design and ergonomics, which scored highly across the evaluation criteria. The AI series T11 Pro Smart Mattress includes 23 sleep/health AI sensors that automatically track subtle changes in position, body temperature, heart rate, and health; 18 flexible air support units that instantly respond and support the user’s position and body movements; AI software algorithms; smart software/hardware adjustments; and sleep monitoring.
The mattress also connects to other IoT home appliances to control the bedroom’s smart thermostat, air conditioner, aromatherapy, air purifier, sleep-enhancing lighting, meditation products, sleep aids, and other IoT devices.
Patented AI Tidal Algorithm Provides Real-Time Adjustments Independently on Both Sides
A first of its kind, the DeRUCCI patented Tidal algorithm simultaneously adapts and customizes to each user’s various individual sleeping positions and makes real-time adjustments to perfectly match height, shape, and body areas, such as shoulders, back, waist, hips, and legs. Leveraging the company’s research in ergonomics, AI, and big data, and analyzing factors, such as BMI, sleeping positions, pressure distribution, height, and firmness, DeRUCCI’s AI algorithm enables the mattress to adapt to pressure curves during sleep for an improvement in spinal health.
The DeRUCCI AI series T11 Pro Smart Mattress Key Features:
- Adaptive Adjustments: adapts to different force curves from bone structure to muscle state with instant adjustments designed not to disturb a partner.
- Air Support Unit & Tidal Algorithm Control: Piezoelectric ceramic sensors control rubber-sensing airbags and support materials, such as springs, foam, and latex. The airbag’s height and firmness are also adjusted for position and smoothness.
- AI Sleep Monitoring & Reports: analyzes changes in users’ physiological parameters monitoring sleep with reports on sleep quality, making it easier to reach deep sleep. Provides personalized sleep consultations and recommendations with sleep medicine companies to optimize sleep, exercise, and diet, especially important for elderly care and specialized sports.
- Graphene Far-infrared Heat: provides smart temperature controls with graphene far-infrared heat of up to 40°C (104°F) with temperature safety functions for intelligent adjustments and intelligent sleep assistance.
- AI Sleep Health Warnings: analyzes users’ disease data, along with geographic location, age, and sleep monitoring metrics to provide early chronic disease warnings.
“We are honored to be recognized by CES for this prestigious award recognizing our extensive research and development in the field of sleep study IoT innovations,” said Hua Lei, general manager of Smart Sleep, DeRUCCI. “We introduced the concept of ‘Healthy Sleep, Customized for You’ at an early stage, emphasizing personalized sleep products for customers based on height, weight, body shape, and sleeping positions, developing our own proprietary AI algorithms and technologies for our advanced T11 Pro Smart Mattress system. Our Smart Sleep Line also includes smart adjustable beds, AI rapid sleep systems, deep sleep pillows, smart pillows, and Optimal Sleep Medicine Centers for a complete solution for healthy restful sleep.”
The DeRUCCI AI series T11 Pro IoT Smart Mattress is available immediately in China and in the U.S. in Q3 2024, priced at $8,250. For more information, see https://www.derucci.com.
About CES Innovation Awards
An annual program that celebrates outstanding design, the CES Innovation Awards recognizes the best technology products of the year. A panel of judges, including designers, engineers, and members of the tech media, reviews submissions based on design, functionality, consumer appeal, engineering, and how the products compare with competition. The CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, owner and producer of CES, the world’s largest and most influential technology event. CTA has been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976.
CES 2024 will showcase life-changing technology across every major industry. CES provides access to the very latest transformative tech, such as artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, sports tech, machine learning, and more. For more information, see https://www.ces.tech.
About DeRUCCI – “Let People Sleep Better”
Guided by its mission to “Let people sleep better,” DeRUCCI is a public company (SZSE: 001323) founded in 2004 and dedicated to the development of intelligent sleep health systems based on scientific research. In collaboration with renowned international research institutions and medical organizations, DeRUCCI has created a new digital sleep paradigm that encompasses monitoring, screening, and intervention for healthier sleep. In 2022, DeRUCCI established its Smart Sleep division, and since 2023, the company has launched a total of 12 new AI smart mattresses.
In addition to high-technology sleep products, DeRUCCI has manufactured and sold custom bedding products for almost 20 years, expanding internationally from China to 5,700 stores worldwide in 17 countries and regions, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, Mongolia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. DeRUCCI’s product line includes a wide range of stylish furniture, including mattresses, bed frames, dining sets, sofas, and massage chairs.
DeRUCCI has collaborated with internationally renowned designers, including British designer Matthew Arquette, Danish designer Bjarke Nielsen, French designer Maurice Barilone, and Italian designer Agustina Sorrentini. These partnerships have allowed DeRUCCI to incorporate cutting-edge international design concepts, ergonomics, and fashion into its designs.
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Las Vegas Market Adds More Home Furnishings, Bedding Offerings
Las Vegas Market’s furniture and bedding discovery is abundant in Winter 2024, with some 15 new updates to the Market’s 220+ permanent home furnishings and bedding showrooms, Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“ANDMORE is consistently raising the bar with top furnishings and bedding brands in Las Vegas,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “These 15 new updates, in addition to eight previously announced additions and expansions on B2, further enhance the market’s more than 4 million square feet of the latest and greatest in home furnishings.”
Major Showroom Updates Augment Furniture Resources
Another 10 home furnishings brands will debut or expand permanent showrooms at the winter 2024. This addition, along with eight previously announced updates on B2, bring the market’s total number of home furnishings showrooms to 120+.
Six new-to-Market furniture exhibitors this January are: Costway (home and patio furniture); Fusion Designs (solid wood furniture); LH Imports/Stylus, Made to Order Sofas (hand-built sofas); Molecule (lifestyle statement furniture); Tropitone Furniture (high-end patio furniture); and Vilo Home Inc. (home and kitchen furnishings).
Four expanding exhibitors are Armen Living Furniture (contemporary home furniture); Flexsteel Industries (traditional furniture); MotoMotion/MotoSleep (living room furniture and power bed bases); and Theodore Alexander (luxury contemporary furniture).
As previously announced, eight better brands create a new, high-end home furnishings destination on B2 this January: A.R.T. Furniture; Caracole; Four Hands; Hooker Furnishings;
Bedding Category Continues Growth Trajectory
Enhancing Las Vegas Market’s nearly 100 bedding resources are five new and expanding exhibitors.
Four new brands are: MD Mattress (single-sided mattresses); Sinomax USA, Inc. (memory foam mattresses); Solstice Sleep Products/Jamison Bedding (mattress manufacturing); and Symphony Sleep (mattresses and adjustable beds). Dreamotion/LOGICDATA (adjustable bed solutions) expands in January 2024.
Beyond these furniture and bedding updates, Las Vegas Market tenants reconfirm their commitment to the Market, with showroom renewals.
Three notable brands are: Cheers/Man Wah (reclining furniture); England/La-Z-Boy Casegoods (upholstered furniture and casegoods); and Parker House Furniture (upholstered recliners and entertainment pieces).
“By recommitting to this market, these brands demonstrate trust in the opportunities afforded by Las Vegas Market,” added Belshaw. “In 2024, and beyond, our tenant’s continued investment in the market reflects alignment with our mission and market momentum.”
Augmenting the market’s permanent showroom resources, 100+ temporary home furnishings exhibitors shift to a new location on B6 beginning in January 2024. Home furnishings temporary exhibitors represent some 12 categories, including outdoor patio furniture, dining tables, sofas, rustic furniture, home décor and mattress/bedding.
A full list of Las Vegas Market’s 3,500+ brands is at LasVegasMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
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Q&C Home Launches Online Home Decor Shop
Q&C Home has launched its online shop, where shoppers can browse products of home decor and accessories. From the bedroom, to the bathroom, and even to pet beds, Q&C Home’s online shop has a little bit of everything for every room in the house. As the new destination for exceptional furniture, Q&C Home’s online store makes home renovation and design easily accessible.
As a family-owned business proudly serving customers in Texas since 2014, Q&C Home’s evolution to launching an online store rings in a new era of success for the company. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer service, shoppers from all over will quickly realize the joy of shopping with Q&C Home.
From curating a cozy haven with new comforters, to creating an art display with a modern shelving unit, this online store is sure to have something for everyone’s taste. Q&C Home’s new launch also offers free shipping for all their products, making their online store that much more affordable and attainable for all.
When you are looking for ways to spruce up your home, it’s important to find products that reflect your unique style and personality. By browsing Q&C Home’s carefully curated collection of furniture and home decor, shoppers will discover the perfect blend of comfort, style, and affordability that match personal styles.
No matter the home project, Q&C Home’s online store will have the finishing touches that will bring your dream room to life.
Q&C Home’s mission is to provide shoppers with quality pieces to enhance their home’s aesthetic and functionality. Whether you’re seeking timeless classics or modern designs, Q&C Home’s online shop has it all. To view their products, visit the online store at www.qandchome.com today!
Q&C Home has been in the home decor industry for nearly a decade, and are proud to bring their stylish products to their new online store. With their dedication to customer service and satisfaction, Q&C Home prides itself on helping customers create the perfect home.
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China International Furniture Fair Returns in March
One of world’s largest and most influential trade fairs dedicated to home furniture, home decor and home textiles, outdoor furniture, office furniture, commercial furniture, furniture machinery and raw materials – China International Furniture Fair Guangzhou 2024 – is set to take place in two phases on March 18-21 and March 28-31, in Guangzhou, China.
Once again bringing a unique mix of worldwide brands, designers and retailers together, the 53rd edition of the fair will be an upgrade that spans 830,000 square meters and expects to host over 4000 exhibitors and welcome 380,000 visitors, displaying innovative works that inspire new trends and reshape the future of the industry.
The first phase of the fair, which runs from March 18-21, will prominently feature the Home Furniture sector. This exhibition is specifically curated to showcase the latest and most high-end designs in suite furniture, whole-house customization, upholstery furniture, soft furnishings, home decor, textiles and outdoor living. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore boundary-pushing innovations, expand their business networks, and avail themselves of one-stop services for product procurement.
The CIFF Guangzhou has always prioritized design, as reflected in its overarching theme “Design Trend, Global Trade and Full Supply Chain.” The CIFF Guangzhou 2024 will continue to emphasize the importance of design, with the CIFF Contemporary Design Fair served as a platform for visitors to explore the intersection of creativity and sustainability.
Amid a resurging passion for outdoor activities in the post-pandemic world, the Outdoor Furniture, Sunshade and Leisure sector, which is Asia’s largest exhibition space dedicated to the category, will be on full display on the first floor of Area B, Canton Fair Complex.
While the Dining & Living Space, a destination for global visitors seeking premium, top-tier design that leads the industry, is gearing up to stage an unprecedented showcase in Area C and Area E (PWTC Expo). Covering 150,000 square meters, the fair will bring trendsetting and high-quality products catered to the demands of international buyers.
The Home Decor & Home Textile sector, recognized as Asia’s premier exhibition for interior decoration products and furnishing fabrics, will be moving to a new location. With an expansive 85,000 square meters of exhibition space, it will be housed in the eight newly constructed pavilions in Area D of Canton Fair Complex.
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Retail Partners Make Holiday Shopping Habitable
Throughout the holiday shopping season, several corporate partners are working alongside Habitat for Humanity to support the organization’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
“At Habitat, we understand the impact of having a safe place to call home, especially during the holiday season,” said Tolli Love, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “We are grateful to our corporate partners for their continuous support as they offer consumers opportunities to give back and further our efforts to build or improve housing for families across the globe.”
Over the next several holiday shopping weeks, Habitat’s partners will engage with their customers online and in store through the following promotions:
- At Home, The Home Decor Superstore – During this holiday season, At Home is offering Habitat-branded home decor items that give back to Habitat, while supplies last, to support its commitment.
- Giving Good gift cards – Global branded payments provider, Blackhawk Network, has created Giving Good™ gift cards, issued by Pathward, N.A. This holiday season, retailers across the United States will have gift cards displaying the Habitat for Humanity International logo. For each card purchased, Blackhawk will donate 3 percent of the purchase amount to Habitat for Humanity International.
- HOBO – From now through May 31, 2024, HOBO is committed to raising a collective total of $250,000. The leather goods brand has designed two limited edition tote bags to support their efforts. 100% of the net proceeds ($32.39 and $30.00, respectfully) from every sale of the Giving Tote, and Tool Tote will benefit Habitat for Humanity.
- Jasco – Jasco has pledged to contribute 50 percent of the net profits from their brands to nonprofit organizations, with Habitat for Humanity International receiving funds since 2019. A minimum donation of $100,000 will be made annually to support Habitat for Humanity International’s global mission through Dec. 31.
- Lands’ End – Through April 30, Lands’ End will donate 1 percent of the net sales price of the Blake Shelton x Lands’ End Collaboration Products to Habitat for Humanity with a minimum donation of $100,000. The net sales price is the retail purchase prices less taxes, shipping, discounts received and returns.
- Lazy Dog Restaurants – A partner since 2019, Lazy Dog Restaurants invites guests to purchase a gingerbread house decorating kit for takeout or delivery as a part of their Houses for the Holidays campaign from Nov. 8 through Dec. 31. Guests who are not near a Lazy Dog Restaurant location can also purchase the kits on the Lazy Dog website in bundles of four. Lazy Dog has committed a minimum contribution of $100,000 to Habitat by donating the net proceeds (sales price less cost of goods) of $2.45 per kit.
- Mattel – During the promotional period of November 1, 2023, through Nov. 30, Mattel will donate 1 percent of the purchase price (before taxes) for each eligible Barbie DreamHouse Playsets sold at participating Target stores and on Target.com to Habitat for Humanity International. The maximum donation for this promotion is $60,000. Learn more.
- Nissan – For nearly 20 years, Nissan has proudly partnered with Habitat for Humanity contributing more than $20 million to support Habitat projects in the United States and around the world. This holiday season, Nissan is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Through Jan. 1, Nissan USA will donate an additional $500,000. Learn more.
- Rejuvenation, a Williams-Sonoma Inc. company – Lighting, hardware and home furnishings retailer Rejuvenation, a Williams-Sonoma Inc. company, will donate a portion of each purchase from the Carson Lighting Collection, Bayocean Furniture Collection, Dell Planter Collection and Trask Hardware Collections through Jan. 31. Rejuvenation will donate a minimum of $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity. Donation amount per product line ranges from $3 per product in the Carson collection and from 1-1.5 percent for Bayocean, Dell Planter and Trask Hardware product lines.
- Resideo Technologies, Inc. – From November 9th – December 24th, Resideo will donate $50 to Habitat for Humanity for every Honeywell Home Smart Color Thermostat RTH9585WF purchased and trackable through an authorized reseller. Resideo will donate up to $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity.
- Wayfair – A global destination for the home, Wayfair has supported Habitat for Humanity’s mission through a checkout donation program since 2012. Customers can add $1, $5, $10 or $25 to their online order to support Habitat’s work. And for every Habitat co-branded e-gift card purchased, Wayfair will donate 5 percent of the value of the card to Habitat for Humanity through September 30, 2024.
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Reindeer Candle Hides Creepy Delight
A modern sleek looking reindeer in your holiday décor is hiding a hidden surprise inside! The Pyro Pet Dyri reindeer candle was designed in Iceland. Light the wick and watch the wax melt to reveal a metallic skeleton (approximate burning time is eight hours)… a delightfully creepy surprise!
This reindeer shaped candle is named Dyri, which means “reindeer” in Icelandic but it also means “beast.” Light a match and unleash the beast! He won’t be guiding any sleigh tonight.
Dyri is unscented and available in a variety of colors. The reindeer candle retails for $39 and is available on the company website and Amazon.
54Celsius innovates the classic candle, one unique design at a time. It embraces the bold and the strange, the mythical, the cosmic, and the timeless – all to create striking pieces that glow with play and delight.
Using only top-quality ingredients, 54Celscius ensures that every part of the burning process is clean and safe. That means recyclable or compostable packaging and intentional, traceable candle ingredients.
The company develops products in-house, collaborates with visionary product designers, and sources from multiple generations of candlemakers to bring the inventive to homes. From unboxing your candle to the flame’s last flicker, every element of the 54Celsius experience is made to charm.
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NRF Foundation Scholarship Finalists Named
The NRF Foundation has announced the five undergraduate finalists of the NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship presented by SAS — the organization’s premier scholarship competition. First created in 2014, the scholarship is for students of various and diverse academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience and a passion for making an impact in the retail industry.
“The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize the top five finalists of the Next Generation Scholarship,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “These young individuals have shown true passion, tenacity and creative vision throughout the competition, and we are eager to celebrate their success in January at the NRF Foundation Honors.”
The finalists are:
- Kev Addison (Indiana University)
- Cali Burns (University of Missouri)
- Fatmata Camara (LIM College)
- Rosinella D’Ostilio (University of Florida)
- Michelle Lee (University of Notre Dame)
The top recipient will receive a $25,000 tuition scholarship; the other four finalists will each receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship. The top recipient will be announced on stage at the NRF Foundation Honors on Jan.14 in New York City.
The competition included a summer case study created in collaboration with Macy’s, Inc. and two interviews with assigned retailers. The finalists were chosen from 10 semifinalists who participated in video interviews with NRF staff. The final round of the competition will include interviews with the
The honors will take place on Jan. 14 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square and will be co-hosted by president and CEO-elect of Macy’s Inc. and foundation Board Chairman Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. president and CEO and board Chairman John Furner.
Since 2014, more than $900,000 in funds have been awarded through the Next Generation Scholarship. Visit https://nrffoundation.org/scholarships for more information about these scholarships.
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Mancuso-Telford, Duff Join Gift for Life Board
Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced the addition of two newcomers – Kim Mancuso-Telford, general manager for NY NOW, and Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting – to its 24-member board of directors.
“We’re delighted that Kate and Kim have joined the GFL Board. We welcome the energy, expertise and customer-centric approach they each bring to our ranks,” said Ari Lowenstein, Gift for Life chair. “We look forward to both of these newcomers playing an active role not only in raising Gift for Life’s industry profile, but also in expanding its impact.”
Duff is the founder of Claxton Consulting, a solutions partner to the Home & Gift industry, offering strategic guidance and operational expertise. She brings years of sales, business development and management experience from her time at Pomegranate, Archipelago Botanicals, 3FLOZ and Vizability.
“After all these years in the gift industry and seeing all the good that Gift for Life has done, I’m thrilled to be joining the board,” said Duff. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping wherever I can!”
Mancuso-Telford is the General Manager for NY NOW, leading the team in the evolution of a premier wholesale event and marketplace. On a mission to better service the retail industry, she is passionate about developing and motivating teams, building community and creating unique opportunities for clients.
“I’m excited to be joining the Gift for Life Board of Directors and supporting this incredible organization,” said Mancuso-Telford. “It is a privilege that ignites my passion to advocate for meaningful change and give back to the community.”
In addition to welcoming the two newcomers, Gift for Life also bid a fond farewell to former chairman, Matthew Katzenson of Fine Lines, and Nancy Michael of the International Housewares Association, who are stepping down after decades on the board.
“We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to Matt Katzenson, who was a former chair of Gift for Life, and Nancy Michael for their many years of service,” Lowenstein said. “Their leadership, passion, energy and fundraising efforts helped to shape the organization and make it the charitable powerhouse it is today.”
The Gift for Life Board is now comprised of 24 recognized leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries. Members are: Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective; Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It; Maureen Carpenter of The Queen’s Jewels; Sheila Charton of Springboard Futures; Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.; Cole Daugherty of Dallas Market Center; Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting, Wes Hardin of Diverse Marketing; Emalee Hoffman of Orange Circle Studio/Studio Oh!; Angela Jacobson of Stephen Joseph; Russ Jones of Ivystone; Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW + SF NOW, Emerald X; Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop/Ari’s Pantry; Julie McCallum of Gift Shop Plus; Kim Mancuso-Telford of NY NOW; Landon Metts of MarketTime; Sarah Mount of ANDMORE; Andrea Padilla of Transpac; Fred Rosenkampff of The Link Companies; Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co.; Angela Schmook of Road Runners; Cathy Steel of Steel Associates; Crystal Vilkiatis of Crystal Media; and Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.
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Johnson Resigns as Beyond Inc. CEO
Jonathan Johnson has stepped down as chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of Beyond, Inc., effective immediately. Johnson’s departure follows mutual agreement to transition the company to new leadership. The board has initiated a comprehensive internal and external search process to identify a permanent chief executive officer.
While the search proceeds, David Nielsen has been appointed to an expanded role as Interim CEO and president, and will lead the company as it moves into the future operating as the new Bed Bath & Beyond. Additionally, Adrianne Lee, chief financial officer, will expand her responsibilities to oversee legal and human resources functions in addition to the finance organization.
“Following the recent acquisition of the Bed Bath & Beyond brand and our corporate renaming as Beyond, Inc., the board and Jonathan determined that this is the ideal time for a transition in leadership to guide the company forward,” said Allison H. Abraham, chair of the board of directors. “Jonathan has been integral to the company’s successful evolution over more than two decades of service. We thank him for his leadership, foresight and immense contributions that helped build the company into the leading online furniture and home furnishings retailer that it is today and is now poised to capture greater opportunities in the future.”
“I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved to transform the company since becoming CEO – evolving to a leading online home retailer with an iconic name and a large, growing consumer base,” said Johnson. “As the company turns the page to become Beyond, now is the right time for me to also turn the page to the next chapter in my career. It has been an honor to work with such an exceptional team. I am confident the company is well-positioned to achieve broader popular reach as a bigger and better Beyond.”
Ms. Abraham added, “The board is confident that Dave is the right person to advance the company’s transformation through this interim period. He is currently responsible for key functions across the organization and will continue to lead our ongoing strategic initiatives in addition to new ones. We also look forward to Adrianne taking on greater administrative responsibilities along with her role as chief financial officer. Together, Dave and Adrianne have nearly 15 years of experience at the company and have the full support of the Board. They possess the right expertise and talent to lead the organization and drive improved performance while the Board focuses on identifying the new CEO.”
As announced on Oct. 24, the change in the company’s corporate name from Overstock.com, Inc. to Beyond, Inc. is effective today. Along with the corporate name change, the company has transferred its stock listing from the Nasdaq Global Market to the New York Stock Exchange and changed its ticker symbol from OSTK to BYON.
Nielsen has served as Beyond’s president since 2019, leading the company’s marketing, algorithms, customer, digital, technology, and sourcing and operations organizations. Prior to this role, Nielsen served as Overstock’s chief sourcing and operations officer, responsible in that role for overseeing the sourcing, merchandising, partner and category management, and supply chain teams for the global online home goods leader.
Previously, Nielsen had spent six years with Overstock, rising to co-president and leading the company’s marketing, merchandising, and supply chain operations. He left Overstock to become CEO at Global Access, a global provider of logistics technology and cross border expertise for brands looking to provide a consistent and trusted shopping experience to both domestic and international customers.
Nielsen also held leadership positions with Payless ShoeSource, Inc., including vice president of merchandise allocation, responsible for the planning and allocation of merchandise across 4,500 stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Additionally, Nielsen served as president and CEO of Old Town Imports, LLC, where he created a development, sourcing and omnichannel product supply chain organization for clients such as Costco, Target and regional restaurant and catering companies.
Nielsen received his bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing from Brigham Young University.
Lee is the CFO, overseeing all financial-related matters for the technology and e-commerce leader, including financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, tax, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, help desk, IT security, and Corp Systems. She has served in financial leadership roles with blue-chip companies including The Hertz Corporation, Best Buy, and PepsiCo.
Prior to joining Overstock, Lee was senior vice president and CFO of Hertz’s North American Rental Car unit, leading a team of 50+ finance professionals responsible for a $7 billion business unit spanning the U.S. and Canada. Before joining Hertz, Lee led financial planning and analysis for Best Buy’s multi-billion-dollar e-commerce business, as well as senior roles in finance, strategic planning, accounting and financial reporting, investor relations and audit for PepsiCo, Allianz Life and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Lee attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received cum laude honors while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with a focus on accounting.
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CBA Launches Committees in Fall Meeting
The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance announced that the recent Fall Member Meeting was a tremendous success.
The meeting was a true embodiment of the theme, “Committees in Action.” There was an impressive turnout and the initial committee meetings proved to be highly productive.
The successful launch of committees marks a significant step forward for the CBA. The committees were formed to align with the four pillars of the CBA: Engineering, Engagement, Education and Expertise with subcommittees being formed as needed.
“Our members’ dedication and commitment were clearly evident throughout the event, and we’re excited to continue this momentum into the upcoming year,” commented CBA Managing Director, Fran Groesbeck.
During the meeting, the announcement was made that the Spring Member Meeting is scheduled for April 10-12, 2024 in Orlando, Fla.
An important change was made to the member types:
General Membership remains as the primary membership type, for those engaged in the manufacture for sale of cooking and/or baking utensils or accessories.
Associate Membership is a new membership level, for those who don’t yet meet the criteria of a General member, allowing them to still participate and advance to a General member in the future.
Supplier Membership remains for those engaged in supplying to or supporting the manufacture of cooking and/or baking utensils or accessories.
Retailer Membership is an updated membership level (formerly Industry Relations), for companies engaged in the sale of cookware and/or bakeware.
The CBA is regarded as a vital housewares trade association, delivering critical industry resources and serves as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety. CBA members have a voice in how the standards are developed to help make cookware and bakeware products safe for the consumer.
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LV Market ‘Delivers Extraordinary Gift Product’
Las Vegas Market is the gift product hub this winter with new and expanding showrooms augmenting seven floors of permanent gift resources, Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Market delivers extraordinary gift product that provides something for buyers from any location and every retail category,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “With easy-to-navigate buildings complete with emerging and established exhibitors, Las Vegas Market offers a comprehensive buying opportunity for 2024 sourcing.”
Three new showrooms and three expansions join some 1,300 resources displaying gift product at Las Vegas Market. New to Market is Bodrum Linens (Turkish linens, tabletop and décor); Gib Carson/WishPets (lifestyle and seasonal gift) and One Hundred 80 Degrees/Glitterville (everyday and seasonal gift). Three expansions of existing showrooms include Accent Decor (ceramics and home décor); Transpac/VIP Home + Garden (seasonal home and gift); and Youngs Inc. (holiday giftware and décor). Las Vegas Market’s gift resources include baby and juvenile, books, fashion accessories, garden gift, personal care, pet, seasonal, souvenirs, stationery and paper goods, toys and games and more.
Complementing Las Vegas Market’s permanent showroom collection are some 450+ exhibitors in the Gift & Home Temporaries located in the connected Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. Gift buyers can easily transition from permanent gift resources in Building C to explore the new and next of lifestyle brands in six easy-to-shop categories – Gift, Handmade, Design, LUXE, Home and Immediate Delivery.
A full list of Las Vegas Market’s 3,500+ brands is at LasVegasMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western United States, presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. Las Vegas Market is owned and operated by ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers.
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NRF: Holiday Spending to Reach Record Levels
The National Retail Federation has forecast that holiday spending is expected to reach record levels during November and December and will grow between 3 percent and 4 percent over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.
“It is not surprising to see holiday sales growth returning to pre-pandemic levels,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Overall household finances remain in good shape and will continue to support the consumer’s ability to spend.”
Despite a slower growth rate compared with the past three years, when trillions of dollars of stimulus led to unprecedented rates of retail spending during the pandemic, this year’s holiday spending is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6 percent from 2010 to 2019.
Online shopping has been one of the biggest shifts in consumer behavior from the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the total, are expected to increase between 7 percent and 9 percent to a total of between $273.7 billion and $278.8 billion. That figure is up from $255.8 billion last year.
“Consumers remain in the driver’s seat, and are resilient despite headwinds of inflation, higher gas prices, stringent credit conditions and elevated interest rates,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “We expect spending to continue through the end of the year on a range of items and experiences, but at a slower pace. Solid job and wage growth will be contributing factors this holiday season, and consumers will be looking for deals and discounts to stretch their dollars.”
“For all that the consumer has kept the economy afloat, the composition of spending from goods to services will also define holiday sales trends,” Kleinhenz said. “Service spending growth is strong and is growing faster than goods spending. The amount of spending on services is back in line with pre-pandemic trends.”
To meet the demand of the holiday season, NRF expects retailers will hire between 345,000 and 450,000 seasonal workers, in line with 391,000 seasonal hires in 2022. Some of this hiring may have been pulled into October to support retailers’ holiday buying events in October.
Despite months of preparation for the holiday season, retailers could sustain unpredictable impacts from weather. This year, holiday retail spending may experience residual effects from El Niño, depending on the strength and persistence of the weather phenomena.
NRF’s holiday forecast is based on economic modeling that considers a variety of indicators including employment, wages, consumer confidence, disposable income, consumer credit and previous retail sales. NRF’s calculation excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail. NRF defines the holiday season as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.
NRF’s latest holiday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, which is separate from the holiday sales forecast, shows 43 percent of holiday shoppers planned to start making purchases before November. The survey also found consumers plan to spend $875 on core holiday items including gifts, decorations, food and other holiday-related purchases this year.
Additional holiday information is available on NRF’s Winter Holidays web page.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.
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Home Décor: Atlanta Market Builds on Brands
The debut of seven new-to-market brands and the expansion of six existing resources enhance Atlanta Market’s 300+ permanent home décor showrooms, Jan. 16-22 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Home décor at Atlanta Market offers cross-category buying opportunities in one convenient location, from lighting and linens to artwork and rugs,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “With the addition of cohesive design-driven brands, coupled with our dynamic outdoor category, opportunities for discovery are abundant this January.”
Updates Across Home Offerings
Winter 2024 brings 13 new and expanding resources to the home furnishings category at Atlanta Market, embellishing eight floors of home décor offerings in Building 1 of AmericasMart Atlanta.
Seven showrooms are new to Atlanta Market in January 2024: Continental Home (ceramic vases and home accents); Couleur Nature/Lothantique (European-inspired kitchenware); Forever Green Art (preserved native plants and ornamentals); Haute Home Linens/Stamattina Linens (fashion linens for bed and bath); Ornis Gallery (botanical and nature-inspired artwork); Signature Pillows (premium decorative pillows); and Signoria Firenze (Tuscan luxury bedding).
Some six showrooms expand in Winter 2024: Aleph Home/Orientalist Home (fine rugs and textiles); Laura Park Designs (bedding, original art and lifestyle products); Loloi Rugs (rugs, pillows and throws); Mode Patio Living (sustainable outdoor furnishings); Porch View Home (classic home décor and accents); and Steve Hayden (antique art made from rough-cut lumber).
Additionally, as a complement to Atlanta Market’s 300+ home décor showrooms, AmericasMart’s newly launched collection of casual furniture and outdoor accessories showrooms is growing in time for the January market. With the addition of some 14 newcomers to be announced in the coming weeks, AmericasMart Atlanta now offers access to nearly 70 casual/outdoor showrooms during Atlanta Market.
Supplementing permanent showrooms are 200+ temporary home décor exhibits open Jan. 17-21. Building 2 features HIGH DESIGN, HIGH DESIGN LUXE and Modern Maker on Floor 1. Floor 2 delivers soft goods and luxury home in Fine Linens & Home Textiles, Home Accents & Home Furnishings and HOME LUXE. On Floor 3, Gourmet, Housewares and Tabletop features kitchen and entertaining accessories.
A full list of Atlanta Market resources is at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
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Trade Show News Network Honors Maricich
ANDMORE Chairman and CEO Bob Maricich received the Industry Icon Award from Trade Show News Network at its 2023 TSNN Awards on Oct. 28, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan. The annual award recognizes leaders who have made a major impact on the trade show industry.
“I am honored to be the 2023 TSNN Industry Icon Award honoree,” said Maricich.“When ANDMORE was founded, my intention was to create an exceptional company of enduring value. Through periods of growth and innovation as well as disruption, we have upheld that promise.
“ANDMORE is proud to provide opportunities for buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels like no one else in the industry. I accept this honor on behalf of the whole ANDMORE team and our unwavering commitment to putting our customers first.”
“Every year we choose someone who exemplifies true leadership, and for the 2023 TSNN Awards, we were thrilled to honor Bob Maricich as the Industry Icon Award winner,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “Bob was celebrated at the gala awards dinner Oct. 28 in front of more than 140 trade show professionals in Puerto Rico.”
Maricich was celebrated for his leadership of ANDMORE since its founding in 2011 as International Market Centers. Under his leadership, the impact and influence of ANDMORE has flourished, now serving more than 350,000 global wholesale buyers through its physical markets, design centers and digital channels.
More than 2,200 exhibitors showcase their products in permanent showroom spaces and its 24 annual buying events present an additional 7,000 temporary exhibitors in 2 million square feet of trade show exhibit space each year. It presents some 30+ apparel, furniture, gift, home décor and lifestyle markets and buying events – in permanent showroom space and trade show exhibits – in Atlanta; High Point, NC; Las Vegas; and New York.
In Las Vegas, he led the renaissance of World Market Center including strategic positioning of Las Vegas Market to make it the premier furniture, décor and gift sourcing destination in the west, and the construction of the 315,000 sq.-ft. Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas to address the lack of downtown Las Vegas exhibit space.
In Atlanta, the acquisition of the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, AmericasMart Atlanta with its Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel portfolio and the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart, spurred capital investment to reimagine and reinvigorate the famed complexes and markets.
In High Point, ANDMORE has continued to expand its footprint, growing its impact to 17 properties and making strategic capital investments to improve discovery opportunities. More innovations include the acquisition and expansion of Shoppe Object in New York as well as development of digital tools to better connect buyers and sellers.
Maricich is recognized as an innovative leader. His many honors include the “American Heritage Award” by the Anti Defamation League, “Man of the Year” by the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association, the “American Heritage Distinguished Service Award” from the American Home Furnishings Alliance, a “Furniture Industry Icon” by the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association, “The Atlantan Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People in Atlanta” and “Atlanta Magazine’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders in Georgia”. In 2021, Maricich was inducted into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor.
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Horm Adds Whimsey to Holiday
The magic of the holidays spreads and embraces Horm, a furniture company that, since 1989, knows how to embellish every place with essential and elegant aesthetics, but at the same time, with a great impact. To make your living space a bit more glamorous or for an even more sparkling gift idea, Horm and sister brand Casamania by HORM, offer two best-sellers in a limited edition, Twist and Chariot, dressed for this very occasion in red, the color that most reflects the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas songs are already playing in our homes, and we often find ourselves dancing around the living room while preparing the Christmas Eve feast. It could be said that Horm embodies this Christmas spirit through Twist, the red-painted wooden coat rack designed by the Burtscher & Bertolini duo. Thanks to its 8 beech slats that bend and twist on themselves, Twist almost seems to dance to the rhythm of the music with us. The clothing hung on the hooks embedded in the slats highlights the beautiful “wooden flower” that forms at the top of the furniture piece.
Adding Twist to your spaces will make every place more joyful. Besides creating a magical atmosphere, it combines aesthetic beauty with functionality: an original coat rack that will hang your guests’ coats and jackets.
For the Christmas Eve dinner, the menu dishes are more numerous than usual, and often there’s a lack of space to place plates and tableware.
The iconic Chariot by Casamania by HORM – designed by GamFratesi – will be an excellent ally: the movable table, now in a new scarlet finish, will transform into an extension of the kitchen’s workspace or an additional support surface. Comprising three simple elements joined together – wheels, trays, and structure – Chariot will help you serve a delightful Christmas appetizer at the table or become an alternative bar corner to recreate a convivial and relaxing space.
The wheels, which are typically small on common trolleys, are taken to extreme dimensions here, becoming the iconic element of the project. The rubber profile facilitates movement, and the metal structure also serves as a handle. By lifting the cart slightly upward, you can move it from one room to another in the house.
Since 1989, Horm combined linearity, elegance and art to create home environments that are always essential but with great aesthetic impact. Horm proposes a “contemporary design” where international influences coexist, reinterpreted by the culture, passion and craftsmanship of Made in Italy.
The brand’s creative philosophy is defined in its corporate vision: to decorate living spaces by creating emotions. Horm stands out for its ability to combine elegant lines and elements of amazement that turns spaces into an expression of those who live in them.
Horm’s sister brand Casamania offers seating and occasional furniture for hotels, bars, restaurants, common areas of buildings and homes. With Casamania, furniture goes beyond its simple function and become a protagonist capable of evoking memories, images, emotions and moods.
The collection is strongly oriented towards modern and contemporary Soft Contract trends and integrates perfectly into high-end furnishing projects where communal spaces for work and leisure are made to offer comfort and relax. It has an eclectic style, where everyday furniture is interpreted through cosmopolitan and avant-garde influences for an ironic and ‘pop’ design.
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Temporary Exhibits Energize Las Vegas Market
Las Vegas Market’s Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits will surprise and delight buyers with an expanded showcase of 450+ new and returning brands, Jan. 28-31 at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Market’s temporary exhibits are a key destination for discovery this Winter,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “With six categories presenting the new and next from both established and emerging brands, buyers can experience the best of the industry at the Expo in January.”
Categorization Facilitates Sourcing
Las Vegas Market’s Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits will be larger this winter, with an expanded floorplan filling the Expo from wall-to-wall with 450+ tradeshow exhibits showcased in six, easy-to-shop categories: Design, Gift, Handmade, Home, Immediate Delivery and LUXE.
Gift, the largest category, features traditional and contemporary giftware including decorative gifts, jewelry, apparel, personal care, baby and kids resources, stationery and innovative lifestyle products, alongside a special Gourmet Collection which concentrates tabletop, housewares and gourmet foods. Home presents the category’s full spectrum: decorative accessories, accent furniture, home textiles, decorative pillows, bedding and top-of-bed, rugs, lighting and wall décor. The Immediate Delivery category, which allows buyers to instantly restock inventory, showcases a wide range of product – vintage, antiques, jewelry, accessories, gift items, found objects, repurposed and recycled home décor and apparel.
Aesthetics – whether of form or function – define the Design, Handmade and Luxe categories. Handmade spotlights artisanal and one-of-a-kind items in all product categories, handcrafted across all media. Design is a curated collection of established and emerging designers presenting the latest aesthetics in innovation, functionality and thoughtful design. Luxe is a juried showcase of high-end luxury gift and home product.
New Resources Extend Sourcing
Newcomers for Winter 2024 include a roster of innovative and emerging brands, as well as established lines returning after a market hiatus. A special “New Exhibitor Display” located at the entrance to the exhibit floor will showcase a sampling of products from first-time and returning exhibitors.
New, returning and notable exhibitors, confirmed to date, include:
54 Celsius (whimsical candles)– Design
BAREBONES Living (iron cookware and outdoor products) – Gift/Gourmet
Beekman 1802 (goat milk specialty skincare) – Gift
Blomus/SKS USA (German design-driven home accessories) – Design
Blue Planet Eyewear (eyewear) – Gift
Department 56 – Enesco (seasonal and holiday villages) – Gift
FLIKR Fire (tabletop fireplace) – Design
Macramé by Meesh Drops (macramé plant hangers) – Home
Mixologie (personal care) – Gift
Mr. Bird (wild bird seed products) – Gift
Ocochi (oversized and custom bedding) – Home
Sun Jellies (nostalgic jelly bags and shoes) – Gift
Trovelore (nature inspired jewelry) – Handmade
A full list of Las Vegas Market temporary exhibitors is at LasVegasMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
Beyond exhibits, special events and amenities will be offered throughout the market week in the Expo. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. The state-of-the-art, 315,000-square-foot Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas is contiguous with World Market Center’s Building C, one of three permanent showroom buildings that comprise Las Vegas Market, facilitating a continuous flow of traffic between the market’s temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms.
In other temporary exhibit highlights, Las Vegas Market’s 100+ Furniture temporary exhibits – representing outdoor patio furniture, dining tables, sofas, rustic furniture, home décor and mattress/bedding – debut in a new location on Building B’s 6th Floor. The relocation from B2 creates a synergistic floorplan featuring temporary exhibitors alongside permanent showrooms with compatible price points offerings.
Las Vegas Market runs Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at World Market Center Las Vegas, in Buildings A, B and C and The Expo. For Winter 2024, Las Vegas Market Gift & Home Temporaries in The Expo are open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28 – Tuesday, Jan. 30, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. Las Vegas Market is owned and operated by ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers. LasVegasMarket.com
About ANDMORE: ANDMORE℠, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base. ANDMORE.com
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Gen Z Fuels Gift Card Holiday Shopping Trend
The annual holiday forecast from global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network found shoppers surveyed plan to spend 43 percent of their holiday budget on gift cards this year. This trend is largely fueled by Gen Z consumers as the youngest generation of shoppers drives noticeable shifts in holiday shopping behaviors.
The report also found that consumers aren’t starting their holiday shopping as early as they did in 2022 with many planning to wait until the last weeks of December this year.
“Our research found that after a year of economic ups and downs, consumers are still planning to spend on holiday, but overall gift spending will remain relatively flat as 96 percent of consumers report ongoing concerns about cost-of-living pressures,” said Jay Jaffin, chief marketing officer, BHN. “Consumers will once again look to gift cards to make the most out of gifting, with shoppers planning to spend nearly half of overall gifting budgets on gift cards, a trend largely driven by younger consumers.
“For retailers, as the youngest generation of shoppers continues to wield their influence and spending power this holiday season, it has become vital to expand and optimize marketing and gift card programs to include new ways to attract and engage young consumers.”
To understand how shoppers will react to a year of economic volatility, the research commissioned by BHN surveyed American shoppers about their plans and preferences for the upcoming holiday season. Key findings from the research include:
Holiday spending will remain relatively flat with gift cards getting a bigger piece of the holiday pie
Surveyed consumers plan to spend $770 on holiday gifting overall this year, which is a relatively flat 3 percent increase over 2022. However, shoppers plan to spend 43 percent of their total holiday budget on gift cards—up from 37 percent last year; gift card load values are also expected to increase this year. Younger generations plan to purchase a total of 17 gift cards this holiday season (10 physical and 7 digital) while older generations plan to purchase 10 gift cards (7 physical and 3 digital).
Gen Z is making their influence known
As Gen Z consumers continue to drive transformation in retail, the impact of their influence will be felt this holiday season. Reported increases in gift card spend are fueled by Gen Z shoppers’ love for gift cards. Younger generations surveyed plan to buy 70 percent more gift cards than older generations this holiday season. Surveyed Gen Z consumers also plan to spend 56 percent more on gift cards and 9 percent more on gifting overall when compared to last year.
Another noticeable trend getting a boost from Gen Z is a shift in preferred payment types when it comes to holiday purchasing. Younger generations plan to use secondary payment types much more often than older generations. While debit, cash and credit card payments remain the top three payment options among all generations surveyed, many younger shoppers surveyed will also look to store or credit card points (43 percent), mobile wallets (39 percent) and physical gift cards (37 percent) to pay for holiday gifts this year.
Holiday shopping is starting later this year
Whether it’s the extra shopping weekend on calendars this year, or that consumers are no longer overwhelmed with headlines dominated by pandemic news, supply chain issues and labor shortages, retailers can expect shoppers to get a bit of a later start on holiday shopping this year—a trend also driven by Gen Z consumers. BHN’s research found that 72 percent of surveyed Gen Z consumers plan to start shopping in November and December, with many reporting they won’t start until the end of December. With the increased likelihood for more last-minute shoppers this year, leaning into digital gifting will be key for retailers. eGift programs can adapt quickly and consumers continue to embrace digital gifting, especially those that miss holiday ordering deadlines.
For more findings and insights into how to prepare for a successful holiday shopping season, download the Better & Better 2023 Holiday Gift Card Shopper Research.
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Atlanta Fall Cash & Carry Set for Nov. 6-8
ANDMORE’s Fall Cash & Carry event offers buyers an opportunity to source same-day products across home and gift temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms, Nov. 6-8, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Fall Cash & Carry offers a perfect end-of-year opportunity for buyers to stock up on immediate-delivery products and brands to prepare for 2024 markets,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO.
The market of the year will showcase 80+ temporary exhibitors carrying jewelry, accessories and hundreds of gift items with no spending minimum on Building 3, Floor 1. Temporary exhibits are open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, and Tuesday, Nov. 7, and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8. A full list of temporary exhibits is at https://www.americasmart.com/exhibitor/fall-cash-and-carry-directory/temps.
Nearly 400 permanent showrooms will be writing orders and selling samples during the event, with home décor in Building 1, gift in Building 2 and apparel and accessories in Building 3. Showroom dates and hours are Nov. 6-8, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. A full list of open showrooms is at https://www.americasmart.com/Markets/Fall-Cash-and-Carry/Open-Showrooms.
Participants can park onsite or in nearby lots as well as benefit from multiple onsite dining options.
Cash & Carry offers an opportunity for buyers and brands to connect and conduct business for immediate inventory restock each May and November at AmericasMart Atlanta. Atlanta Cash & Carry is owned and operated by ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers. For more information, visit www.AmericasMart.com/Markets/Fall-Cash-and-Carry.
ANDMORE is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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Overstock Changing Corporate Name to Beyond Inc.
Overstock.com, Inc, which operates as Bed Bath & Beyond, will change its corporate name to Beyond, Inc. effective Nov. 6. With the corporate name change, the company will transfer its stock listing from the Nasdaq Global Market to the New York Stock Exchange and change its ticker symbol from OSTK to BYON.
Following the corporate name change, Beyond, Inc. will continue to operate its furniture and home furnishings ecommerce business under the Bed Bath & Beyond brand.
On June 28, Overstock.com, Inc. acquired the Bed Bath & Beyond brand and associated intellectual property. Overstock was rebranded as Bed Bath & Beyond, launching bedbathandbeyond.ca (formerly overstock.ca) in Canada on June 29, followed by bedbathandbeyond.com (formerly overstock.com) and the brand’s new mobile app in the United States on Aug. 1. Bed Bath & Beyond sells a broad array of high quality, on-trend home products at competitive prices, including furniture, bedding and bath, patio and outdoor, area rugs, tabletop and cookware, décor, storage and organization, small appliances, home improvement and more.
“Changing our corporate name to Beyond, Inc. sets us up well for a brighter future,” said Jonathan Johnson, chief executive officer. “As we continue the process of transforming our consumer brand, our new corporate name will help us reach millions of new customers with our advantageous and differentiated, asset-light ecommerce business model. The name ‘Beyond’ emphasizes our commitment to connect new and legacy customers with a wide assortment of products and services.
“Since our founding in 1999, the company has focused on bringing technical expertise to ecommerce and providing a simple and easy experience for consumers and supplier partners. We expect the corporate name change to enhance the awareness of our iconic consumer brand, Bed Bath & Beyond.”
Overstock.com, Inc. will continue to trade on the NASDAQ with ticker symbol OSTK until the close of market on Friday, Nov. 3. Beyond, Inc. will begin trading on the NYSE with ticker symbol BYON when markets open on Monday, Nov. 6. On that day, to celebrate the transfer, representatives of Beyond, Inc. will ring the NYSE Opening Bell at 9:30 a.m. ET.
“We are grateful to NASDAQ for their partnership and support over the years,” Johnson said. “We are thankful to the NYSE for welcoming us to its prestigious platform. We are excited to join many of the world’s biggest consumer brands, as we begin a new chapter in our corporate transformation.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Beyond, Inc. to the New York Stock Exchange,” said Lynn Martin, NYSE President. “Under its new name, Beyond, Inc. joins a world-class community of peers in the retail space at its new listing home, where it can leverage the visibility, unmatched trading platform and other advantages only found at the NYSE.”
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Atlanta Market Presents More Gift Offerings
Atlanta Market, the nation’s largest gift marketplace, continues its growth in Winter 2024 with some 23 updates to its 700+ sales agency and corporate showrooms, bringing a thriving selection of gift offerings to the Winter edition of Atlanta Market, running Jan. 16-22.
“Atlanta Market’s positioning as the gift industry’s premier sourcing destination continues into 2024 with the expansion of diverse resources available at Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “With an unparalleled breadth and depth of gift products, Atlanta Market delivers the newest designs and innovations, as well as reliable best sellers for buyers – there’s literally something for everyone at AmericasMart.”
Atlanta Market’s gift offerings are available across 19 floors in Buildings 1, 2 and 3. In addition to general gift, Atlanta Market offers products in the tabletop, housewares, gourmet, outdoor living and seasonal categories. January 2024 updates include six new showrooms and 17 expanded showrooms.
Six new showrooms are Guardian Packaging (custom gift packaging); Home Malone (handmade jewelry and local art); Kadra Kitchenware (flatware and formal dinnerware); Le Creuset (cookware and Dutch ovens); Pro Global (music boxes); and VIP Home & Garden (everyday, outdoor and seasonal gift).
Some 17 showrooms expand in Winter 2024, including Avanti (greeting cards); Alpine Corporation (garden décor);Campo de’ Fiori (terra cotta planters); Creative Co-Op (home and seasonal décor); December Diamonds (seasonal and holiday décor); Harold Imports (housewares and cooking tools); K & K Interiors (everyday interior and garden décor); Kalalou (home accents and garden décor); La Ribbons (wrapping paper and ribbon);Lotus International (pottery and glazed planters); Old World Christmas (Christmas ornaments and accessories); Portmeirion (dinnerware, gifts and homeware); Revolution – Papersalt (books and pop culture merchandise); Rosse & Associates (tabletop and kitchenware); Shishi (Norwegian-Estonian vases and home décor and); Two Lumps of Sugar (kitchen accessories and totes);and William Yeoward Crystal (crystal bowls and barware).
Beyond permanent showrooms, Atlanta Market offers 1,400 temporary gift and home exhibitors in 30+ categories across five tradeshow floors at AmericasMart Atlanta. Temporary exhibits are open Jan. 17-21.
A full list of Atlanta Market resources is at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
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Shoppe High Point Deemed Success
Shoppe Object’s curated installation at High Point Market launched last week, delighting attendees with its spirit of brand discovery, artisanal finds and an inviting temporary exhibition space. Shoppe High Point ran Oct. 14-17 on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square, presenting 100+ carefully selected brands that were new to High Point Market. The show-within-a-show focused on home décor, accessories and furnishings; it marked a successful start for the new twice-yearly fixture at High Point Market.
“Our High Point launch was such a natural fit — it felt like one big housewarming party,” said Shoppe Object founder and Show Director Jesse James. “I’ve been eyeing the historic, loft-like space we now occupy for years, and I always had this dream that we would one day activate it, filling it with beauty. To see that come together … to watch jubilant faces of attendees as they traversed the meandering floor and basked in the natural light while making new connections and new discoveries … it was all very gratifying. We have found our home in High Point, and I’m looking forward to the April redux as we continue to build awareness of our very special location within this exciting and expansive market.”
The roster of exhibitors included a net positive in excess of 100 newcomers to High Point Market. Companies such as Connecticut-based Dumais Made (Lighting), consumer-facing ceramic darling East Fork Pottery (Tabletop), and sustainability-missioned Cyrc (Home Decor & Accessories) all joined for the first time. The sense of discovery — both of the New York-based Shoppe Object and of the design-driven products there — permeated the space.
“When I come to High Point, I’m looking for pieces of distinction,” remarked Bay Bertea, VP of marketing for contemporary design retailer 2MODERN. “In finding Shoppe Object at High Point this year, there’s more opportunity for that design discovery. I found pieces from all over the world, especially designs that felt bespoke, that felt unusual, that felt unexpected.”
The crowd’s curious energy was abundantly evident to exhibitors as well.
“There’s a buzz in the air and a lot of excitement as the buyers and designers are walking through; we’re overhearing their conversations on phones – ‘You need to get over here … this is great!’” said Dove and Donkey cofounder Jadine Greenaway, whose booth was positioned within earshot to attendees’ initial reactions near the Shoppe High Point main entrance.
In keeping with the international representation of Shoppe Object in NYC, representing nearly a quarter of the show floor, many of the Shoppe High Point exhibiting partners hailed from outside of the United States. Belgium-based lifestyle brand SERAX, made its U.S. market debut showcasing a new Kelly Wearstler tabletop collection. The family-run Kashmiri textile business Me & K debuted its SS24 home assortment of fine, sustainably-sourced Kashmir throws. And Sydney’s MUD Australia launched its new line of porcelain pendants and lamps at the show.
The opportunity for U.S. buyers and international brands to meet in person has been a highlight for many, including Charlotte Volcke, the chief sales & marketing officer at SERAX: “We’ve been wanting to do business with a particular US retailer for a long time. And yesterday, I was able to open that account in multiple stores. So that’s definitely been the high of my day; I was able to actually convert that relationship into new business.”
In addition to the plethora of curated and handpicked brands and products, the third floor of Historic Market Square was outfitted with an array of charming reasons to spend time in the space, from keeping the character of the building’s historic elements to the menu selections of the Shoppe Cafe and Shoppe Bar. The hardwood floors, natural light, and Shoppe Object’s signature good vibes did not go amiss.
“It’s a light and airy area. And spacious. It doesn’t feel like the normal trade show, with everyone doing the aisles and doing the rounds; it has a much more organic feel,” said exhibitor Niki Wright, LightsandLamps.com co-founder. “It’s quite a homey space. Here, people are just happy wandering.”
Danne Semeraro from Sempli, a longtime Shoppe Object exhibiting glassware brand exclaimed, “It looks fantastic! And the vibe is like a part of New York coming into this historic market of High Point.”
The success of Shoppe High Point signals a continued focus on home brands for Shoppe Object, with 55% of the exhibitors at the August market in New York showing in the home categories. Several of the New York exhibitors exhibited in October’s High Point installation: MQuan Studio (Ceramics), Saved New York (Home Textiles), Sir/Madam (Home Décor), and Michael Wainwright USA (Tabletop).
Shoppe Object will return to its North Carolina abode on the third floor of Historic Market Square in April 2024 with 100+ brands – including both returning and new-to-market exhibitors – and a slew of new activations and events.
With much more on the horizon for 2024, many – including Semeraro – know that the show has just begun.
“I’m excited and curious about what’s coming to High Point with Shoppe [Object]. The ‘high point’ of High Point has definitely been to be part of the start of something that feels like it’s going to be much, much, much bigger. Something really big.”
Shoppe Object’s next show will take place Feb. 4-6 in New York City, with an expanded show floor across two neighboring venues: Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The show is open each day from 9 am to 6 pm. Register through Shoppe Object’s website, and be sure to sign up for the Shoppe Object email newsletter for regular updates, invites, and inspiration all season.
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Amazon, Prada Group, Luxury Brands Aid in Counterfeit Products Case in China
Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit, the Prada Group, and other luxury brands collaborated to provide information and evidence to Chinese law enforcement, which resulted in a counterfeiter’s guilty plea to crimes related to the sale of counterfeit products.
The plea represents a rare instance where a criminal referral from the CCU resulted in a criminal judgment primarily based on the evidence of overseas counterfeit sales records and fulfillment center inventory records outside of China, and not on seized counterfeit products.
In common practice, criminal judgments had typically been issued by courts when there was evidence of counterfeits seized during raids by law enforcement. In this instance, the court was able to primarily rely on the information provided by Amazon and luxury brands, such as Prada.
Amazon’s CCU detected the defendant’s attempted counterfeiting in 2021, and following internal investigations, Amazon provided a criminal referral to the relevant regional Chinese enforcement agency, or public security bureau, to pursue a criminal case. The defendant has been sentenced to three years in prison, will pay a $25,000 fine, and forfeit all revenue gained from the sale of counterfeit goods. The individual’s illicit inventory of counterfeits will also be seized and destroyed.
“The guilty plea is a significant win for Amazon’s CCU, but more importantly it’s a win for all of those who share our commitment to tackling the industry-wide issue of counterfeiting,” said Kebharu Smith, director of Amazon’s CCU. “This successful result would not have been possible without the collaboration with law enforcement and luxury players such as the Prada Group. We are grateful for their support and look forward to continuing to take the fight to counterfeiters.”
Francesca Secondari, Prada Group general counsel and chief legal officer said: “We are firmly committed to eradicating the sale of counterfeit goods to protect our brands and to ensure that our products meet the level of quality, craftsmanship and care that people expect from us. Through the collaboration with Amazon, we are making great progress in the fight against those who attempt to break the law and to negatively impact our customers.”
Amazon employs a host of automated protection technologies to keep counterfeits from ever entering the store. In 2022, Amazon’s systems stopped more than 800,000 bad actor attempts at opening new selling accounts, before they were able to list a single product for sale, and more than 99% of listings suspected of being fraudulent or counterfeit are blocked or removed through Amazon’s automated, proactive protections.
Amazon remains committed to pursuing bad actors who attempt to evade protections and continuing to work to maintain the integrity of the Amazon store. Amazon works closely with brands and law enforcement across the globe to hold bad actors accountable. In 2022, Amazon’s CCU sued or referred for investigation over 1,300 criminals in the U.S., the UK, across the EU, and in China.
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Tractor Supply Offers Veterans Day Discount
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, will honor active and former military members and their dependents with a 15 percent discount in stores nationwide on Veterans Day. On Saturday, Nov. 11, all service members, veterans and their dependents with a valid military ID or proof of service are eligible for the promotion.
“Our military and their families sacrifice greatly to protect our freedom,” stated Colin Yankee, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer at Tractor Supply and former U.S. Army captain. “Our Veterans Day discount is one small way that we show our appreciation each year.”
In addition to discounts on Veterans Day and Independence Day, Tractor Supply shows its support for the nation’s military throughout the year. Since 2018, Tractor Supply partnered with the Farmer Veteran Coalition to provide grants to farmer veterans. This year, Tractor Supply and the Tractor Supply Foundation gave $100,000 to support military veterans in their agricultural pursuits. Grant recipients are focused on areas spanning beekeeping, sustainable gardening, animal care, medicinal crop cultivation and more.
As a primary area of corporate giving, Tractor Supply supports military service members through partnerships with groups including Dogs on Deployment, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Folds of Honor, Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Paws4Vets.
The Veterans Day discount will be available on all in-store purchases at Tractor Supply locations nationwide on Saturday, Nov. 11. To learn more about Tractor Supply’s ongoing support of active and former military members and their families, follow Tractor Supply on Facebook and Instagram or visit TractorSupply.com.
For 85 years, Tractor Supply Company has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 291 on the Fortune 500. The company’s 52,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.
As of July 1, the company operated 2,181 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states, including 81 stores acquired from Orscheln Farm and Home in 2022 that will be rebranded to Tractor Supply by the end of 2023. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of July 1, the company operated 192 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.
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IHA Announces gia Top Window Awards
The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association, the global sponsors and organizers of the IHA Global Innovation Awards program, announced the Global Honorees for the gia Top Window Awards during the “The Window Stage in The Digital Age / gia Top Window Award” presentation by gia expert juror Anne Kong. The Global Honorees are:
Small Company Category
- · Elsasser-Peter AG, Switzerland
Large Company Category
- · Culinarium, Spain
“The International Housewares Association is very proud to have honored the very best in home + housewares retailing through the gia Awards for over 20 years. The most recent gia Top Window Awards competition had entries from 11 countries, and it is incredibly encouraging to see the creativity and passion that retailers are placing into their window displays,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO.
“We look forward to hosting the two gia Top Window Award winners at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, along with more than 30 additional retailers who have won other gia country-level competitions.”
The gia Top Window Award is a special award program under the gia umbrella. As with the general gia Retail Awards, the Top Window competition is structured on a two-tier level, national and global. Co-sponsoring the country-specific gia Top Window programs with IHA are housewares trade publications worldwide, who sponsor national gia programs in their respective countries, nominating the best windows for the global competition.
The global jury, consisting of the four gia Expert Jurors – Anne Kong, Scott Kohno, Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen and Wolfgang Gruschwitz – evaluated home and housewares windows from around the world based on:
• Originality and Creativity (theme, concept, special effects)
• Merchandise Presentation
• Professionalism: Execution and Technical Aspects (lighting, attention to detail,
signage, copy)
The two gia Top Window Global Honorees of 2023 will be invited to The Inspired Home Show 2024 in Chicago and honored at a festive awards dinner on Sunday, March 17, together with the other gia winners of 2023-2024.
The gia program was created by IHA and The Inspired Home Show to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world. Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been over 500 gia retail award winners from more than 50 countries on six continents.
For more information about the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2024-2025, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on the gia program is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.
For more information on The Inspired Home Show 2024 and to pre-register for an entrance badge, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
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AURA Technologies Launches Ion Bar
AURA Technologies, an innovative provider of technology solutions for health, safety, security, and national defense, has launched the AURA Ion Bar, a groundbreaking new product category in the indoor air quality space. The Ion Bar is the only system in the world that creates a germ-destroying barrier across any two spaces safely using Negative Air Ions.
This first-of-its-kind product addresses a critical flaw in current indoor air quality systems by targeting the contamination that occurs in areas where you feel most vulnerable to germs and contaminants – such as conference rooms, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms and public transport. The AURA Ion Bar creates a line of defense – essentially a “force field” of air – that is infused with NAIs, is ozone free and eliminates at least 99.95% of airborne and surface pathogens while keeping , pollen, smoke and germs out of clean spaces.
“The AURA Ion Bar represents a significant leap in air safety technology,” said Anna Bennett, Co-CEO of AURA Technologies. “This game-changing product is a result of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that promote health and well-being in the post-COVID era. By harnessing the power of negative air ions, the Ion Bar ensures clean air without the need for constant filter replacements, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective choice for maintaining superior indoor air quality.”
Designed to create a protective sheet of air enriched with a high concentration of NAIs, Ion Bar acts as an invisible barrier by blocking contaminants before they enter a space, and by removing contaminants from the breathing zone. NAIs are a powerful disinfectant and completely harmless to humans, pets and furnishings. Ion Bar utilizes its patented design to inject high concentrations of germicidal NAIs at the point of entry, effectively sanitizing the air before it has an opportunity to enter or leave the room.
With the AURA Ion Bar, you can now navigate high-traffic areas such as airports, lavatories and elevators with newfound confidence, which solves a problem that no other product on the market has addressed. Now, you can enjoy the protection created by the Ion Bar “force field,” protecting you from germs and viruses with a greater sense of confidence, and ensuring your space remains clean. Independent lab results have shown the Ion Bar to reduce SARS-CoV-2 by at least 99.95 percent. In comparison, a properly-fitted N-95 mask only blocks 95 percent of pathogens or about 1/100th of the stopping power of AURA Ion Bar, meaning for the first time since COVID-19, people can move through their world with greater peace of mind.
The AURA Ion Bar requires no filtration, making it both an economical and environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, it has been rigorously tested for ozone emissions, producing no measurable ozone (down to 0.001 ppm of ozone). As such, Ion Bar is intrinsically ozone-safe and has no measurable ozone output, setting it apart from the many other electrostatically based air purifiers that rely on carbon filters to maintain safe ozone output levels.
The reality is that every time someone steps into a home, office, hotel, classroom or retail store, they are unknowingly followed by a cloud of potentially harmful contaminants. This product changes this paradigm by instantly deactivating pathogens, ensuring cleaner, healthier air upon entry. Its powerful airflow and ozone-free ion technology not only eliminates airborne and surface pathogens but also tackles dust, pollen, smoke and germs.
Operating at the sound of a whisper, AURA’s patent-pending Ion Bar is a vital component of any clean air system, offering the most effective solution at entry and exit points, including doorways, windows, and portals. To learn more, please visit here.
At AURA Technologies, we bring a new way of thinking to advanced technology R&D. Using the highest caliber talent and the latest advancements in computer science, we are actively innovating to make the world a better place through the use of Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Science, Physics, and Engineering combined with the latest emerging technologies. From our cutting-edge solutions created for the Department of Defense to our revolutionary products designed in response to COVID, we develop real innovations for health, safety, security and national defense.
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GE Appliances Opens CoCREATE in Conn.
GE Appliances, a Haier company, together with state education and workforce development leaders, officially opened CoCREATE to the public in Stamford, Conn. Part appliance factory, community makerspace and design & experience center, CoCREATE is a first-of-its-kind cocreation hub designed to bring people together to make, connect, and inspire.
“We are thrilled to officially open CoCREATE, a dynamic incubator for innovation and partnership that puts the community at the very center of the experience,” said GE Appliances President & CEO Kevin Nolan. “CoCREATE is the latest example of our continued commitment at GE Appliances to investing in America and creating possibilities that lead to economic growth and opportunities in local communities like Stamford.”
“I’m so excited to welcome CoCREATE to our state! This first-of-its-kind innovation hub represents GE Appliances’ renewed commitment in our region to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and providing exciting opportunities for the local community,” said Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
CoCREATE is located at 47 John Street, a 67,000 sq. foot facility in Stamford’s Harbor Point neighborhood. GE Appliances broke ground on CoCREATE in the fall of 2021 and began manufacturing select small appliances inside the facility last year. The state-of-the-art facility merges elements of modern manufacturing and community collaboration and engagement under one roof to create an environment that fosters innovation, cultivates meaningful partnerships, and drives exceptional customer experiences.
“CoCREATE is an incredible, unique addition to the City of Stamford—from providing students the opportunity to get hands on experience in their state-of-the-art makerspace, to its beautiful test kitchen and design center,” said Stamford Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan. “We are excited for GE Appliances to open its doors to the community so they can take full advantage of all that it has to offer.”
Now fully open, CoCREATE offers many unique opportunities for everyone, from the local maker community to families and consumers. Here’s how:
A Place to Make: CoCREATE houses the second FirstBuild makerspace in the country. FirstBuild was first established in Louisville to accelerate GE Appliances’ pace of innovation through social product development with a global community of makers online and in its publicly available makerspace.
With access to hand tools, 3D printers, lasers, and other state-of-the-art equipment, the makerspace will offer community hours that invite individuals to explore their creativity, prototype ideas, and transform concepts into actual products. CoCREATE will also host educational programming and other learning opportunities in the makerspace for students, families, area high schools, and community groups.
Visitors can also see inside the CoCREATE microfactory, where they can watch the craftsmanship that goes into building small appliances from GE Appliances’ lineup, including the Monogram Hearth Oven and GE Profile Smart Mixer. Here, the company builds on its longstanding commitment to workforce development and American manufacturing. Through partnerships with the University of Connecticut and Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, students work paid, part-time shifts in the factory after classes alongside CoCREATE engineers.
“As CoCREATE opens its doors to the community, I want to thank CEO Kevin Nolan and GE Appliances for being inclusive, engaged and forward-thinking partners,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “Since the inception of this incredible space, our students have been able to gain hands-on experience in this unique facility. Kevin made sure to include students from local institutions, and specifically he wanted community college students to be in on the ground-floor of the design, build-out, and ultimately the usage of CoCREATE. With thousands of jobs open today and thousands more expected to open in coming years, CoCREATE is preparing the next generation of workers from all walks of life for advanced manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
A Place to Connect: CoCREATE offers an on-site community coffee shop, creating a welcoming place for visitors to connect. Additionally, within the facility’s design & experience center, community members can engage directly with the CoCREATE team, test new products, and provide valuable feedback.
The center’s Monogram Test Kitchen also provides an avenue for culinary enthusiasts to elevate their cooking skills. Equipped with Monogram brand appliances, this fully functional kitchen will host chef demonstrations, cooking lessons, and other community events. Local chefs will also use the test kitchen as part of a newly formed partnership with the Village Community Foundation‘s ‘Kitchen Incubator’ Program, which supports local, emerging chefs and restaurateurs.
A Place to Inspire: CoCREATE’s immersive brand showroom offers inspiration for home and kitchen design, even allowing visitors to customize select appliances. It showcases kitchen vignettes from GE Appliances’ various brands, such as Monogram, Café, GE, GE Profile, Haier and Hotpoint, highlighting their individual, distinctive styles.
The facility also features a retail area where visitors can explore and purchase products as well as a heritage center that pays homage to the region’s rich manufacturing history. Visitors can learn more about industrial and consumer products from the past that were invented in Connecticut, including small appliances first developed in Bridgeport by General Electric in the 1920s. In 2020, GE Appliances announced it would return to the manufacturing and selling of small appliances after 35 years.
For CoCREATE visiting hours and additional information, please visit stamfordcocreate.com.
Since 2016, GE Appliances has invested over $2 billion in its U.S. footprint—more than any other appliance company in America. CoCREATE is the latest testament to this commitment, further fueling the company’s innovation and American growth.
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Reynolds Consumer Products Appoints Huckins as CFO
Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. has appointed Scott E. Huckins as the company’s chief financial officer, effective Nov. 13. He is the successor to Michael Graham, who will then shift to an advisory role until his retirement in February.
“We are excited for Scott to join us as CFO as we continue to provide products that simplify daily life for consumers. He brings extensive experience in leading finance at consumer staples and publicly traded companies – most recently as CFO at SunOpta, where he demonstrated his expertise in P&L management. During this time, he also served a dual role as general manager for the turnaround of one of SunOpta’s business units, further exhibiting his strength as a business leader. I look forward to working with Scott, who will lead our financial team as we continue to focus on growth and operational excellence,” said Lance Mitchell, chief executive officer.
Mitchell added, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Michael Graham for his leadership over many years. From carefully managing our resources, to developing a strong Finance team, to his role in taking the company public, his contributions have truly made RCP successful. We look forward to a smooth transition and wish Michael all the best in his retirement.”
Huckins brings extensive experience to the company. He most recently served as the CFO of SunOpta, Inc., since 2019, where he was instrumental in contributing to substantial revenue and earnings growth through significant operational focus and portfolio prioritization. Serving in the additional role of general manager for SunOpta’s fruit business unit, he helped to drive overall success of the business from 2021 to 2022. He also led the 2020 sale of the global ingredients segment, SunOpta’s largest business unit at the time.
Huckins previously served as CFO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., from 2016 to 2019, which included leading recapitalization and business consolidation initiatives, followed by a change of ownership.
Prior to Claire’s, Huckins was with Sears Holdings from 2012 to 2016, as vice president – treasurer, and president of Sears Reinsurance Company, Ltd. In his previous role, he served at RSC Holdings, Inc., as vice president of Treasury, Tax, and Investor Relations. He also formerly served as principal at Pioneer Advisors. He had several leadership roles at Koch Industries Inc. and affiliated companies, including president & CEO of Koch Financial Products, LLC, CFO of the Capital Markets Division, treasurer at Koch Industries Inc., and CFO at KoSa B.V.
Huckins holds a bachelor of science in finance from Arizona State University and earned a master of management, with concentrations in finance and management strategy, from Northwestern University, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Huckins added, “I’m excited to be joining Reynolds Consumer Products. Knowing the strength of the brands and products, I’m looking forward to working with the team to drive further growth and additional margin expansion.”
Reynolds Consumer Products is a leading provider of household products that simplify daily life so consumers can enjoy what matters most. With a presence in 95 percent of households across the United States, Reynolds Consumer Products manufactures and sells products that people use in their homes across three broad categories: cooking, waste and storage and disposable tableware. Iconic brands include Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil and Hefty trash bags, as well as dedicated store brands which are strategically important to retail customers. Overall, Reynolds Consumer Products holds the No. 1 or No. 2 U.S. market share position in the majority of product categories it serves. For more information, visit https://investors.reynoldsconsumerproducts.com/.
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Blain’s Farm & Fleet Opens Toyland
Blain’s Farm & Fleet opened Toyland on Oct. 14. This year’s theme, “Where Wishes Come True for Everyone,” promises an enchanting experience for shoppers of all ages.
“Toyland is not just an event. It’s a tradition that brings families together, embodying the holiday season’s joy and the spirit of giving,” says new Blain’s Farm & Fleet President, Mark Hasting. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this festive celebration and contribute to Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s commitment to spreading the holiday spirit.”
In the spirit of spreading joy and embodying the true essence of Christmas, Blain’s Farm & Fleet proudly continues the tradition of the Kids Helping Kids toy drive. When you donate a new, unwrapped toy at any of the 45 store locations, your gesture becomes a catalyst for goodwill. For each contribution, Blain’s Farm & Fleet will match it, effectively doubling the impact and striving toward a total contribution of $250,000.
Reflecting on the rich history of Toyland, which originated over 65 years ago as Bert and Claude Blain’s heartfelt desire to convey appreciation to friends and neighbors, this year’s Toyland is envisioned to be exceptionally memorable for both new and long-time friends, young and old. The aim is to embody the spirit of forging enduring connections while crafting enchantment for generations to come.
“It warms my heart to see families coming together to make a difference in our local communities through the Kids Helping Kids program,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson, owner and CEO. “Toyland is a celebration of joy, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season.”
Toyland runs until Dec. 24, providing ample time for shoppers to make their wishes come true.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a specialty retailer with 45 locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This Modern General Store remains steadfast in its commitment to offering customers high quality products, competitive prices, and reliable service.
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Gift for Life Recognizes Top Donors
Gift for Life has released its list of leading 2023 donors, recognizing 45 individuals and companies – each giving between $500 to $10,000+ during this calendar year. The announcement is part of Gift for Life’s new tiered donor recognition program launched during the industry’s summer 2023 markets.
“The gifts received from our industry partners are the lifeblood for organizations like World Central Kitchen,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life. “Recognition of the manufacturers, sales agencies, market-makers, trade media and individuals who support Gift for Life across multiple markets is long overdue.
This new tiered recognition program allows Gift for Life to recognize our most consistent and generous supporters for their philanthropic contributions.”
Recognition tiers include three Diamond Donors ($10,000+); six Platinum Donor ($5,000+); three Gold Donors ($3,000+); 13 Silver Donors ($1,000+) and 19 Bronze Donors ($500+).
To date, Gift for Life’s leading 2023 donors are:
DIAMOND DONORS $10,000 or more
Eichholtz
Fine Lines
The Portico Collection
PLATINUM DONORS $5,000 or more
ANDMORE
J Douglas
The Link Companies
Todd & Jannetta Litzman
NY NOW
Schauben & Co.
GOLD DONORS $3,000 or more
Diverse Marketing
Gift and Home Trade Association
IvyStone
SILVER DONORS $1,000 or more
Anne McGilvray & Company
Crystal Media Co.
DM Merchandising
Fieldstone Marketing
Loloi
Nest, Inc.
OOLY
Rain Jewelry
Road Runners LLC
Roman
Swig
The 7th Haven
Tonies Art
BRONZE DONORS $500 or more
Bigelow
Blue Q
Bry Group
Creative Co-Op
Darrah Reps
David Youngson Associates
E Newton Design
Eller and Associates
Emergent Workshop
Haute Diggity Dog
Jane Murray
Jen Dolan
John Grob
K. Hall Studio
Keena
MarketTime
Sales Producers, Inc.
Sapphire Group
Sophistiplate
To donate, visit donate.wck.org/GFL2023. All proceeds benefit World Central Kitchen’s efforts to combat crisis-related hunger.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. To date, it has served 300 million meals to communities across the globe. In 2020, with COVID-19 straining traditional food security safety nets like school feeding programs, city services and food banks, WCK pivoted to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that needed support and launched the Restaurants for the People program to scale nationwide.
Fast forward to 2022 and the escalating crisis in Ukraine and at home. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the front lines making sure there is always a warm meal, an encouraging word, and a helping hand. World Central Kitchen has supplied tens of millions of fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Donations will be used to support emergency food relief efforts and resilience programs.
Gift for Life was founded in 1992 by a small group of gift industry professionals responding to the tragic loss of friends and colleagues because of AIDS. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6M for AIDS research and education, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment with charity partners AmfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) (1992-2007) and DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (2008-2020).
In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief.
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5th ‘Next-Gen’ Walmart Fulfillment Center to Open in ’26
Walmart has plans to open its fifth ‘next-generation’ fulfillment center in Stockton, Calif., in 2026. The new 900,000 square-foot facility located at 150 Mariposa Road in Stockton—about 50-miles south of Sacramento—will enable the retailer to fulfill online orders throughout the west coast with greater speed and efficiency.
The Stockton fulfillment center will be the fifth of Walmart’s ‘next generation’ facilities combining skilled associates with technology and machine learning to provide the west coast with faster shipping and delivery, while increasing fulfillment capacity for Walmart.com orders.
The high-tech facility will feature an automated, high-density storage and retrieval system that streamlines a manual, 12-step process down to just five steps. Benefits of the new technology include more comfort for associates, double the storage capacity and twice the number of customer orders Walmart can fulfill in a day, expanding next- or two-day shipping for Walmart customers.
“The announcement of our high-tech fulfillment center in Stockton commemorates yet another significant stride in our omni-channel retail efforts,” said Karisa Sprague, senior vice president, Fulfillment Network Operations for Walmart U.S. “In response to increasing customer demand for online shopping, we are implementing technology to enhance delivery speed and accuracy for our customers, all the while creating new and exciting technology-empowered career paths for our associates.”
Combined with the rest of Walmart’s fulfillment network, ‘next generation’ fulfillment centers, like the Stockton facility, will enable the retailer to reach 95% of the U.S. population with next- or two-day shipping. Walmart Fulfillment Services, Walmart’s end-to-end third-party fulfillment service, will also leverage the space to fulfill third-party Marketplace items.
The Stockton fulfillment center will soon be home to more than 1,000 Walmart associates. The retailer will hire for a variety of positions, including tech-focused jobs.
“The new Stockton facility is another great example of how Walmart is people-led and tech-powered. It’s an investment in technology that will pave the way for good jobs and great careers for our associates,” said Maren Waggoner, senior vice president, End-to-End People Operations at Walmart U.S. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on the Central Valley community, creating new opportunities to work with cutting edge technology and lasting career growth with Walmart.”
Full-time positions qualify for Walmart’s total rewards and benefits plans, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, stock purchase plan and access to a tuition-paid college degree through Walmart’s Live Better U. Candidates can search for open positions and complete applications online at careers.walmart.com.
Walmart has eight distribution centers, four fulfillment centers, 309 retail stores and employs 100,140+ associates in the state of California. In FYE 2023, stores, clubs and the Walmart Foundation gave $66 million in cash and in-kind donations to local California organizations.
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Las Vegas Fall Sample Sale Set for Nov. 8-10
ANDMORE’s Las Vegas Fall Sample Sale gives retailers and designers one more opportunity before year-end to source same-day product from 25+ home furnishing and gift showrooms, Nov. 8-10, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“The Fall Sample Sale is the perfect Q4 opportunity for buyers to replenish inventory while brands make space for the newest products coming in January,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “World Market Center Las Vegas is home to thousands of top-name brands, many of which will be selling products in November for same-day delivery.”
The Fall Sample Sale will showcase 50+ gift and home showrooms in Buildings A, B and C. Participating showrooms include: Area West; Capel Rugs; Classic Home; Collective Home; Crestview Collection; Currey & Co.; Diverse Marketing; Elegant Furniture & Lighting; Elite Home Theater Seating; European Bath, Kitchen, Tile & Stone; F.E.M. Sales; Fine Lines; Garden Age Supply; Gerson Company; Giftcraft; Gifts of Nature; Global Views/Studio A; Hammond’s Candies; Hooker Furnishings; Howard Elliot Collection; Kalco Lighting; Kim Samela for Norwalk; Kurt S. Adler, Inc.; Leftbank Art; Lite Source; Melrose International; Messermeister; Mood Dekor; Mother Ruggers aka Orleena, LLC; NEST, The New Era Sales Team; Next Step Reps; Norwalk Furniture; Nourison; O.W. Lee; Omnia Furniture; Pacific Green; Phillips Collection; R-Biz Associates; Rene Cazares; Road Runners; Rug Factory Plus; Safavieh; Sales Producers, Inc.; Stephen Young; Theodore Alexander; Top Land Trading; Toyology; Vanguard/Feizy; Vertuu and Zuo.
Las Vegas Fall Sample Sale runs Wednesday, Nov. 8, through Friday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a full list of participating showrooms and more information, visit https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events/Fall-Sample-Sale.
Las Vegas Sample Sale offers an opportunity for buyers to explore dozens of showrooms for deep discounts on select home furnishings and gift floor samples in the spring and fall. Las Vegas Sample Sale is owned and operated by ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers. For more information, visit LasVegasMarket.com/en/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
ANDMORE is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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At Home Celebrates 15M Insider Perks Members
At Home has reached a milestone as the company celebrates 15 million Insider Perks members. Insider Perks is At Home’s free, award-winning loyalty program that allows members to enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits so shoppers can find on-trend home products to fit every room, style, season and budget.
This milestone is a testament to At Home’s commitment to the customer experience and growth of the loyalty program. Insider Perks allows At Home to drive shopper engagement while enabling the company to better understand shopper preferences.
“The growth of our Insider Perks program marks an exciting milestone for our business. It allows us to better understand our customer and keep them at the center of our decisions,” said Susan Rodgers, Chief Marketing Officer of At Home.
Member benefits include:
- Flash Finds: Special pricing on select deals throughout the year.
- Early Access to Black Friday: Shop At Home’s Black Friday deals five days before the general public.
- Sneak Peaks: Be the first to know about special promotions, events, collection launches and price drops.
- Offers: Receive a welcome offer to use on your next purchase and a yearly birthday bonus.
- Gift with Purchase and Sweepstakes: Be eligible for exclusive gift with purchase events and member-only sweepstakes.
- Hassle-free Receiptless Returns: No receipt? No problem.
Shoppers can also earn unlimited rewards with the At Home Insider Perks credit card through Synchrony. Credit cardholders can enjoy special financing, reward certificates to be used on future purchases, 10 percent off their first purchase and more with no annual fee.
At Home’s Insider Perks program was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Loyalty Programs in 2021 and in 2022.
Join At Home’s Insider Perks loyalty program here and apply for the At Home Insider Perks credit card today.
At Home, The Home & Holiday Superstore, offers up to 45,000 on-trend home products to fit every room, style, season and budget. From furniture, mirrors, rugs, art and housewares to tabletop, patio and seasonal décor, At Home offers décor for all, and always for less. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, At Home currently operates 264 stores in 40 states. For more information, please visit us online at athome.com.
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Specialty Lighting Leader Lamps Plus Appoints Goldberger as CEO
Specialty lighting leader Lamps Plus has appointed Jason Goldberger as CEO. Co-founder Dennis Swanson will remain on the board, using his decades of experience to advise Goldberger.
A well-established executive with 30 years of digital and retail experience, Goldberger brings a proven track record in brand growth and success. Having spent the majority of his career in home décor sectors, Goldberger has held CEO roles at Sur La Table, Dollar Shave Club, and Blue Nile, as well as the role of Chief Digital Officer & President of Target.com. He previously worked at Gilt, Hayneedle, and Amazon, and at Linens ‘N Things, he was the company’s Lighting Buyer.
Goldberger joins Lamps Plus just 14 months after Nexus Capital Management LP announced their investment in Lamps Plus.
The son of antiques dealers, Goldberger spent his childhood weekends and vacations moving furniture and helping customers, among other supportive tasks. A true, lifelong industry veteran, he will lead Lamps Plus toward continued expansion and success, as Lamps Plus enters its new era of leadership alongside Nexus Capital Management LP.
“I’m delighted and grateful for the opportunity to lead the future growth and success of Lamps Plus, a truly iconic and historic brand. Dennis and Manja Swanson have built an incredible business over the last 47+ years that is unmatched in the lighting industry, and it’s an honor to lead the team. I thank them for entrusting me as we continue to keep Lamps Plus at the forefront of the industry, and I look forward to continuing our work with Dennis as an advisor and board member,” said Goldberger.
Lamps Plus Co-Founder Dennis Swanson adds that, “Jason is a powerful and experienced leader who has demonstrated years of notable success in the home industry and beyond. His vast knowledge of the lighting and furniture business are unparalleled, and his many years in the industry will carry Lamps Plus into the future as we remain the market leader in lighting. We are pleased to have him join our team.”
In addition to advisory work with Dennis Swanson, Goldberger will work directly with the Lamps Plus leadership team, including President & COO Clark Linstone, CMO David Luebke, SVP of Store Operations Terre Wellington, and other Lamps Plus leaders, in addition to the team at Nexus Capital Management LP.
Established in 1976 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Lamps Plus is the nation’s largest specialty lighting retailer, operating a thriving e-commerce business, LampsPlus.com, along with 35 stores in the western United States. Lamps Plus carries a full range of lighting and home furnishings, including exclusive patented designs and artisan-made customizable shades and lamps. The company’s American Lighting Association-trained staff provides expert advice. Follow @LampsPlus on social media: Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
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Hunter Fan, Jasmine Roth Create Hunter + Jasmine Roth Collection
Hunter Fan Company, the leading manufacturer of ceiling fans, today launched its first collection designed in collaboration with HGTV host and interior designer Jasmine Roth. Featuring the newest offerings from Hunter Lighting, which now comprises around 1,000 SKUs, the Hunter + Jasmine Roth collection introduces seven lighting collections and one ceiling fan collection.
A well-known home renovation, building and design expert, Roth served as brand ambassador for the launch of Hunter Lighting in 2022, which led to collaborating on this new collection. Roth is also the host of HGTV’s hit shows “Help! I Wrecked My House” and “Hidden Potential,” founder of Built Custom Homes, author of “House Story” and curator of her online retail store The Shop by Jasmine Roth.
“I’ve always wanted to create my own lighting line. When working with Hunter over the past few years and getting to see the development process and their attention to quality, I knew it was a natural fit,” said Roth. “I dropped more than a few not-so-subtle hints with their team, so I was thrilled when they asked me about designing my own collection. I think customers will be, too, when they see these products light up their homes.”
Promising to “light your happy,” the collection encompasses an extensive range of styles, including modern, vintage, bohemian, transitional and minimalistic. It includes the Vanning mini and medium pendants, the Fernando chandelier, Fair Oaks pendants and chandeliers, the Rossmoor pendants, vanity and sconce, six lighting variations of the Carrington Isle, the Brookhollow mini and large pendants, three Zola fixtures and the Malden modern ceiling fan.
“Soon after Jasmine assumed the role of spokesperson for Hunter Lightning, we saw an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and design a collection that felt cohesive and distinctly Jasmine,” said Tom Blackwell, president of Hunter Fan Company. “Hunter worked with Jasmine to perfect every detail, from finishes to materials and shapes. Collaborations like these differentiate Hunter in the ceiling fan and lighting industry.”
Several items in the collection are worth noting for their visionary design, as well as for their compatibility with other Hunter collections. The Fernando, a contemporary chandelier reminiscent of the iconic Starburst aesthetic, is one of Roth’s favorite products. With exposed bulbs that create reflective light on the floating shades, this eight-light, Matte Black chandelier was designed for homeowners looking for a modern design in a dining room or bedroom.
The Zola lighting line is another one of Roth’s favorites and pairs perfectly with many other items from the collection. Available as a mini pendant, sconce or chandelier, the Zola captivates with its innovative shape and elegant Matte Black finish.
In an open-concept space, Roth recommends pairing the Zola chandelier with the Malden ceiling fan, a sleek choice to keep any living space cool and stylish. The fan, available in Matte Fresh White, Flat Matte Black and Dove Grey, includes a three-speed reversible motor and evokes a modern Scandinavian aesthetic.
The Hunter + Jasmine Roth collection is the fourth major product launch from Hunter Fan Company this year. The collection can be purchased at HunterFan.com, showrooms, home centers and other online retailers nationwide, including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wayfair.
Keeping homes “Quietly Cool since 1886,” Hunter Fan Company is the world’s original ceiling fan manufacturer. As the number one most installed ceiling fan for over 135 years, Hunter continues to build upon its legacy of performance, comfort and everyday style for any room, giving consumers confidence, peace-of-mind and more control over their home environment. The Memphis-based brand also sells Hunter Lighting, a growing portfolio of chandeliers, pendants and other fixtures designed based on consumer preferences. Rooted in extensive research and testing, Hunter offers a variety of proprietary technologies that differentiate it within the industry, including Wi-Fi-enabled SIMPLEconnect fans, its SureSpeed Guarantee, WeatherMax outdoor fans, its HunterExpress® easy installation innovation and its TrueLight™ promise. Awarded one of the “Best Places to Work in Memphis” for multiple years, Hunter also operates its Hunter Industrial division in Nashville.
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Nalgene Outdoor Offers Everywhere Filter System
Nalgene Outdoor, a leading manufacturer of reusable water bottles since 1969, offers a compatible filter system cap with an easy sip straw for its Wide Mouth bottles that filters out harmful contaminants from both tap and outdoor water sources. Consumers can now purchase the Everywhere Filter System made by Epic Water Filters direct from Nalgene.com. The filter system caps, originally designed with Nalgene Wide Mouth bottles in mind, eliminate harmful contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, industrial & agricultural pollutants and trace pharmaceuticals.
“Now anyone using a Nalgene water bottle can feel that much better about the water they consume, no matter where their adventures take them,” says Elissa McGee, general manager, Nalgene Outdoor. “We’re thrilled to partner with Epic Water Filters, a brand that cares as much as we do about keeping you hydrated, while also reducing single use plastics and promoting sustainability.”
The Everywhere Filter uses patented CoreXchange Technology to remove more than 200+ contaminants from tap and freshwater. The multi-layered filter targets both tap water (Chlorine, Microplastics, Lead, PFAS, etc.) as well as outdoor water contaminants (Bacteria, Virus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, etc.). Each filter has a replaceable filter cartridge that is good for 75 gallons of clean water or about four months of daily use and is compatible with all 32- and 48-ounce Wide Mouth and 24oz On-the-Fly Nalgene water bottles.
“We were purposeful in designing Epic’s patented Everywhere Filter System to enhance the already great experience of drinking from a Nalgene bottle,” says Joel Stevens, co-founder, Epic Water Filters. “Our water filters offer Nalgene bottle users peace of mind that their water is clean and also uphold a commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. Each everywhere filter cartridge replaces the need to buy 550 single-use plastic water bottles.”
The Everywhere Filter System, which replaces an existing Nalgene bottle cap, is available for purchase on Nalgene.com in the following combinations:
- Filter System for 24 & 32oz Nalgene Bottles (Includes Everywhere Filter, Easy Sip Lid & Straw), MSRP: $34
- Filter System for 48oz Nalgene Bottles (Includes Everywhere Filter, Easy Sip Lid & Straw), MSRP: $35
- Replacement Everywhere Filter (Includes 1 Internal Filter Cartridge), MSRP: $30
- 2 Pack – Replacement Everywhere Filter (Includes 2 Internal Filter Cartridges), MSRP: $50
As two like minded brands, Nalgene Outdoor and Epic Water Filters share a commitment to reducing and repurposing single use plastics for the betterment of the environment and mankind. Both products are designed and made in the USA.
For more than 70 years, Nalgene Outdoor has sourced and made its bottles in the USA to minimize its carbon footprint and, as of January 2023, all Nalgene lifestyle bottles are made with material derived from 50% certified recycled content. Today, by using a Nalgene bottle, users not only eliminate the future use of single plastics but promote the repurposing of existing plastic waste otherwise destined for a landfill.
In similar fashion, Epic Water Filters seeks to provide a solution for the world problem of accessing clean water without the continued use of single-use plastic water bottles. Designed for prolific and long-term use, each Everywhere Bottle Filter filter cartridge replaces the equivalent of 550+ plastic bottles, and at end of life is 100% recyclable (with hard to recycle plastics or #7 plastics).
To purchase a Nalgene bottle or an Epic Everywhere Filter System with an easy sip lid and straw for an existing Nalgene bottle, or to learn more about Nalgene Outdoor’s overall commitment to sustainability visit here.
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InSinkErator Introduces Next Generation of Garbage Disposals
InSinkErator, the world’s leading brand of garbage disposals, has introduced the next generation of disposals for today’s modern kitchen. Completely redesigned to grind more types of food waste and do so quietly, the new Power and Advance Series disposals feature the company’s re-engineered MultiGrind and SoundSeal technology. InSinkErator has also simplified installation on these units with the new EZ Connect technology.
Invented, designed, and assembled in America, this next generation of disposals demonstrates the commitment InSinkErator makes to innovation in today’s modern kitchen, providing an environmentally friendly solution for managing food waste. Over 85 years ago, InSinkErator revolutionized the way food waste was discarded in the kitchen, and it continues to be a category leader.
“Providing products for cleaner, fresher, more sustainable kitchens has been our focus for more than 85 years,” said Joe Dillion, president. “Now, we’re proud to take the next step in combining our easiest installation technologies with our quietest and most advanced grinding technologies that will make disposing of food waste and leftovers quicker and easier than ever.”
According to the EPA, every year, food waste contributes to 18% of total U.S. methane emissions that come from landfills. An average family of four produces over 600 pounds of food waste each year. Using an InSinkErator garbage disposal helps divert food waste from landfills – benefiting the community and slowing the acceleration of climate change. The new and improved garbage disposals from InSinkErator have been designed to grind food waste into finer particles that easily flow through household pipes, giving homeowners more confidence to use their disposal without fear of plumbing issues.
“Most homeowners have a real desire to maintain a more sustainable kitchen but truly don’t understand the impact of food waste on the environment and how a garbage disposal can help.” said Mark Cammarota, vice president of marketing. “We have exciting educational programs for both professionals and homeowners on why you shouldn’t throw food waste in the trash and how our new InSinkErator disposals help you better manage your food waste.”
The educational programs include working with influential plumbing professionals, like master plumbers Roger Wakefield and Eric Aune, both of whom are highly influential with plumbing pros on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. InSinkErator is also launching a clever marketing campaign featuring the comedic voice of Wanda Sykes that will focus on educating homeowners on why it’s important to not throw food waste in the trash and how the new InSinkErator disposals have the power to grind most of your food waste.
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Blend On the Go With magic bullet’s Portable Blender
Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure with the all-new magic bullet Portable Blender. This innovative and versatile appliance is designed to empower the creation of delicious blends anywhere, any time.
“magic bullet as a brand is all about developing fun, versatile, affordable, and time-saving appliances for customers, and we’re excited to introduce the latest product in our long line of innovation,” says magic bullet performance marketing manager Trevor Kaufman.
The magic bullet Portable Blender redefines the blending experience by delivering durability, efficiency, and affordability in a compact, portable package.
- The compact blender delivers over 15 blending cycles per 90-minute charge, all from a USB-C power source and two 2000mAh batteries.
- It contains a six-pointed, turbo-charged, stainless steel blade designed to handle harder-to-blend ingredients like frozen fruit and small amounts of ice.
- With two blending modes for maximum efficiency — a 20-second blend cycle and a pulse mode — consumers can use the magic bullet® Portable Blender to create a variety of textures.
- Designed to blend wherever and whenever consumers desire, the blender features a flip-and-sip lid with an easy-to-carry handle, plus a flavor infuser that slips directly into the unit to double as a water bottle.
- Made from lightweight, durable Tritan plastic, the magic bullet Portable’s 16oz blending cup holds its own without weighing anything down; plus, its blending cup, lid, and infuser are all top-rack dishwasher safe.
This new blender aligns with the vibrant, on-the-go lifestyle of the brand’s main consumer demographic – young adults looking for simple ways to make food prep dynamic and exciting. “The new magic bullet® Portable Blender was specifically designed to equip consumers with cordless, on-the-go technology that can keep up with their busy, mobile lifestyles,” said William Gutkowksi, senior product manager at magic bullet®.
In honor of the brand’s ongoing commitment to vibrant self-expression and National Roller Skating Month in October, magic bullet is releasing one custom pair of Roller Skates to show just how portable the new magic bullet Portable Blender truly is. For more information and to enter for a chance to win, visit http://www.themagicbullet.com/ or follow @themagicbullet on Instagram and @themagicbulletofficial on TikTok.
The magic bullet Portable Blender comes in four colors and retails for $39.99. Customers can purchase the magic bullet Portable Blender at themagicbullet.com, Target, Amazon.com, and other favorite retailer websites.
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Las Vegas Design Center Announces October Events
Las Vegas Design Center is set to host three educational, celebratory and fundraising events, in addition to an ongoing exhibitor-hosted weekly designer lunch program, in October at World Market Center Las Vegas: a color presentation with Sherwin Williams and an Art 4 Autism artist reception on Oct. 6 and a women’s educational and networking event on Oct. 26.
“LVDC is always finding more ways to bring the Las Vegas design community together, and October offers multiple events to celebrate and learn,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “With three events and an ongoing lunch program, designers are invited to attend LVDC every week to elevate their sourcing and educational experience with our state-of-the-art resources.”
LVDC First Friday educational seminars will return this October with the Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2024, presented by Laurie Clark, Sherwin-Williams senior designer and account executive. The seminar will present a biennial color trend report that distills large-scale trend stories into components colors, carefully collected into four key chromatic families.
Attendees will discuss the future drivers influencing color and design trend, look at macro themes and global trends, and embark on a visual journey with stimulating imagery, design interpretations and research that supports the 2024 Colormix forecast. The seminar will be held Friday, Oct, 6 at 11 a.m. in LVDC seminar room, A240.
Also on Oct. 6, LVDC will host a Champagne Artist Reception, celebrating and marking the end of its third annual edition of the Art 4 Autism exhibition, a month-long fundraiser, in partnership with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT). The installation of custom art created by adults and children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder is currently on display in the Atrium of Building A, and every original piece in the installation is available for auction. Fifty percent of proceeds raised will benefit FEAT and 50 percent will be given directly to artists.
The reception runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Atrium, and all art is available for auction at LVDC or online at https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/home.cfm?auctionID=22277.
On Thursday, Oct. 26, LVDC will host its second annual women’s event in partnership with Chic Compass Magazine, titled “Women of Las Vegas | The Game Changers,” a dynamic program celebrating the remarkable women who are driving innovation, fostering growth and shaping the future of business in Las Vegas. Main elements include panel discussions, networking, a business showcase and community building – all with a focus on empowerment, leadership, equality, inclusivity and inspiration. The women’s event will run from noon to 5 p.m., with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman welcoming guests during lunch. Seats are limited and 100 percent of the proceeds from the day will benefit The Forgotten Song Foundation. For ticket information and updates, visit www.WomenofLasVegas.eventbrite.com
Throughout the month of October, LVDC brands are hosting weekly Tuesday Lunch sessions for interior designers and their clients. Running now through the end of dall, one brand-per-week will provide lunch at noon. The full lunch and event schedule is at https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/en/Year-Round/LVDC/Events.
Las Vegas Design Center is located at World Market Center Las Vegas on the first two floors of Building A and offers interior designers and other members of the trade year-round access to a comprehensive selection of the industry’s finest product lines.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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Williams Sonoma Launches TUCCI by GreenPan
Williams Sonoma, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched an exclusive cookware collection with GreenPan and Stanley Tucci. The TUCCI By GreenPan Cookware Collection celebrates Italian craftsmanship, utilizes GreenPan’s most advanced ceramic nonstick coating and will be sold exclusively at Williams Sonoma.
Food fanatic and cookbook author Tucci was inspired by his Italian-American family and the time spent together in the kitchen when creating his new cookware collection. Tucci teamed up with GreenPan to create a high-performing cookware that embraces a modern design intended to perfectly prepare a dish but also stylish enough to be served on the table.
“This cookware combines a contemporary sensibility with today’s technology, so it’s both beautiful and highly functional,” said Tucci.
“We are passionate about bringing our customers best-in-class products, and it’s incredibly exciting when we get to do that in partnership with someone they love like Stanley and a brand they are loyal to like GreenPan,” said Williams Sonoma President Felix Carbullido.
Each piece of the TUCCI By GreenPan Collection is handcrafted in Italy to be induction-compatible, has a scratch-resistant exterior, and has customized handles that ensure comfort and control. The collection’s interior is made of ultra-durable ceramic nonstick interiors. The ceramic nonstick pieces are crafted of hard-anodized aluminum with ultra-durable ceramic nonstick interiors, while the stainless-steel pieces are crafted of three-ply stainless steel.
“Williams Sonoma is such an important retail partner for us, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them on this incredible launch. The partnership between GreenPan, Stanley Tucci, and Williams Sonoma is rooted in passion for cooking and commitment to innovation,” said Chief Executive Officer of GreenPan USA, Jacob Maurer.
The TUCCI By GreenPan collection consists of over 35 products with most items coming in three iconic colors: Carrara White, Venetian Teal, and Milano Black.
Highlights from the colorful collection of ceramic cookware include:
- Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan – $99.95-$179.95
- Ceramic Nonstick Dutch Oven 6.5QT – $299.95
- Ceramic Nonstick 6.5qt Essential Stanley Pan – $199.95
- Ceramic Nonstick Saucepans – $149.95-$179.95
- Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Sets – $179.95-$699.95
Several pieces from the collection are also available in a stainless-steel finish:
- Stainless-Steel Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pans – $199.95-$229.95
- Stainless-Steel Saucepans – $169.95-$229.95
- Stainless-Steel Cookware Sets – $199.95-$799.95
Since its founding by Chuck Williams in 1956, the Williams Sonoma brand has been bringing people together around food. A member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands, Williams Sonoma is a leading specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home, providing world-class service and an engaging customer experience. Products include cookware, cooks’ tools, cutlery, electrics, bakeware, food, tabletop and bar, outdoor, cookbooks, as well as furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.
Each store offers cooking classes and tastings conducted by expert culinary staff. A comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events is available in stores and online. On williams-sonoma.com and the Williams Sonoma blog, Taste, customers can find recipes, tips, and techniques that help them create delicious meals. Williams Sonoma is also part of The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands.
Founded in 2007, GreenPan introduced the world to ceramic nonstick cookware. A Belgian cookware and small electrics brand with an international reputation, GreenPan’s signature Thermolon coating is manufactured without the use of PFAS, PFOA or any of the other toxic chemicals used to make traditional nonstick pans and nonstick small appliances. For more information, visit their website: www.greenpan.us/.
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Japanese Manga Inspires Igloo Coolers
Igloo has launched two Playmate coolers inspired by NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, the international hit anime adapted from the original Japanese manga series by creator Masashi Kishimoto. Marking Igloo’s first anime collaboration, the all-new Playmate Cooler Series featuring custom Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha character graphics is available at igloocoolers.com/naruto.
“We are deeply honored to launch our anime collaboration category with none other than the legendary and internationally loved NARUTO SHIPPUDEN,” said Adrienne Berkes, vice president of marketing at Igloo. “Bringing together this global cultural phenomenon with our world-famous Playmate cooler is a force like no other. Once fans catch a glimpse of our two Naruto cooler designs, they will be fired up to get one of their very own.v
“We at VIZ are very excited to be partnering with Igloo on this iconic collection of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN coolers,” said Stephanie Fradue, senior manager of licensing, hardlines at VIZ Media. “Both iconic and respected brands in their own rights, bringing together NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and Playmate coolers in this unique collaboration will hope to bring out the inner ‘hokage’ in our fans. Whether training to be a shinobi or protecting Hidden Leaf Village, these coolers can go along with any adventure that may await!”
Igloo’s NARUTO SHIPPUDEN collaboration, in partnership with VIZ Media, kicks off with two exciting Little Playmate cooler designs featuring Naruto-themed artwork, one of the most popular anime of all time — each $39.99 with a 7-quart capacity that fits up to nine standard 12-ounce cans.
The NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Little Playmate cooler focuses on young shinobi Naruto Uzumaki, the powerful main character on a mission to be the world’s greatest ninja, while the second Little Playmate design depicts Naruto’s rival-turned-closest-friend Sasuke Uchiha.
Anime fans can shop Igloo’s new Playmate Cooler Series on igloocoolers.com/naruto, while supplies last.
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Widgeteer’s McHenry Elected to IHA Board
William C. McHenry, president and CEO of Widgeteer, Inc., has been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association, the full-service trade association for the housewares industry. His three-year term begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2026.
Also elected were new IHA board officers:
- Chairman – Neal Asbury, president & CEO, The Legacy Companies
- Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect – Paul Cosaro, CEO, Picnic Time Family of Brands
- Treasurer – Michael Otterman, president & CEO, Lodge Cast Iron
All officers serve one-year terms from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024.
Retiring from the IHA board is Thomas Nichols, president, Pretika Corporation.
Re-appointed for a second three-year term were: Kim Cole, CEO, Gleener, Inc.; Tom McMahon, president, JURA Inc.; Robert Michelson, president & CCO, Bradshaw Home; Keith Mirchandani, founder & CEO, Trend Makers, LLC; Michael Otterman; Luke Peters, president & CEO, NewAir LLC;.and Dan Siegel, president, Lifetime Brands.
McHenry founded Widgeteer in 2007. Widgeteer is a family owned, Chicago-area based manufacturer and importer of kitchen and home products with an emphasis on stylish and cutting-edge design. Prior to starting Widgeteer, McHenry worked for 20 years in sales, marketing and business development with Nestle, 3M and Philips, holding many senior level sales and marketing positions.
Asbury is president & CEO of The Legacy Companies, founded in 1999. The company manufactures and markets a portfolio of iconic brands that have morphed over time to strengthen their energy and relevance.
Products range from kitchen appliances and cold refrigeration to wine essentials, kitchen tools and utensils. Housewares brands include Avanti, Brama, Chef’sChoice, Excalibur, MaxxIce, Omega, Sapphire, VinoTemp, Vinturi, West Bend, Yonanas and Zeroll.
Asbury is a strong advocate of entrepreneurship and free enterprise, having written over 400 articles on global trade issues. In 2008, he received the coveted United States National Champion Exporter of the Year Award. He is the host of the Radio America talk show “Neal Asbury’s Made in America,” which is nationally syndicated and broadcast by more than 300 affiliates from coast to coast. His latest book, “Mapping America,” recently released was reviewed and recognized by The New York Times as one of the best visual books of 2021. His upcoming book “Mapping the Holy Land” will be published early 2024.
Cosaro joined Picnic Time in 2011. As CEO/Captain Picnic, Cosaro says his number one responsibility is to “relentlessly strive to achieve our mission of giving people the opportunity to make lasting memories by spending time with loved ones.” The company, which started in 1982 offering European-styled picnic baskets, has evolved to design and develop an array of picnic, outdoor leisure, indoor entertaining and barware concepts under the brands Oniva, Legacy, Toscana and Picnic Time.
Prior to joining Picnic Time, Cosaro worked at Lionsgate Entertainment where he managed partnerships with retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target, and at Capgemini Consulting, where he was a strategic and transformation consultant for major media and entertainment corporations.
Otterman joined Lodge Cast Iron, the 128-year-old U.S.-based manufacturer of cast iron cookware and cooking accessories, in 2016 as SVP, sales & marketing. He was named as the first non-family CEO in January 2019. Having more than 25 years of experience in the housewares industry, Otterman has worked for several supplier companies beginning with Applica Consumer Products’ Black & Decker Corporation from 1997-2004.
Before joining Lodge, he served as vice president, global marketing & merchandising, for The Coleman Co., a division of Jarden Corp., from 2014-2016; vice president, product development, for Dick’s Sporting Goods from 2011-2013; and president of Focus Products Group from 2008-2011.
Also serving on the IHA Board are Glenn DeStefano, president, StoreBound; Scott Felsenthal, CEO, Whitmor, Inc.; Sal Gabbay, CEO, Gibson Homewares; Steve Greenspon, CEO, Honey-Can-Do International LLC and immediate past IHA chairman; Michael Hayes, chief customer officer, Newell Brands; Lisa Knierim, chief development officer, Creative Tops Inc.; Yvette Laugier, IHA chairman emeritus; and Jacob Maurer, CEO, Americas, The Cookware Company.
Serving on the executive committee of the IHA board are Neal Asbury, Paul Cosaro, Scott Felsenthal, Steve Greenspon, Yvette Laugier, Tom McMahon and Mike Otterman.
The International Housewares Association is the 85-year-old voice of the housewares industry. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market (TheInspiredHomeShow.com), and offers members a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy; export assistance; industry and consumer trends through the IHA Market Watch Report; executive management peer groups; group buying discounts on business solutions services; direct-to-consumer engagement through TheInspiredHome.com; and an independent news and information platform through HomePageNews.com.
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2023 IBC Global Forum Set for Oct. 3-4
Veteran housewares executives looking to grow their global sales and suppliers new to the international arena will benefit alike from the 2023 IBC Global Forum, Oct. 3-4 in Rosemont, Ill. The annual meeting of the International Business Council provides a platform for attendees to learn from key retailers, key distributors and industry-savvy specialists discussing relevant export topics and providing education on market entry, global product development and marketing strategies.
Overviews by key housewares buyers and distributors covering Canada, China, Eastern Africa, India, Ireland, LATAM, Spain & Portugal, and the United Kingdom along with sessions on opportunities in key markets around the world fill the agenda of the two-day meeting.
The Global Forum is sponsored by the International Business Council, a special interest group of International Housewares Association members dedicated to increasing their international business. It is open to IBC and non-IBC members, and sessions are geared toward both novice and experienced sales professionals. This year’s meeting is being held concurrently with the Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession, IHA’s annual senior-level conference for industry leaders.
The strong lineup of speakers, who will provide vast opportunities for companies looking for export opportunities, includes two powerhouse retailers in the Americas: Canadian Tire and Sodimac. With 500 outlets throughout Canada, Canadian Tire has a long-standing reputation for integrity and trustworthiness – attributes that have come to be expected by the retailer’s customers, 90 percent of whom live within 15 minutes of a Canadian Tire location. Carolyn McPhearson, vice president – merchandising, Living Division, will discuss the retailer’s strategies for purchasing home and housewares products based on consumer preference and the best-practices for selling to this key Canadian retailer.
A home improvement store with a presence in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, Sodimac has six different store formats: Sodimac Homecenter, Sodimac Constructor, Imperial, Homy, Dicico and Maestro. Patricia Barreiro, GMM, Home Décor, and Melissa Garza Cantu, GMM, Housewares, Mexico, will discuss the nuances of the LATAM market, Sodimac’s purchasing strategies and what makes for an ideal supplier to Sodimac.
Other Global Forum sessions include:
- Key Retailer Overview: United Hardware—United Hardware is the leading buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home & garden retail stores. Headquartered in Dublin, the group operates from a 140,000-sq-ft purpose-built warehouse, which helps achieve its objective to deliver enhanced purchasing power, marketing, logistics and business advisory support to its independent retailers. Paul Candon, CEO, will discuss how suppliers can work with his group.
- North American Housewares Market Trends: Identifying Opportunities for Growth—Canada & Mexico—Circana executives Renee Badiola, director, Mexico Home, and Pam Wood, executive director, Circana Canada, will provide a focused view of the opportunities for growth in Canada and Mexico, drawing on data from the $4 trillion-plus in global consumer spending. Circana is the market research and analytics company created by the merger of The NPD Group and IRI. This session will help identify indicators of where home and housewares consumers and retailers are focusing and the growth trajectory in these two key North American markets.
- Key Market Overview: India–Born out of a manufacturing business, thinKitchen serves as the sole distributor in India for renowned home and housewares brands. Anand Baldawa, CEO, will present how, through a multi-channel approach, his company has availed access to premium international kitchenware and homewares products throughout the market.
- Key Market Overview: Spain & Portugal—Based in Barcelona, Indòmit, sources global brands and distributes products within the home and housewares markets in Spain and Portugal, increasing awareness of these brands. Marta Papasseit, CFO, and Jordi Balius, CCO, will offer a transparent and direct overview presentation of their markets, including demographics, main channels and volume of sales; highlighting department stores, key home and housewares chains, HORECA, online, mass market and independent retailers; and focusing on trends and nuances of the market and retailers.
- Key Market Overview: East Africa—With a focus on East Africa’s housewares market, Vitu Zote is a thriving omni-channel retailer and distributor known for its exceptional products and customer-centric approach. Founded in 2014, Vituzote.com is a pioneering specialty housewares website that revolutionized the e-commerce landscape and housewares market in the region. Beginning with a focus on bakeware, the business rapidly expanded its product range and now trades in a wide array of home and garden categories and has established a physical presence in several prestigious tier 1 shopping malls across Kenya. Aaron Thou, managing director, will present best practices for the markets in Eastern Africa, highlighting opportunities in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
- Key Market Overview: China–LivingKitchen, a division of EUROIDEA Group, specializes in curating distinctive collections of premier, western brands, imported to China in ranges of kitchenware, tableware and small home appliances. Lin Guo, vice president, Beijing, LivingKitchen Group, will discuss the company’s platform that encompasses physical stores and online website, both of which are curated to showcase a perpetually evolving assortment of meticulously crafted home and housewares products, and how suppliers can work with this distributor retailer.
IHA’s global offices and representatives, comprising a portfolio of more than 25 key markets, will also offer insights into their key markets. Each Global Office and Representative will highlight the top 5 opportunities awaiting members in the markets where their businesses are focused. This session prepares exporters to explore the expertise and resources offered by this knowledgeable group of industry professionals. Primary markets include: Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Middle East and the UK.
To register or for more information on the Global Forum program and speakers, visit https://www.housewares.org/exec-networking/ibc-global-forum/
The International Housewares Association is the 85-year-old voice of the housewares industry. The not-for-profit, full-service association sponsors the world’s premier exposition of products for the home, The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market (TheInspiredHomeShow.com), and offers members a wide range of services, including industry and government advocacy; export assistance; industry and consumer trends through the IHA Market Watch Report; executive management peer groups; group buying discounts on business solutions services; direct-to-consumer engagement through TheInspiredHome.com; and an independent news and information platform through HomePageNews.com.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Las Vegas Market Expands High-End Home Furnishings Offerings
Las Vegas Market extends its design-driven resources with the launch of a new high-end home furnishings floor – including expansions by Four Hands and Hooker Furnishings and debuts by Caracole and Varaluz among others – at the winter 2024 edition, Jan. 28 – Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
With the new concentration of 11 better brands nearly filling B2 to capacity, the Market’s 100+ Home Furnishings Temporaries relocate to B6 beginning this winter.
“This infusion and concentration of high-end home furnishings extends the breadth and depth of product offerings and price points available at Las Vegas Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “These brands make Las Vegas Market a more comprehensive sourcing destination for designers and retailers alike.”
Elegant Offerings Foster New Sourcing Opportunities
The second floor of Building B at World Market Center Las Vegas is a new at-market destination for high-end sourcing which complements Las Vegas Design Center’s year-round collection of the industry’s finest product lines on the first two floors of Building A. The creation of a design-forward home furnishings floor, complete with unique curations for interior designers and retailers, brings five new-to-Las Vegas showrooms, as well as three relocated and expanded showroom updates, to the winter market in January 2024.
New-to-Las Vegas B2 showrooms include A.R.T. Furniture (minimalist interior furnishings and upholstery); Caracole (elevated Earth-toned home furniture); Jonathan Charles (high-end artisan interior furnishings); Rowe (eco-friendly and stain-resistant custom upholstery); and Varaluz (transitional handmade lighting, mirrors and home décor).
Two established LVMKT brands – Four Hands (contemporary home furnishings and handmade art) and Sunpan (tailored indoor/outdoor home furnishings and luxe home décor) – relocate and expand on B2. Additionally, Hooker Furnishings (upscale interior furnishings) opens a second location at Las Vegas Market, extending its family of brands – Hooker Furniture, Hooker Upholstery, HF Custom, Bradington Young, M, Prime Resource International, Pulaski Furniture, Samuel Lawrence Furniture and Sunset West – across World Market Center Las Vegas’ Buildings A and B.
Temporary Exhibitors Relocate
As part of the B2 remerchandising, the Market’s 100+ temporary home furnishings exhibitors will relocate to B6 beginning in January 2024. Temporary exhibitors represent some 12 categories, including outdoor patio furniture, dining tables, sofas, rustic furniture, home décor and mattress/bedding.
The move gives home furnishings retailers a unique opportunity to source temporary exhibitors alongside permanent showrooms with compatible price points offerings. This synergistic floorplan provides a more comprehensive experience for buyers and suppliers.
“These changes provide a more efficient and effective market experience for our customers,” added Belshaw. “We will continue to iterate – whether through addition of new resources or with remerchandising of existing offerings – to improve Las Vegas Market for exhibitors and attendees.”
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Creative Co-Op Expands at Atlanta Market
Creative Co-Op, a gift and home décor industry leader, will expand its Atlanta Market showroom in time for the winter 2024 edition Jan. 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta. The expansion, which brings Creative Co-Op’s showroom to nearly 40,000 square feet in total, enables growth of Finch + Fennel, the new gourmet specialty food line introduced in January 2023, and a creates a new and exciting showroom shopping experience on Building 2’s tenth floor.
“Creative Co-Op is one of Atlanta Market’s Building 2 anchor tenants, and this nearly 10,000 square foot expansion represents the brand’s commitment to and confidence in Atlanta Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw ANDMORE executive vice president, chief growth officer. “We are delighted to partner with Creative Co-Op’s team to expand not only their presence at market, but also their return on investment in the market.”
According to Garry Schermann, Creative Co-Op senior vice president of sales, the decision to expand connects with the successful launch of the brand’s newest line, Finch + Fennel, an artisan collection of culinary items. With some 12 product categories, ranging from baking and barbecue sauces to salts and seasoned sides, Finch + Fennel offers premium cooking guides to aid the everyday kitchen dweller.
The much-anticipated expansion is set to solidify Finch + Fennel’s brand recognition after its initial launch in January 2023. Alongside Finch + Fennel’s decorated debut, the nearly 10,000 square foot increase will allow Creative Co-Op and its Bloomingville and Illume Candles brands to grow. The new 40,000 square foot showroom will incorporate an improved traffic flow and relocated core brands, ensuring that buyers can access Creative Co-Op brands more easily throughout its tenth floor Atlanta Market location.
“Our mission in expanding this showroom goes beyond offering more product across our brands,” said Schermann. “In adopting this space, we can more wholly deliver on our promise to introduce and distribute artisan-made gift and décor with the highest level of consistency and variety.”
Reimagining The Gardens
This expansion also creates new opportunities for exhibitors in The Gardens, Atlanta Market’s premier destination for home garden décor on the ninth and tenth floors of Building 2 of AmericasMart.
As part of the 10th-floor renovation, ANDMORE will fill-in the two-story circular water feature currently in the center of the Gardens. The 39’ x 31’ opening will be squared to allow for installation of structural steel and a 4” thick concrete slab, requiring approximately 17 cubic yards of concrete to be pumped into the building from street level. Work began at the conclusion of the summer 2023 Atlanta Market and will be completed in time for the winter 2024 buying event.
As Creative Coop moves into the expansion space, three current tenth floor Gardens exhibitors will shift into new, glass-walled showrooms: Alpine Corp (garden décor), Campo de’ Fiori (terra cotta pots and planters) and Garden Age (stone figurines and landscape décor). Additionally, four exhibitors will relocate onto The Gardens’ ninth floor: Entryways/Divine Home (pillows, throws and tabletop), Jatex (outdoor firepits), Le Primitif (handcrafted art from Haiti) and The Pottery Patch (planters and fountains from Mexico, Italy and Spain). Overall, The Gardens feature some 70 exhibitors in more than 80,000 square feet of exhibition space.
“This remerchandising will align Creative Co-Op and the spirit of The Gardens to create one common artistic vision and cohesive sourcing destination,” added Belshaw. “These changes will make the tenth floor a must-see this January.”
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Gift for Life, Cocina Sabrosa Team for World Central Kitchen Fundraiser
Gift for Life is partnering with Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo to host a fundraising campaign during its national tradeshow, Sept. 27-28, at Irving Convention Center in Los Colinas, Texas. All funds raised will benefit World Central Kitchen’s programs addressing food insecurity and crisis-related hunger relief.
Gift for Life, the sole charitable partnership between the gift, home and stationery industries; and Cocina Sabrosa, the only national trade show for the Hispanic grocery and restaurant industry, aim to raise $5,000 for World Central Kitchen and its hunger-relief efforts. Donations can be made here: https://donate.wck.org/CocinaSabrosa.
“This is a great first-time partnership, which provides Gift for Life with an exciting introduction to an important industry,” said Ari Lowenstein, Gift for Life chair. “Cocina Sabrosa’s goal of growing and elevating the Latin Food and Beverage industry, and the community at large, will introduce Gift for Life and World Central Kitchen to a new audience of potential supporters. We are proud to expand our relationship with Emerald Expo and to enter into the food-service arena, which is so linked to World Central Kitchen’s roots.”
Bringing together decision makers across the food and beverage industry, from retail to food service, Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo is the ultimate meeting place for the entire Hispanic food and beverage community. More than just a trade show, Cocina Sabrosa is where grocers, manufacturers, equipment companies, restaurants, distributors, investors and thought leaders gather to learn, network and conduct business.
“Our shared goal to advance individuals and communities through the transformative power of food is at the heart of this collaboration. By joining forces, we’re harnessing the strength of the food & beverage industry not only to delight palates, but to uplift lives,” said Andrea Fletcher, Cocina Sabrosa brand director. “We are honored to partner alongside Gift for Life to advance World Central Kitchen’s mission to provide meals and hope in the face of crises.”
Cocina Sabrosa has already posted about the new partnership, saying: “Cocina Sabrosa, in partnership with Gift for Life, supports World Central Kitchen and is excited to unveil the first step in our multi-year partnership together. We’re embarking on a journey to make a positive impact on the world.”
Led by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen has served more than 300 million meals worldwide. When disaster strikes, WCK teams are often the first to mobilize to quickly provide hunger-relief to the communities affected. The staff is on the ground, serving meals and providing uplifting words and helping hands to those who need it most.
Cocina Sabrosa is part of the Emerald Expo family of shows supporting Gift for Life. Follow the progress of World Central Kitchen’s efforts and Gift for Life’s partnership with Cocina Sabrosa by following their individual social channels or checking out the related social hashtags: #CocinaSabrosaExpo #WorldCentralKitchen #GFL #JoseAndres #WCKPartnership #TogetherForChange #GiftforLife
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NRF Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
The National Retail Federation has acquired the Reverse Logistics Association, a global trade association for the returns and reverse industry. The announcement was made during the RLA Leadership Summit in Atlanta and is part of NRF’s unrivaled commitment to support sustainable practices throughout the retail industry.
“NRF has a long history of convening supply chain professionals to collaborate and develop resources that improve the retail industry. Retailers understand the importance of sustainability practices and the environmental, economic, social and consumer benefits that accompany them,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “As consumer demand for sustainable offerings continues to increase, RLA’s reverse logistics expertise will help our members to ‘close the loop’ and accelerate the emergence of the circular economy.”
The circular economy is an economy-wide effort to ensure that useful products, materials and resources are reused or recycled. While hundreds of retail brands already offer “gently used” or “pre-loved” products to their customers, many others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.
“Joining NRF is an exciting opportunity for RLA and our members,” said RLA Executive Director Tony Sciarrotta. “NRF recognizes reverse logistics as the backbone of the circular economy and understands how it plays a vital role in broader sustainability initiatives for the retail industry. Through this partnership, RLA will continue to reach industries investing in the circular economy and enhance NRF’s long-term commitment to retail’s supply chain and sustainability efforts.”
This acquisition will ensure that NRF’s members and the industry will continue to receive the most forward thinking, real world and actionable innovations, research and information to drive the evolution of the world’s supply chain. As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF engages with retailers and other sustainability stakeholders to deliver insights on innovations and sustainability practices within the retail industry and facilitates collaboration across the sector.
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CBA Fall Meeting Theme Is ‘Committees in Action’
The 101st Cookware & Bakeware Alliance Fall Member Meeting will take place Oct. 4-5 in Chicago. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Committees in Action.”
At the meeting, CBA members will be participating in one of the newly organized committees based on the four pillars of the Alliance: Engineering, Engagement, Education and Expertise.
“We believe that member engagement is key to our success and that working together the Alliance can accomplish great things for cookware and bakeware,” says CBA Managing Director Fran Groesbeck.
Each committee has a specific focus and objective during their sessions at the Fall Member Meeting. Committee members will create action plans that will guide their work in the months ahead.
In addition to the work of the committees, the general meeting is the opportunity for committee members to report their accomplishments and share plans for the future to the rest of the membership.
This is an excellent time to become a member of the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance and engage in the new initiatives outlined in their 5-year strategic plan being implemented by committee members. Member types include: General, Supplier, Retailer and Associate.
The CBA is regarded as a vital housewares trade association, delivering critical industry resources and serves as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety. CBA members have a voice in how the standards are developed to help make cookware and bakeware products safe for the consumer.
For more information on the Cookware & Bakeware Alliance and to learn more about membership, please visit their website at www.cookwareandbakeware.org.
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Air Fryers Tops in Circana Kitchen Audit Study
Each kitchen in America reflects the lifestyle and tastes of the household it serves and shares similarities with other kitchens across the country, according to Circana’s 2023 Kitchen Audit Study. To capture these similarities, Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, recently conducted an audit of America’s kitchens to help food companies and housewares manufacturers understand what appliances, cookware, utensils, and food ingredients U.S. consumers have in their kitchens, what they think of their cooking skills, and their usage and sources of recipes.
Below is a small sampling from Circana’s 2023 Kitchen Audit Study, which surveyed a U.S. representative sample of adults 18 and older:
- Two-thirds of those who own an air fryer used it in the past four weeks.
- 55 and older consumers are more likely to have celery on hand than younger adults.
- Adobo spice is more likely to be in the kitchens of Northeast U.S. consumers.
- Just under one-third of U.S. adults own a stir fry pan or wok.
- 54 percent of meal preparers own a voice-controlled home device; setting a timer and converting recipes are among the most popular kitchen-related device commands.
- Even novice cooks will attempt baking cakes at home with a cake mix. 34 percent of cake mix consumers describe their cooking skills as limited.
“Kitchens are command central for U.S. households, and knowing what foods, beverages, appliances, cookware/bakeware, utensils, and other cooking materials on hand is a gold mine of actionable information,” says Darren Seifer, Circana food and beverage industry analyst. “Not to mention how fascinating it is to get a peek inside America’s kitchens.”
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Shoppe High Point Nears October Launch
Shoppe High Point – a curated collection of design-driven goods for the home with Shoppe Object’s signature reverence for the well-made – officially launches at the Fall 2023 High Point Market, running Oct, 14-17, at Historic Market Square.
“The launch of Shoppe High Point reflects ANDMORE’s commitment to offering buyers and brands more opportunities to connect and transact,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE’s executive vice president, chief growth officer. “Shoppe Object’s curatorial eye and spirit of discovery extends current ANDMORE High Point Market offerings with a curated home collection that will be additive to High Point Market overall.”
Mirroring the vibe and verve of Shoppe Object New York, the High Point edition will showcase artisan-quality and design-led home décor products in gallery-like displays. More than half of the 100+ exhibitors will be making High Point debuts, bringing a plethora of new brands to the semi-annual buying event. Shoppe High Point product categories represent the breadth of home décor, including lighting, occasional furniture, décor, art & object, textiles and tabletop.
New-to-High Point brands debuting at Historic Market Square include Chilewich (Table Textiles); Fells Andes (Rugs); R + D Lab (Ceramics & Glassware); Sien + Co (Home Decor); Sir/Madam (Tabletop, Kitchenware, & Home Decor);and Tantuvi (Rugs).
Other notable brands in the collection include Dumais Made (Lighting, Furniture & Home Decor); JK Adams (Kitchenware & Serveware); Kilim (Rugs); Lauren HB Studio (Ceramics); Mad et Len (Home Fragrance); Nate Cotterman (Glassware); and Pablo (Lighting).
“The opportunity for these brands and buyers to connect in an environment of true discovery at High Point Market is unparalleled,” said Jesse James, Shoppe Object’s founder and show director. “The launch of Shoppe High Point on the top floor of Historic Market Square aligns with our ethos of bringing visionary brands, designers and merchants together in an elevated setting; it feels authentic and, ultimately, constructive to extending Shoppe Object’s spirit and appeal to a vital new audience.”
Custom lighting and music installations throughout Historic Market Square’s third floor exhibit space will provide a backdrop for the carefully curated collection. Beyond exhibits, the show will welcome buyers over its four-day run with a series of special offerings and amenities, including daily happy hours at the Shoppe High Point Bar and complimentary breakfast in a custom café.
Some 100+ hand-selected brands will be presented on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square in a dynamic, reimagined exhibit space. Exhibit hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
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‘Home vs Hunger Helps Hawaii’ Launches
In response to the wind-driven fires that have caused destruction throughout Hawaii, Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team has launched “Home vs Hunger Helps Hawaii,” a special online fundraising campaign for World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts in Maui.
“It’s heart wrenching to get news of a natural disaster and see how badly it has affected everyone in the area,” said Russ Jones, chair of Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team. “Maui residents have lost so much, including businesses, restaurants and homes, and we are mobilizing the home industry to help in this time of extreme need.”
Starting in the early morning hours of Aug. 8, devastating wildfires tore through western Maui and destroyed much of the historic town of Lahaina. As of Aug, 25, more than 115 people have died, nearly 400 people are still unaccounted for, approximately 2,200 structures have been damaged or destroyed, thousands of residents have been displaced and businesses have been demolished. Financial losses are approaching $6 billion, according to national news reports.
World Central Kitchen teams are on the ground in Maui working with partners to get much-needed meals to evacuees and emergency workers. In the first two weeks, WCK quickly mobilized to the hardest-hit areas and provided more than 60,000 meals to first responders and families in need. WCK’s response in Hawaii continues to evolve with the situation—and by working with chefs and residents from impacted communities, the organization adjusts efforts to meet the changing needs.
Donations to Home vs. Hunger Helps Hawaii will be accepted through the Fall 2023 High Point Market, Oct. 14-18, at https://donate.wck.org/HomevsHungerHelpsHawaii.
In partnership with home industry leaders and market makers, Gift for Life debuted its Home vs Hunger initiative at High Point Market in October 2022 and has since raised nearly $50,000 for World Central Kitchen. Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team members include Chris Amos, ANDMORE; Mark Furlet, ANDMORE; Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Jonathan Cochran, Eichholtz; Monica Loving, Ivystone; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J. Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
“In 2020, Gift for Life designated World Central Kitchen as our primary beneficiary, and since then our board – and our generous industry donors – have carefully followed WCK’s work as they heroically respond to disasters of all kinds across the globe,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life. “The speed and ferocity of the recent fires in Maui left a trail of destruction and despair and WCK responded in record time. With High Point Market approaching, the Home vs. Hunger team saw an opportunity to help the people of Maui and created this special fundraising initiative to directly support WCK’s vital work on the ground.”
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at wck.org. If you’d like to host your own fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, contact a member of the Gift for Life board.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Appleman Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief. More information is available at www.facebook.com/giftforlife.
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Minted Weddings Marketplace Launches
Minted, the design marketplace committed to empowering independent artists, has launched Minted Weddings Marketplace, a destination for unique wedding decor, gifts and accessories curated from independent makers around the world. This marks the next step in the expansion of Minted’s third-party marketplace model, which debuted last year with the launch of home decor and original art pieces under the Direct from Artist storefront.
Minted Weddings Marketplace positions Minted as a holistic design resource that helps couples style their wedding vision from end to end, creating a truly memorable experience for every wedding celebration and its guests.
For over 15 years, Minted has been a trusted leader in high-quality, personalized wedding stationery. With the launch of Minted Weddings Marketplace, Minted expands its reach—couples can now discover thousands of carefully-curated, design-forward products made and fulfilled by Minted’s global community of makers and sellers.
Weddings Marketplace offerings include unique statement pieces as well as elevated personalized products, that are seamlessly integrated alongside Minted’s luxe wedding stationery, to give couples a comprehensive destination to design their big day and make every detail special.
From custom ribbons to adorn the bouquet and monogrammed champagne flutes for the first cheers, to memorable gifts for every member of the wedding party, Minted has sourced goods to suit every couple’s vision. Today’s couples want to create an in-person experience and digital footprint for their weddings that will live on and play well across social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok.
Minted’s products bring a couple’s love story to life, for both their guests and their online communities. Weddings Marketplace product categories include:
Stationery Accessories—Dress wedding stationery with luxurious vellum wrap, ribbon, wax seals, vintage stamps, and more for an artful presentation.
Decor—Set the mood and style the big day with hand-painted candles, dried florals, table numbers, and more to complete the vision.
Gifts—Honor the ones who have stood by your side leading up to the big day with thoughtful gift boxes, personalized gear, heartfelt cards, and more.
Favors—Little favors show big thanks. Let guests know you appreciate their time, travel, and support with a gift, and personalize it for an extra-special touch.
Wedding Day Essentials—The secret to making your big day special is in the details. Discover velvet ring boxes, vow books, cake toppers, robes and even a bowtie for the pup-of-honor.
Weddings Marketplace continues and builds upon Minted’s commitment to helping customers discover the best in design, while opening up new selling and revenue opportunities for creative business owners around the world. Minted’s global creator community comprises thousands of talented and diverse artists and makers, from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, who customers support with every purchase, from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
“Since its founding in 2007, Minted has become synonymous with high-quality, personalizable wedding stationery from independent artists. Today, we are thrilled to introduce the Minted Weddings Marketplace, a resource for couples to style their big day from start to finish,” said Minted CEO Melissa Kim. “Simultaneously, we’re proud to continue championing the work and fostering economic opportunity for independent makers around the world who can grow their businesses on the Minted platform.
“The integration of a third-party marketplace alongside our first-party business allows us to scale product categories and offerings. Customers can now access a constantly refreshed assortment of accessories, gifts and decor in the same place that they shop for stationery.”
When paired with Minted Weddings’ complimentary one-on-one concierge experience and custom stationery capabilities, the launch of Wedding Marketplace enables every moment from “Will you marry me?” to “I do” to be imbued with a personal touch. Minted’s expert team of wedding concierges are equipped to advise on all things wedding—from advice on invitation etiquette to sourcing the perfect party favor—across Minted’s full assortment of stationery, decor, accessories and gifts.
Customers can shop the new Minted Weddings Marketplace by visiting minted.com/wedding. Follow @mintedweddings on Instagram for wedding inspiration.
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Fall for Fanttik Means Helpful Appliances
While the summer dust blows away and we prepare for the colorful Fall season, Fanttik brings forth an array of perfectly timed products for the joyous time. The multiple international award-winning household and automotive brand has geared up to prepare the cleanest patios, the most cheerful terraces, new furniture and renovated spaces across all homes in the country.
Indeed, with the launch of Fanttik’s L1 Ace Screwdriver, the flagship X5 Max Screwdriver set and V7 Ace Vacuum – the brand is offering a fresh start for your garden and home décor in a holistic manner.
With the introduction of the L1 Ace Screwdriver, an innovative solution perfectly timed for August’s garden cleaning and the forthcoming Fall season, Fanttik is catering to both home renovation enthusiasts and furniture assembly aficionados. Embodying the motto “Build Your Ideas Simple,” this versatile cordless screwdriver kit is a small yet potent companion for various tasks.
Boasting a formidable motor that delivers powerful torque, it is an ideal choice for tasks ranging from furniture assembly to air conditioning maintenance, faucet installation, and computer upkeep. With a maximum hard torque of 6 N.m and a manual torque of 8 N.m, its compact design ensures an uncompromised performance.
Moreover, its built-in HD display enhances usability by intuitively presenting gear and power levels even in dimly lit environments. As patios, terraces, and gardens require attention during this season transition, the L1 Ace Screwdriver emerges as an indispensable asset for households aiming to usher in renovations and meticulous enhancements effortlessly.
In a similar vein, the new Fanttik X5 Max Screwdriver, a remarkable advancement poised to redefine the realm of home improvement and garden furniture assembly, seamlessly aligns with the demands of garden rejuvenation and the impending Fall season. The X5 Max surpasses the L1 Ace in heavy-duty work.
Moreover, its ergonomic handle conforms to the hand’s contours, optimizing comfort. The defining feature of this innovation lies in its comprehensive 50-in-1 metal bits arsenal, accompanied by precision tools such as tweezers and a pry bar, spanning 9 variations. From Torx to Philips, flatheads to hex, this impeccable tool kit boasts an extensive repertoire to tackle a myriad of maintenance tasks with finesse.
Beyond its functional prowess, the X5 Max amplifies DIY versatility, empowering users to seamlessly repair electronics, gadgets, furniture, and more, resonating harmoniously with the seasonal call to refresh and enhance one’s surroundings.
Once you have everything set up, it is time to tidy things up. Enter the Fanttik V7 Ace Vacuum, a graceful addition tailored perfectly for the August garden cleaning phase, where patios and terraces require meticulous attention in preparation for the fall season.
With the guiding slogan “Shift to a Graceful Mode,” this remarkable vacuum transcends traditional cleaning norms. Weighing a mere 1 lb., similar to a standard Coke bottle, its wireless and lightweight design allows for effortless movement and portability. Its prowess shines through its comprehensive coverage, illuminated by bright LED lights and dual brush heads, effectively conquering even the darkest and most inaccessible corners.
Its adaptability extends to various spaces, as the extension tube and short brush combine seamlessly for diverse tasks like kitchen surfaces, sofas, and desktops. Beneath its unassuming profile lies a powerful 27AW/11kPa brushless motor, ridding hidden and stubborn dust with efficiency. Its 75,000 RPM brushless motor extends its lifespan and amplifies cleaning potency.
Fanttik is a youthful, dynamic brand dedicated to outdoor, household, sports and automotive products that cater to every need for the perfect adventure. In a short span of time, it has garnered extreme acclaim from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media, and consumers. It has earned the internationally revered Red Dot Design Award multiple times, along with the prestigious IF Design Award.
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Blain’s Farm & Fleet Promotes Hasting
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has promoted Mark Hasting to president and chief commerce & operating officer. This promotion supports the company’s desire to continue to grow as a family-owned organization where customers are treated as neighbors and associates are treated like family.
Jane Blain Gilbertson will remain CEO and sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc. Under Gilbertson’s leadership, Blain’s has driven huge growth in their national Ecommerce business and opened 10 new stores, including 5 in Michigan, for a total of 45 stores.
The company’s distribution capacity and investment in technology enhancements has increased significantly as well.
“We are at the point where it just makes sense for me to share more of the leadership responsibilities so that we can increase our capacity for continued growth,” Gilbertson said. “I am extremely proud of the strong leadership team we have here at Blain’s, including Mark, and I have full confidence in their abilities to continue to guide this organization as a team, always focused on our neighbors, our associates, our strong vendor partnerships and our communities. Mark quickly earned our whole company’s confidence with his authentic care and vision and has shown he is a leader of real substance.”
Hasting has been with Blain’s Farm & Fleet for more than three years and previously held the role of chief commerce & operating officer. In this role, he has had responsibility for all Stores and Service Centers, Ecommerce Operations, Real Estate, Construction and Facilities and the Customer Service Center of Excellence. As president, he will increase his responsibility to include Demand Planning and Supply Chain in addition to acting as a strategic partner to Gilbertson in leadership of the company.
Since coming to Blain’s, Hasting has made an impact on enhancing store experience by supporting store associates with training and tools and improving processes and standards within the stores.
“Mark always has the customer experience in mind,” said Sarah Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson and the customer relationship marketing specialist at Blain’s. “He has proven that he really understands the Blain’s Farm & Fleet culture. I am so happy to have him take on a greater role within our organization.”
Blain’s Farm & Fleet has been family owned for all of its 68 years, and this will be the first time a non-family member has taken on the role of president, but this does not mean that the company is backing away from its strong commitment to remain family owned.
“My sister and I have made a commitment to keep Blain’s Farm & Fleet family owned. That is important to us and to the company culture,” said Nicole Gilbertson, daughter of Jane Blain Gilbertson. “I remain invested in the future of this special company my grandfather and great uncle founded in 1955.
“The way we treat our associates like family and our customers like neighbors is at the core of our family culture at Blain’s. I’m confident Mark will continue to do a wonderful job of stewarding that culture as he moves into his new role as president.”
Hasting brings impressive experience to this new role with a strong background in retail leadership. He spent over 20 years at Target, where he had many roles. Hasting has also served as regional vice president at Starbucks and COO Kum & Go. He has a BS in marketing from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Oklahoma City University.
“I am humbled and excited to take on this new role. It is my desire to continue to support the growth of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and the amazing associate family that works together here,” Hasting said. “This is a special place, and I have learned so much about leadership from Jane since joining the company. It is my honor to be a strategic partner to her and her family in continuing to help this amazing organization to thrive.”
“It is not enough to survive as a family company,” Jane Blain Gilbertson said. “We must continue to grow and thrive. Our future is so bright, and this promotion is one step toward achieving it.”
Founded in 1955, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a retailer with nationwide ecommerce business and 45 store locations throughout Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan. This Modern General Store offers a wide variety of categories and services and unique experiences such as Toyland.
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Housewares Industry Sets Fund for Maui Strong, Team Rubicon Disaster Relief
To help support the people of Maui after the recent wildfire tragedy, the Housewares Charity Foundation has established a fund for donations and will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 in total. Donations will go to support the Maui Strong Fund and Team Rubicon Disaster Relief.
“There are no words to describe the devastating loss that the Maui community has endured due to the recent wildfire tragedy, which has been declared the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history and the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century,” said Ron Diamond, HCF executive chair and CEO, Conair Corp. “We’ve seen it on the news, and some of us know people directly affected. It’s a real-life nightmare,”
“Our industry has the opportunity to make a difference, to reflect the true Aloha spirit. Join your colleagues and friends with your donation today,” added Barb Westfield, HCF director and CEO, Westfield Market Makers. “If you chip in $5, we’ll donate $5 as a match, same goes for $50, $100 or more. Each and every dollar counts. Our goal is to reach $100,000 in total donations.”
To donate, please go to https://aesbid.com/ELP/HCF23/Donation. Information about Maui Strong is available here, and information on Team Rubicon Disaster Relief here.
For more information about the Housewares Charity Foundation, its honorees and its charities, please visit HousewaresCharity.org.
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Glidden Color of the Year ‘Anything But Yellow’
PPG announced Glidden paint by PPG’s 2024 Color of the Year: Limitless (PPG1091-3), a fresh warm hue that holds both the power of a primary color and the essence of a neutral. This “anything but yellow” honey beige tone offers limitless applications – consumers can use Limitless anywhere they’d like a neutral to create an updated, on-trend look, complementary to any design style.
“We are entering a new era of explosive creativity and change. Consumers are using color in even more unconventional ways than ever before and they need a palette that offers versatility to work with both new and existing decor,” said Ashley McCollum, PPG color expert, Glidden brand. “Limitless understands the assignment and embodies this perfectly.”
“This modern neutral is as adaptable as its name implies and is taking the place of cool neutral tones that are so last year,” McCollum said. “With the selection of Limitless, gray is officially cancelled. What can we say – warm neutrals just hit different.”
As a nod to the hue’s adaptability and consumers’ readiness to enter their creative eras, Glidden color stylists see this “boujee beige” showing up across exterior and interior commercial and residential spaces, styles and textures.
Because Limitless pairs equally well with warm and cool tones, Glidden color experts recommend using it anywhere and everywhere to give your space the glow up it deserves. As an interior color, it works on all four walls, accent walls, trim, and cabinets. For extra style, Glidden color experts recommend painting unconventional places too. Limitless can be used to paint ceilings or all four walls and ceiling, abstract or geometric shapes and interior doors to achieve a look that’s both unique and on-trend.
“Think of Limitless as a fresh and energizing take on a neutral. Limitless can be your main room color or act as an invigorating pop against warm or cool tones,” McCollum said. “Apply Limitless to exterior doors and even all-over exterior and trim to add curb appeal, and get ready for TFW (that feeling when) your house is the main character of your block.”
DIYers looking to spend less and save time can benefit from choosing Limitless in any Glidden brand product. Available at The Home Depot® and WALMART® locations across the U.S., independent retailer locations nationwide, Glidden.com and AMAZON®, the Glidden brand provides authentic and simplified solutions for everyday paint projects around the home. Limitless is also available in Pittsburgh Paints & Stains products, available exclusively at MENARDS® stores in the Midwest.
A trusted partner to the professional painter, PPG produces hospitality industry insights for architects and builders to create spaces for luxury, comfort and impact. The company’s color experts have aligned on Limitless as the Color of the Year for both the Glidden and PPG Paints brands in 2024.
“Warm neutrals are here to stay, replacing cool tones like gray for both DIY and pro segments in 2024 and beyond,” said McCollum.
PPG brand paints are available at PPG PAINTS™ stores, independent retailers, The Home Depot locations across the U.S., and HD Supply, as well as Menards stores. To find Limitless and the rest of the 2024 trend colors at the store nearest you, visit www.ppgpaints.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For images and more information on 2024 color trends, visit www.glidden.com/2024-color-trends.
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
PPG Paints is a trademark, and We protect and beautify the world and the PPG Logo are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
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Bhargava Promoted to Head Pottery Barn
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has promoted Monica Bhargava to president of the Pottery Barn brand. In her 23 years since joining the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands, Bhargava has taken on an increasingly broader leadership scope culminating in her recent position as Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s chief design officer, where she led the Pottery Barn visual merchandising and photography teams while developing product in partnership with the brand’s in-house design teams.
“Monica’s design leadership and product development expertise have been instrumental to the growth of our brands,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “Her ability to pair her exceptional taste and creative vision with a commercially minded approach to product development has resulted in countless contributions to our company and endless inspiration for our customers.”
“Monica has been a strategic partner leading the evolution of Pottery Barn’s product assortments and broadening the aesthetics our brand addresses,” said Pottery Barn CEO Marta Benson. “Her designs have contributed materially to brand growth initiatives, particularly in furniture, outdoor and within the PB Apartment/small spaces collections. Her passion for design and ability to create products that enhance our customers’ lives at home is unmatched.”
“I am honored to take on this leadership role and propel the next phase of growth for Pottery Barn,” Bhargava said. “I look forward to collaborating with our teams while we honor the rich heritage of this iconic brand and pave the way towards an exciting future.”
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company’s products, representing distinct merchandise strategies — Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow — are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs and retail stores. These brands are also part of The Key Rewards, our loyalty and credit card program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands.
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Thom Filicia, Cyan Design to Debut Line at High Point Market
Earlier this year, Texas-based Cyan Design announced a partnership with renowned interior and product designer, author and television personality Thom Filicia to develop a collection of decorative accessories.
The Thom Filicia for Cyan Design Accessories Collection has a clean and fresh approach with a timeless and sophisticated sensibility. The pieces feel hand-made and have a dynamic and artisanal approach in form, function, and scale. The Thom Filicia for Cyan Design Accessories Collection is inspired by the textures, colors, and patterns we find all around us – taking cues from nature while retaining a tailored approach.
“We love having decorative pieces that feel unique, stylish and thoughtfully designed,” Filicia said. “From metal to wood, resin, acrylic and glass – there’s a beautiful mix of materiality that we’re really excited about.”
“That’s one of the reasons we were so excited to work with Cyan on this collection – they have the capability to work in a broad range of materials seamlessly to create a collection that feels like just that…collected,” Filicia said.
Over 50 designs in the Thom Filicia for Cyan Design Accessories Collection will debut at High Point Market this fall.
To celebrate the launch, Cyan Design will be hosting an event on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 11am – 1pm. The launch party will take place in the Cyan Design showroom, IHFC | C-258. More details to come
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Total Home & Gift Market Dates Set Through 2026 at Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center, the leading wholesale marketplace for gift, home, and related products, has announced Total Home & Gift Market dates through 2026.
For buyers and exhibitors, the updated calendar will mean the ability to plan ahead for future shows in Dallas, which will remain first on the show cycle among trade events in the United States.
“As our marketplace continues to grow, our mission is to help retailers succeed with dates that are advantageous,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Maintaining a strong calendar with market dates set well in advance and the first shows in the U.S. in winter and summer provides the most convenient and inspiring experience possible.”
A full schedule of dates for all trade events is available on the Dallas Market Center website. September Total Home & Gift Market dates for 2025 and 2026 will be announced at a later point.
January 10 – 16: Total Home & Gift Market
January 10 – 13: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
January 16 – 19: Apparel & Accessories Market
March 19 – 22: Total Home & Gift Market + Apparel & Accessories Market
June 11 – 14: Apparel & Accessories Market
June 19 – 25: Total Home & Gift Market
June 19 – 22: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
September 17-19: Total Home & Gift Market
2025
January 8 – 14: Total Home & Gift Market
January 8 – 11: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
January 21 – 24: Apparel & Accessories Market
March 18 – 21: Total Home & Gift Market + Apparel & Accessories Market
June 10 – 13: Apparel & Accessories Market
June 18-24: Total Home & Gift Market
June 18-21: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
2026
January 7 – 13: Total Home & Gift Market
January 7 – 10: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
January 20 – 23: Apparel & Accessories Market
March 17 – 20: Total Home & Gift Market + Apparel & Accessories Market
June 16 – 19: Apparel & Accessories Market
June 24-30: Total Home & Gift Market
June 24-27: Temps at Total Home & Gift Market
Recent Total Home & Gift Markets in Dallas have featured hundreds of new exhibitors and more retailers arriving from coast to coast. Over the coming months, a series of additions and expansions by gift and home décor exhibitors and top brands will create an even more extraordinary Dallas marketplace with the addition of flagship showrooms from One Coast and Anne McGilvray plus many more industry leaders.
The Dallas marketplace hosts four major Total Home & Gift Markets per year. Retailers from across North America and Latin America visit Dallas Market Center to discover new products and trends, build relationships, and place orders for the upcoming selling season. The marketplace serves many of the largest and most successful independent retailers as well as department stores, buying groups, and e-commerce.
In addition to gift and home, only Dallas Market Center presents the most complete collection of new and best-selling products across multiple lifestyle categories including apparel and accessories, holiday, floral, housewares, gourmet, and artisan products. The marketplace includes the largest residential lighting trade events in North America and the largest and most successful open-daily design center.
To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the DMC App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Blog.
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ICSC: Back-to-School Shopping, Deal Hunting Expected to Increase
Shoppers will spend an average of $969 during this year’s back-to-school shopping season, an increase from $911 in 2022, according to consumer behavior data compiled for the ICSC Back-to-School 2023 consumer survey.
“ICSC’s Back-to-School 2023 survey shows that shoppers plan to spend more on school-related items this year compared to last year,” said Tom McGee, president and CEO, International Council of Shopping Centers. “While inflation is a partial driver of higher spending, our data found that the consumer remains resilient, but is certainly focused on deal hunting for the best prices in the face of rising costs.”
– Among the findings:
- Nearly half (48 percent) of adults in the United States will buy back-to-school items this year.
- Seventy-five percent of shoppers plan to increase their spending on back-to-school items compared to 2022.
- Of those who plan to increase their spending, 60 percent say they are doing so as a result of higher prices and inflation, compared to only 43 percent who said the same in 2022.
- Seven in 10 consumers said they will shop at discount stores (an increase of five percentage points from last year), making it the most popular type of retailer for back-to-school shopping.
- Nearly half (45 percent) of shoppers are looking to purchase items when they’re on sale due to higher prices and inflation, while 38 percent plan to buy from brands that are generally cheaper.
- An overwhelming majority (91 percent) say their back-to-school purchases are influenced by promotions, while nine in 10 say inflation and rising prices will impact their purchases, consistent with 2022 results.
- Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of respondents are sticking to a strict budget this year.
- The majority of back-to-school shoppers plan to make their purchases later in the season, with 44 percent of spending expected to happen in August.
- Electronics will account for the largest portion of expected spending for consumers ($261), though school supplies saw the biggest increase from recent years ($168, up from $137 in 2022). Other top spending categories include apparel ($233), furniture ($205), and sporting goods ($102).
The member organization for industry advancement, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. ICSC produces experiences that create connections and catalyze deals; aggressively advocates to shape public policy; develops high-impact marketing and public relations that influence opinion; provides an enduring platform for professional success; and creates forward-thinking content with actionable insights – all of which drive industry innovation and growth.
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JK Adams, NY NOW Team Up on Buyer Offer
JK Adams, the nation’s leader for personalized cutting boards and wooden gift products, is partnering with NY NOW to offer VIP Buyers a complimentary engraved cutting board.
NY NOW, the premier wholesale event in New York City, is set to make its return from Aug. 13-16 this summer at The Javits Center, and JK Adams has created a dramatic new engraved collection to be introduced during this market.
JK Adams has joined the NY NOW 2023 Summer Show in booth #602 and will have a special offer for the show’s VIP buyers. Buyers will receive a voucher for a custom cutting board to be engraved at the show by a JK Adams engraver. They will have several design options to choose from and be able to watch the product be customized. The engraving station will be in the Bulletin Home Incubation area.
“We are thrilled to partner with JK Adams, offering their stunning personalized cutting boards as gifts this season. This engaging activation reflects our commitment to enhancing attendee experience and fostering a sense of community,” said Kim Mancuso Telford, general manager of Bulletin x NY NOW. “At NY NOW, we believe in the magic of in-person events: connecting people, engaging with products, and creating lasting impressions. Through immersive experiences like this one, plus our educational panels, inspiring buyer tours, and more, we aim to deepen the connection to our industry for our vast retail audience.”
For over 20 years, JK Adams has been part of the NY NOW trade show. This will be the first time the company has participated in the show since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“JK Adams has been leading the way in personalization,” said President and CEO Adam Sigel. “For almost 80 years, we have been the innovator in our space. We are thrilled to partner with NY NOW to demonstrate to retailers our capabilities and reward them with a gift for attending the show.”
Check out some of the brands that will be exhibiting via NY NOW Online, the event’s new integrated
wholesale platform.
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Just Got 2 Have It!’s Lavish Anniversary Event Highlights Las Vegas Market’s Giftware Offerings
In one of the most visible displays of Las Vegas Market’s gift leasing momentum, sales agency Just Got 2 Have It! marked its 10th year of Las Vegas tenancy during the summer market. The sales agency, one of the earliest to commit to ANDMORE’s plan to relaunch the gift category in Las Vegas in 2013, has anchored exponential growth in Las Vegas over the last 10 years. The JG2HI! reception visibly punctuated the market’s ongoing – and growing – gift category momentum, with recent significant expansions and long-term lease extensions by key showroom tenants including Creative Co-Op, Fine Lines, Gifts of Nature, NEST, Road Runners, Stephen Young and others.
“Las Vegas Market’s gift resources continue to grow at an exponential pace,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE EVP, chief growth officer. “Over the last 10 years, our strategy to redevelop the gift category has brought leading gift brands and sales agencies to market, giving buyers access to more products and more opportunities here in Las Vegas.”
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. The summer Las Vegas Market runs July 30 – Aug. 3 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides omnichannel business platforms for its global wholesale customer base.
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ANDYZ Award Winners Announced
Las Vegas Design Center and the California Central/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers announced 15 winners of the 9th Annual ANDYZ Awards. All 2023 finalists were recognized, and winners were announced at an in-person awards ceremony at Las Vegas Market, which runs through Aug. 3, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Design Center is proud to partner with ASID to honor the incredible talent and creativity of the interior design community – from California and Nevada to Florida and Ontario,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “The outstanding work of the 15 winners of this year’s ANDYZ Awards is an inspiration for the entire design trade.”
The 2023 ANDYZ winners are:
- Best Commercial Space Design: Daniel Joseph Chenin, Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd. (Las Vegas)
- Best Custom Furnishings/Product Design: Bri Morais and Chrys Nascimento, Unity Design, LLC (Sanford, Fla.)
- Best Hospitality Space Design: Marcio Decker, Aspen Leaf Interiors (Reno, Nev.)
- Best Individual Residential Space Over 3,000 sq. ft.: Wendy Glaister, Wendy Glaister Interiors (Escalon, Calif.)
- Best Individual Residential Space Under 3,000 sq. ft.: Jamie Stringham, Interior Dynamics (Las Vegas)
- Best Multiple Residential Space Over 3,000 sq. ft.: Jennifer Farrell, Jennifer Farrell Designs (Calabasas, Calif.)
- Best Multiple Residential Space Under 3,000 sq. ft.: Jamie Stringham, Interior Dynamics (Las Vegas)
- Best Outdoor Space Design: Eryka Glover, Allied ASID (Las Vegas)
- Best Residential Bathroom Design Over 75 sq. ft.: Nenah Washington, NEET Design Group (Las Vegas)
- Best Residential Bathroom Design Under 75 sq. ft.: Kalli Georgiakakis, Kalli George Interiors (Etobicoke, Ont., Canada)
- Best Residential Kitchen Design Over 150 sq. ft.: Nar Bustamante, Nar Design Group (Sacramento)
- Best Residential Kitchen Design Under 150 sq. ft.: Christopher Grubb, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc. (Beverly Hills, Calif.)
- Best Showroom Design: Wendy Glaister, Wendy Glaister Interiors (Escalon)
- Best Student Design: Sari Lestari (Clovis, Calif.)
The ANDYZ Awards, named to bear a resemblance to “Annual Nevada Design,” were created in 2015 to recognize exceptional design from designers, design firms and students. Interior design projects in residential, commercial, hospitality and student categories were judged by a panel of ASID board members from across the country on five main criteria: presentation; innovation/creative use of space; scale and functionality; aesthetics and overall execution. The 2023 awards were presented by David Gebhardt, president of Global Views, and Frederick Rayner, brand ambassador of Global Views, with media partnership by Furniture, Lighting & Décor.
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SharkNinja Becomes Independent Public Company
SharkNinja, Inc. has completed its previously announced separation from JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited. SharkNinja is now an independent public company, with its ordinary shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “SN.” SharkNinja executives will rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to mark the milestone.
“Today is an exciting day for SharkNinja and is a testament to the dedication of the entire team and our shared commitment to positively impact people’s lives every day in every home around the world,” said Mark Barrocas, chief executive officer of SharkNinja. “Our success lies in understanding our consumers’ needs and rapidly developing innovative products to exceed their expectations. This approach has enabled us to build two billion-dollar brands, Shark and Ninja, by establishing leadership positions across numerous household product categories. Myself, the management team, and our associates around the world are all very excited that SharkNinja, headquartered in Boston, is now a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.”
Under the terms of the separation, shareholders who held JS Global ordinary shares on July 4, 2023, received a distribution of one SharkNinja ordinary share for every 25 ordinary shares of JS Global held by such shareholder as of the Record Date.
SharkNinja is a diversified, global product design and technology company that creates five-star rated lifestyle solutions through innovative products for consumers around the world. The company seeks to leverage its global, agile and cross-functional engineering know-how, product development and manufacturing expertise along with solutions-driven marketing to increase the efficiency, convenience and enjoyment of consumers’ daily tasks and improve everyday lives.
Powered by two global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive products to market, and developing one consumer solution after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. The Company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world.
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Rebel Wilson, Zevo Zap ‘Bugxiety’
Bug enemies rejoice! Thanks to Procter & Gamble’s newest brand Zevo, developed by P&G Ventures, comedic genius Rebel Wilson is here to put an end to “Bugxiety,” the stress that comes from the fear of bugs.
Bugs are no match for Rebel who has partnered with Zevo to spread the word about a new, different way to a bug-free home. While bugs don’t bug her anymore, there’s still a long list of things that do – from pesky annoyances like holding awkward yoga poses for too long, to people mispronouncing words, and even wobbly tables at restaurants. We feel you, Rebel!
Zevo can’t solve all of life’s nuisances, but the brand’s line of Flying Insect Traps, Insect Killer Sprays and On-Body Repellents can certainly help combat the insect problem. In fact, Zevo recently conducted a survey and discovered the following:
- A whopping 71 percent of the population suffers from bugxiety. Fear and bugs often go hand in hand.
- Over half of the people surveyed (53 percent) experience sheer panic when they come face-to-face with a creepy crawler.
- And it’s not just in their heads – physical symptoms like racing hearts (43 percent) and queasy stomachs (19 percent) are all common, too.
But here’s the kicker: despite having bugxiety, most Americans aren’t doing anything about it. Only 12 percent bother with a bug trap, and a measly 37 percent reach for bug spray after spotting a bug. It’s time to step up our bug-busting game, people!
“Bugs bug me, big time! Just watch the Zevo spot and you’ll see how annoyed and uneasy I get around those little critters,” Wilson said. “I start clapping, stomping, and acting like I’m high fiving a ghost. Fun times! I even caught malaria from a mosquito bite once. Let’s just say I had some serious bugxiety before Zevo came to the rescue. Its solutions have taken me to a whole new level of clean and serene, and trust me, that’s no easy feat as a new mom!”
Zevo’s “Bugxiety” campaign is on a mission to prep American households before the bug invasion strikes. No need to cower in fear or embarrass yourself by screaming or slapping in public. Just plug or spray, and walk away knowing you’re protected.
“Bugxiety is as real as it gets, and so many of us can relate to wanting to avoid bugs or even thinking about them,” said Chetan Parekh, vice president & general manager of Zevo at Procter & Gamble. “That’s why we couldn’t have asked for a better spokesperson than Rebel Wilson for this campaign. Her sense of humor turns a topic most people actively avoid into something light-hearted and downright hilarious. Because let’s face it, Zevo is here to bother the bugs, not you or your family.”
P&G Ventures developed P&G’s first winning insecticide products (sprays, traps and on-body). If those pesky insects drive you bonkers, Zevo has you covered:
- The Zevo Flying Insect Trap is your new best friend. Picture this: a specially designed blue and UV light system that attracts those annoying house flies, fruit flies, and gnats, then traps them on an adhesive cartridge that you never have to touch. When it’s time to say goodbye to your captured enemies, just use the handy pull tab to remove and dispose of them. Easy peasy!
- For those of you who break out in a cold sweat at the sight of creepy-crawly pests, Zevo Insect Killer Sprays are your secret weapon. Say goodbye to spiders, roaches, ants and more! Just spray directly on those unwanted house guests, and watch as Zevo’s advanced technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets. Then, grab a clean cloth or paper towel, wipe ’em away, and voila! Problem solved!
- And guess what? Zevo’s got your back even when you’re venturing outside your home, too. Introducing the On-Body Mosquito + Tick Repellent, the latest innovation from Zevo. Offering up to eight hours of protection, not only does it repel ticks that may carry Lyme disease, but it also tackles mosquitoes that may Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue fever, and West Nile.
Got Bugxiety? Zevo It! All of Zevo’s products are available for purchase online at zevoinsect.com and at the retailers you love across the U.S. To find a local retailer, visit Zevo’s store locator.
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Back-to-School, College Spending to Soar
Consumers are expected to spend record amounts for both back-to-school and back-to-college shopping this year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Back-to-school spending is expected to reach an unparalleled $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021. Back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record.
“Back-to-class shopping is one of the most important consumer shopping occasions of the year. Our research for 2023 shows American consumers are eager to jumpstart their back-to-school and college purchases early,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers have been preparing for months to ensure they are well stocked with essential items that families and students need for the school year.”
Since 2003, NRF has conducted a comprehensive survey on back-to-class shopping trends. This year’s research included 7,843 consumers and was fielded June 30-July 6 with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
Shopping in preparation for the first day of school is already well underway. As of early July, more than half (55 percent) of consumers who are buying for back-to-class said they have already started shopping. This is on par with last year, but is up from 44 percent in 2019, and is in line with the trend of consumers shopping earlier for major spending events. While consumers have started shopping early, as of early July, 85% said they still have at least half of their shopping left to do.
Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35 and a new high.
This increase in expected spending is primarily driven by more demand for electronics, as 69 percent of back-to-school shoppers expect to buy electronics or other computer-related accessories this year, up from 65 percent last year and the highest in the survey’s history. Total spending on electronics is expected to reach a record $15.2 billion. As in past years, the top electronics consumers plan to purchase are laptops (51 percent), tablets (36 percent) and calculators (29 percent).
College students and their families are expected to spend an average of $1,366.95 per person, up from $1,199.43 last year, and a new record from the previous record of $1,200.32 in 2021. Since 2019, back-to-college spending has nearly doubled.
Forty-three percent of those who are spending more than last year say it is because they need more new items, up from 32 percent last year. Another third (32 percent) attribute it to needing more big-ticket items such as a computer, phone, calculator or dorm furnishings. Spending on big-ticket items such as electronics and furnishings as well as necessities like food accounts for more than half of the increase in total back-to-college spending this year.
For all back-to-class shoppers, the top destinations are online, department stores and discount stores.
“Even though consumers plan to spend more on school and college-related items this year, they are still looking to find the best value and deals,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “Consumers are stretching their dollars by comparing prices, considering off-brand or store-brand items, and are more likely to shop at discount stores than last year.”
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.
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New Offerings Energize Atlanta Market
The summer 2023 Atlanta Market energized the gift and home industry with a series of new offerings — an elevated arrival experience, the addition of casual and outdoor resources and an enhanced @Market app to facilitate discovery and follow up — all presented against the backdrop of dynamic new ANDMORE branding, July 11-17 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“This week, ANDMORE reintroduced itself as a tastemaker for modern marketplace buying and selling,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “New and exciting product across existing and new buying categories, engaging market events, professional and personal connections and the introduction of a new digital tool – all of these signaled a new era for Atlanta Market.”
Buyers from all 50 states and nearly 50 countries attended with an increase in northeastern, western and international representation at this summer’s Atlanta Market. Motivated by product line introductions, new market branding and digital tools to enhance and extend the at-market experience, buyers enjoyed a robust reinvention of what it means to shop at Atlanta Market.
“Atlanta Market was phenomenal – the best show we have had yet in terms of volume of orders and the new contacts we made,” said Rachel Walker, artist and founder of lifestyle brand Happy By Rachel, who reported seeing about 60 percent new accounts. “Overall, the buyers felt happy. We focus on art-based products that are fun, colorful, cheerful and celebratory, so we attracted those buyers.”
Some 14 industry buying groups and member-based organizations added to the overall buying power at the summer 2023 Atlanta Market.
“The sheer variety of products and innovations showcased at Atlanta Market is, in itself, a testament to its importance. It provides a magnificent opportunity to discover new product lines,” said Jennifer Morton, Association of Golf Merchandisers (Phoenix), CEO.
“These discoveries, coupled with the chance to interact with some of the most influential figures in our field, ensure that attendees return with knowledge that significantly bolsters their purchasing decisions.”
With 6,000 brands, 1,000 showrooms and 1,100 temporaries across the gift and home categories, buyers benefitted from an abundance of buying options.
“Out of all of the markets I attend throughout the year, Atlanta is my favorite!” said Sarah Martens, Nebraska Furniture Mart (Omaha) Division Merchandising Manager of Furniture. “I accompany a team of our buyers to Atlanta twice a year for all of our accessory needs, and to be inspired by trends and incredible visual displays. From seasonal to everyday decor and wall art to tabletop, everything is in one easy-to-navigate location.”
Long-time market participants also enjoyed refreshed selling potential through new, expanded and relocated showroom and new temporary exhibitors as well as overall excitement connected with the new ANDMORE brand identity as a market backdrop.
“We love our new showroom location on the first floor of Building 1, and we’ve seen a significant boost from the co-location with Casual Market Atlanta,” said John Thompson, Loloi Rugs Vice President of Sales, Southeast Region. “I’ve been at this market for 27 years, and the revamping of the presentations this year is making people feel good. The buyers are connecting with all of the work the market has done to present a fresh show environment.”
Beyond exhibits, market events and education complemented the business of market.
The Market Kickoff Party invited buyers to celebrate the industry with live music and hallmark ANDMORE amenities. Other highlights of the market’s 14 event offerings included appearances by three local Atlanta chefs in the JURA Demonstration Kitchen and a standing-room-only trend forecasting session presented by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Timothy Corrigan.
Designed to create ease and omnichannel integration for buyers, ANDMORE’s new @Market app officially launched at summer Atlanta Market.
With Scan & Go QR code technology to speed arrival, new tools to save and organize favorite products and notes, step-by-step navigational tools to make way-finding easier and a new post-market recap equipped with images, notes and buying capabilities, the @Market app served as a vital digital contribution to and extension of a physical marketplace.
“I love this app! The photo feature and in-app navigation kept me extremely organized throughout the week,” said retailer Jennifer Ledford of Initial Inspiration (Waynesboro, Va.).
For the first time, Casual Market Atlanta and Atlanta Market were held concurrently at AmericasMart, extending cross-category business opportunities for buyers and sellers from both industries. Some 150+ casual furniture and outdoor accessories showrooms and temporary exhibitors debuted, drawing an influx of new furniture and casual/outdoor buyers to the summer markets.
“We’ve been able to interact with people who don’t typically shop casual,” said Robert Pruitt, CEO of SoPoly, an outdoor furnishings company based in Georgia. “A few buyers expressed interest in diversifying their product lines, so we’ve definitely seen the benefits of this crossover.
Following the conclusion of the inaugural market, members of the International Casual Furniture Association voted overwhelmingly to continue to hold the Casual Market concurrently with summer Atlanta Market through 2025.
“ANDMORE has delivered on its promise to provide more product, more brands and more categories,” said Maricich. “As we conclude the summer Atlanta Market on a high note, we look forward to raising the bar on our own ANDMORE promise, providing more opportunity for buying, selling and face-to-face connection for markets to come.”
Atlanta Market returns to AmericasMart Atlanta on Tuesday, Jan. 16 – Monday, Jan. 22.
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Just Got 2 Have It! Celebrates Milestone in Las Vegas
Gifts and lifestyle products industry leader Just Got 2 Have It! is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in its Las Vegas Market showroom. Just Got 2 Have It! premiered as an original anchor tenant of the 10th-floor launch in World Market Center Las Vegas’ Building C for the summer market of 2013.
Barbie Knight, co-founder of Just Got 2 Have It!, spoke of this 10-year milestone:
“This anniversary of our showroom at the Las Vegas Market is a key inflection point for our company. We are thrilled to celebrate our 10 years of success and we eagerly anticipate even stronger growth far into the future.”
Just Got 2 Have It! was offered its prominent Las Vegas Market anchor location by industry leader Dorothy Belshaw, chief growth officer of ANDMORE, owner of World Market Center Las Vegas, as part of the company’s efforts to create a thriving gift and home market in the West. She shared her excitement for Just Got 2 Have It!’s milestone anniversary:
“Barbie Knight, Michelle Ruby and the whole Just Got 2 Have It! team were integral to the successful launch of the gift category at Las Vegas Market. They brought a collection of top lines and their unique creativity, energy and optimism to the campus. Ten years later, they remain a leading gift and lifestyle resource in Las Vegas and a valued partner and advocate for the Market.”
Just Got 2 Have It! is planning anniversary celebrations for the month of July in its Las Vegas Market Showroom, C-1012. Anniversary celebrations and vendor events currently scheduled include the following and more (all times PDT):
- DJ Oliver Crumes, Sunday, July 30, Noon – 4 p.m., and Monday, July 31, 2 – 6 p.m.
- Meet Stylish Santa at Pourri, Sunday, July 30, 1 – 3 p.m.
- Merry Spritzmas Shots with Pourri, Sunday, July 30, through Tuesday, Aug. 1, starting at 1 pm each day.
- Hello Gorgeous! Eyelash event with American International Industries, Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Showgirls appearing Monday, July 31, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Feeling Frosty: Champagne and Confectionery with Patchology, Monday, July 31, 3 p.m.
- Cheers to 10 Years in Las Vegas – Celebrating JG2HI’s 10 years in our Las Vegas Market Showroom with champagne and sweet treats – Monday, July 31, 4 p.m.
- Sinatra Tribute Crooner live music ensemble, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 1 – 3 p.m.
- Champagne Diva, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2 – 4 p.m.
- Daily offerings include Bloody Mary Morning and Open Bar
- Product giveaways and swag
Just Got 2 Have It! was founded in 2000 and is proudly women owned. It is the premier brand agency specializing in innovation and trend products. Just Got 2 Have It! covers the U.S. in 37 States coast to coast, with divisions in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and West, and has more than 22,000 sf of showroom space between its Las Vegas and Atlanta showrooms.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. The Summer Las Vegas Market is July 30 – Aug. 3, at World Market Center Las Vegas, located at 455 Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV. For information and registration, visit LasVegasMarket.com.
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South Bay to Debut Lines, Sleep Products at Las Vegas Market
South Bay International, a leading provider of tailored sleep solutions, will unveil two lines and two sleep products at the Las Vegas Summer Market, taking place from July 30-Aug. 3.
One of the exclusive lines is Allerknit, offering sleep products made with a revolutionary technology that weaves a special thread into each fiber proven to repel 99 percent of dust mites. The line includes a mattress protector, pillow protector, duvet insert, and zippered mattress cover, all made with plant-based, organic, natural, and chemical-free materials. Allerknit products are designed to provide immediate allergy relief for a good night’s sleep.
“With dust mites acting as the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma, we are thrilled to be releasing a line of sleep products that can alleviate the most common symptoms that directly impact the quality of sleep,” said Toby Konetzny, CEO of South Bay International.
The second line is called the Active line, which is designed for people leading an active lifestyle. The new line of mattresses supports the whole body with breathable yet durable reactive foam for better sleep and better performance. The Active line features South Bay International’s signature reactive foam, which blends contour matching memory foam and the bounce-back feel of a latex to relieve pressure and provide full-body support, while remaining cool to the touch for comfort and breathability.
South Bay International will also introduce The Vault, a high-quality battery backup for adjustable bases, ensuring uninterrupted sleep even during power outages. Concurrently, the company will debut the Slim Adjustable Base, an innovative solution that integrates seamlessly into existing bed frames while offering full adjustability benefits. Both new additions promise to elevate the overall sleep experience, combining practical functionality, superior quality, and tasteful design.
“We are thrilled to be launching an array of innovative products at the Las Vegas Summer Market,” Konetzny said. “They proudly reflect our commitment to creating cutting-edge, technology-supported sleep products that provide our customers with the ultimate sleep experience.”
South Bay International is one of the largest mattress and adjustable base manufacturers in the world offering turn key and private label solutions. The company takes ownership of every step of the manufacturing process, from raw materials to the finished product, for the highest quality control. All products are rigorously tested to guarantee compliance with industry guidelines and the high standards of South Bay International. Visit South Bay International’s website at southbayinternational.com to learn more about the company’s tailored sleep solutions.
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First Casual Market Atlanta Exceeds Expectations
The inaugural Casual Market Atlanta exceeded buyer and seller expectations for its debut, July 10-13, at AmericasMart Atlanta, with an elevated presentation of 150 permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits attracting furniture and outdoor/patio buyers from across the nation, as well as interior designers and gift/home retailers seeking cross-category sourcing and shopping opportunities created by co-location with the Atlanta Market.
“Casual Market Atlanta offered a bigger and better presentation of casual furniture and outdoor accessories to buyers from all over the country,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “The new business opportunity created by the co-location of Casual Market and Atlanta Market was a benefit for both the casual furnishings industry as well as the gift and home industries.”
Buyers from furniture and outdoor/patio stores from across the nation converged at AmericasMart for the first annual Casual Market Atlanta. Attendees represented almost all 50 states and four international countries, and more than half of the Casual Market Atlanta buyers were first-time visitors to AmericasMart Atlanta. The first Atlanta-based event also drew a significant number of interior designers, as well as gift and floral/garden/seasonal retailers, who were shopping the concurrent Atlanta Market.
International Casual Furnishings Association board chair, Erik Mueller, participated in Casual Market Atlanta as both a buyer and seller – President and CEO of Watson’s, a patio store with 26 locations in the Midwest and Founder and CEO of Plank & Hide, a luxury home entertainment and outdoor furnishings brand respectively – giving him a unique perspective on benefits for both audiences.
“I thought the overall shopping experience from a buyer standpoint was tremendous. It was easy to shop and much easier to see the product,” said Mueller. “As for our Plank & Hide showroom, we have had a tremendous week. We introduced quite a bit of new product because we wanted to really make a splash and to excite the customer. The response we’ve gotten from retailers has been wonderful.”
Buyers responded positively to the market’s new venue, praising AmericasMart’s consolidated layout and the downtown Atlanta campus’s convenient location.
“This show has been so easy to shop,” said newcomer to Atlanta, Joel Huseby, of Becker Furniture (St. Paul, Minn.). “It’s my first time here, and I’ve found it extremely convenient to get around, especially to and from my accommodations.”
Casual buyer Donald Dilliplane, of Turner’s Furniture (Valdosta, Ga.), added, “We loved having the category consolidated with a narrow focus on several floors. It looked great and was easy to shop.”
The inaugural market in Atlanta featured nearly 50 permanent showrooms in AmericasMart’s Building 1. Spanning four floors, the purpose-built showrooms featured inviting glass-walled and brightly lit spaces which allowed casual and outdoor furnishings brands to highlight more product lines than ever.
“To be able to have twice the amount of showroom space and showcase our full breadth of product is truly exciting,” said Lindsay Schleis, VP of Business Development at POLYWOOD, a manufacturer of outdoor furniture made from recycled materials. “This space is a true reflection of our brand and who we are, so we are very excited for what Casual Atlanta has in store long-term.”
Some 100+ temporary exhibitors were presented across one-and-a-half contiguous, purpose-built tradeshow floors in Building 1, Floors 6 and 7. Outdoor sectionals, patio umbrellas, backyard firepits and more were among highlights of casual category offerings.
“The relocation of the Casual Market to Atlanta created excitement in the category, and retailers wanted to come see what we have to offer,” said temporary exhibitor Charles Emmons, EVP, sales and marketing at Windward Design Group. “Traffic in and around our booth was excellent, and buyers were looking at new products, so we’re very happy with our performance this market. Eventually, we’re going to want to transition to a permanent showroom here.”
Beyond exhibits, networking events like the ICFA-sponsored 65th Birthday Bash and the ICFA Awards Gala promoted an opportunity for the industry to gather and celebrate. The ICFA’s “Pink Out Atlanta” event created a visible demonstration of community with a multi-hued sea of pink-clad market attendees raising awareness and funds for City of Hope.
Additionally, celebrity interior designer Vern Yip addressed key trends in outdoor entertainment spaces to a standing room only audience.
“Both buyers and brands were buzzing with excitement that started day one of the Casual Market,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of ICFA. “Our at-market events were all well attended with industry collaboration, and the presentation that buyers and designers saw within showrooms was tailored to showcase the full range of their needs. The outside space is the new centerpiece of American living, and we are thrilled to have a significantly expanded yet cohesive display in Atlanta to showcase such a vital category.”
The first Casual Market Atlanta was presented concurrently with the semi-annual Atlanta Market. The co-location provided buyers and sellers across the casual and home furnishings categories access to more than 350 home and décor showrooms and 200+ temporary exhibitors with lighting, accent furniture, casual furnishings, rugs, wall décor, linens, textiles and more in AmericasMart Buildings 1, 2 and 3.
“Through the Casual Market’s co-location with Atlanta Market, outdoor suppliers gained visibility across a greater breadth of furniture and décor retail categories and interior designer channels,” added Maricich. “AmericasMart has served as a platform for buyer and seller connection for decades, and with Casual Market Atlanta we continue to broaden this objective.”
Following approval by ICFA members, Casual Market Atlanta will co-locate with Atlanta Market through 2025. For information, visit CasualMarketAtlanta.com.
“The transition from Chicago to Atlanta has been good, and I’ve heard nothing but positive remarks from retailers and manufacturers. The ANDMORE team has friendly people greeting us at the entrances every day with a smile,” added Mueller. “Our gala attendance was up from past years in Chicago, and we also noticed a nice increase in our membership numbers. All in all, it has been super positive, and I expect that we will continue to grow here.”
With a new standard set for the casual marketplace, the industry now prepares for Outdoor Design Days in Atlanta, a collaborative design experience between ANDMORE and the ICFA from Sept. 18-20. Outdoor Design Days will be a Fall sourcing experience geared towards regionally-based designers, as well as a last-chance buying opportunity for furniture and outdoor/patio retailers who may have missed the Casual Market Atlanta’s July debut. ICFAnet.org/OutdoorDesignDays
In addition to market-time visibility, 40 of the casual market showrooms also are part of AmericasMart’s Open Year Round collection, creating daily opportunities for regional buyers and designers to source and shop resources in the popular outdoor category.
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As UPS Strike Looms, Sendle Commits to 3-Day Delivery for Small Businesses
Sendle, an affordable delivery service built for small business, has beefed up its portfolio of shipping services designed to help small businesses succeed with the launch of Sendle Three-Day Guaranteed. This new, expedited shipping service offers small businesses a reliable, cheaper option to United Parcel Service for fast, national package delivery. Proving that affordable shipping does not have to be slow, small businesses throughout the U.S. can now take advantage of Sendle’s expansive national network for even more efficient package deliveries that save them more time.
With Sendle Three-Day Guaranteed, all small businesses can now get their goods picked up from their doorstep and delivered in three business days or less to wherever they need to go in the United States – with no extra fees or contracts. There is also no minimum pick-up quantity required. If a Sendle package isn’t delivered within three business days, Sendle will refund the small business the cost of the delivery – no questions asked. The Sendle Three-Day Guaranteed service includes tracking and $150 cover, and is 100% carbon-neutral at no extra cost.
“Small businesses deserve more choice and fairer pricing when it comes to parcel delivery. That’s why Sendle is leading the charge to shake up the logistics space by delivering quick, reliable, and cheaper shipping services tailored specifically for small business. Today, we are proud to introduce a game-changing alternative to UPS that is guaranteed to get goods delivered in three days or less, at an unbeatable price,” says James Chin Moody, Sendle CEO and co-founder. “We are on a mission to liberate small businesses from the burdens of logistics, allowing them to focus on what truly matters. By unlocking precious time while saving them some money, we’re empowering small businesses to thrive. This is just the beginning – you can expect to see even greater innovations from us as we relentlessly fight for the success of small businesses.”
Complementing Sendle Saver, the company’s best value shipping option, and Sendle Preferred, which offers delivery in one to five days, the new Three-Day Guaranteed service provides the same, easy and reliable service Sendle’s small business customers have already come to love – and now at an even faster pace. Sendle handles the end-to-end journey of every parcel shipped, offering dedicated customer service by real people, as well as a powerful online dashboard where customers can track and reschedule their deliveries, and more.
“Brush Club operates in the sustainability sector and fast and reliable deliveries are integral elements of our brand promise. Customers value our commitment not just to their dental health, but also to the environment. A crucial part of that commitment is ensuring we deliver their sustainable dental kits in a timely and reliable manner,” says Santiago Martinez Oropeza, CEO and founder of Brush Club. “Sendle understands that small businesses like ours have to work fast. And now, with their Three-Day Guaranteed service, we can promise delivery times and keep them, and that builds trust with customers, sets us apart in a competitive market, and greatly enhances our customer retention.”
Sendle Three-Day Guaranteed starts at $4.59 and small businesses in the United States can immediately sign up and start using the service at sendle.com.
“Sendle’s new Three-Day Guaranteed Service will benefit us and our customers – especially with our refill option taking off,” says Yvette Nathalie Brown, celebrity tea tender and founder of Tshikovi Tea House. “Our customers can refill their orders by sending their canisters back to us, and the sooner we get them back, the sooner we can refill them. Faster and more affordable shipping means our customers won’t run out of their favorite teas and our business can continue to grow with increased customer retention.”
The new Sendle Three-Day Guaranteed service is also available as an option to shipping and e-commerce platforms through Sendle’s new Digital Partner Program.
Sendle is the first carrier in the United States specifically designed to serve the needs of small ecommerce businesses. Sendle levels the playing field for small businesses by offering simple, affordable shipping across the United States and internationally, with no hidden fees, subscriptions, or warehousing required. Merchants simply purchase a label and schedule a pickup from Sendle, and their package can be dropped off or picked up from their front door.
Sendle is also the first 100 percent carbon neutral shipping carrier in the United States and is a Certified B Corporation and Climate Neutral Certified. The company was founded in Australia in 2014 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia; Seattle; and Toronto.
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Heimtextil Hires Herberth in Leadership Role
Heimtextil has hired Margit Herberth, who will be responsible for the home textiles segment, as director beginning Sept. 1. Together with Bettina Bär, Herberth will form the new dual leadership of the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles. Herberth, previously director marketing consumer goods/multimedia & data at Messe Frankfurt, succeeds Meike Kern, who is leaving the company of her own volition after 22 years to take on a new professional challenge.
Bär has been responsible for the home textiles segment since September.
“We are delighted to have won Margit Herberth, a proven sales strategist with a strong global sales as well as marketing background, as Director Heimtextil,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles & textile Technologies.
Herbeth has more than 10 years of sales experience as senior sales manager for Messe Frankfurt’s international consumer goods fairs Beautyworld, Hair & Beauty and Christmasworld. Since 2018, as director marketing communications, she has managed all marketing activities for the Paperworld, Christmasworld and Creativeworld brands and was responsible for the design of global brand campaigns in the consumer goods sector, for example, for Beautyworld.
Most recently, as head of multimedia & data, she decisively drove strategic performance marketing, including the implementation of targeted smart data campaigns, as well as the further development of audio and video formats for consumer goods trade shows including Ambiente.
Herberth will be responsible for the household textiles segment and thus for the world’s largest brand and private label exhibitor range of bedding, bed linen, bathroom textiles, table and kitchen linen, mattresses, sleep systems, home accessories, blankets, pillows and textile processing machinery. Another important component is the further expansion of the textile sustainability content strategy as well as an even stronger internationalization of the Heimtextil Conference Sleep & More.
Herberth replaces Kern, who is leaving the company for a new professional challenge.
“In addition to the significant expansion of national as well as global sales structures, Meike Kern has also played a trend-setting role in the further development of Heimtextil into a content platform and global condensate of environmentally friendly textile innovations, not least in 2011 with the initiation of the first green formats. We wish her all the best for her new professional station,” Schmidt said.
In her 15 years as director, Kern built strategic partnerships with customers on a global level, expanded sales channels and increased the market presence of exhibitors from core markets. In 2019, she also played a leading role in shaping the restructuring of Heimtextil and achieved an even clearer and more efficient visitor orientation at the trade fair with the targeted bundling and placement of the product range.
In addition to several sustainable formats, she also established the Heimtextil Conference Sleep & More as a knowledge platform for the bedding trade as well as the industry and helped young start-ups to gain worldwide visibility at Heimtextil as part of New & Next.Heimtextil.
International trade fair for home and contract textiles Heimtextil will take place Jan. 9-12 Jan.
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Dallas Market Center Hires Barlar for New Business
Industry veteran Nancy Barlar will join Dallas Market Center as senior executive director of new business. Barlar will be responsible for identifying and welcoming new gift and home décor brands to The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market. She brings more than two decades of experience to Dallas Market Center, most recently having served in a key business development role with AmericasMart Atlanta. Barlar will report to Dallas Market Center SVP of Leasing Jo Ann Miller Marshall.
“Nancy has a merchant’s eye for great brands, a keen understanding of what will help retailers thrive, and a passion for our business that’s unmatched,” Marshall said. “As a native Texan, Nancy has enthusiastically followed DMC’s remarkable momentum over the past several years. She has seen first-hand, the strong business being conducted in Dallas. Nancy’s dynamic energy combined with her industry relationships and expertise will be a great addition to our already amazing team. We are delighted to welcome her!”
Barlar joins Dallas Market Center during unprecedented growth in new buyers visiting the marketplace from across the country and new brands taking space in permanent showrooms and in temporary booths during trade events. The reimagined June 2023 Temps at Total Home & Gift Market was the largest summer exhibition in more than a decade and included hundreds of new exhibitors across five distinct neighborhoods.
“The last three years have seen a clear shift in where better business is being created. Dallas is the marketplace people are talking about, especially its continuing growth and bedrock commitment to the customer,” Barlar said. “I’m excited to join a team that has a long-range strategy, understands how to support both buyers and sellers, and remains true to its family-owned company values.”
Barlar joins a team of leadership in gift and home that includes Marshall; Joan Ulrich, EVP leasing; Dave Savula, business development strategist; Karol Sullins, executive director; Nancy Wolkow, Nancy Axtman, Marie Quinn and Ashley Chaney, leasing directors.
Barlar most recently served as executive director with AmericasMart Atlanta, responsible for new business development and sales for gift and home tradeshows. Prior to that position she served in sales positions in AmericasMart’s publishing and media group.
Barlar was raised in Houston and San Antonio. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Fall and Winter Trade Events
Dallas Market Center is anticipating well attended fall and winter trade events including Total Home & Gift Market, taking place Sept. 19-21; Dallas Design Week, Sept. 19-21; ArchLIGHT Summit, Sept. 19-20; and The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 10-13 which is part of Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 10-16.
For information on upcoming events, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.
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Transpac Hires Nicholson as Senior Product Manager
Transpac, a leading supplier of seasonal and everyday gift and home décor company with close to three decades of global sourcing and manufacturing experience, has hired Marsha Nicholson as senior product manager. Nicholson is a seasoned product developer with more than 14 years in the gift and home décor space. She was formerly a business development coordinator for Creative Co-Op, while most recently sales director and product developer for Trade Cie before joining the Transpac and C&F family of brands.
Nicholson is passionate about product, offering extensive skills with international vendors in order to design and execute product accurately. Her understanding of product specifications, pricing, and creativity serves as an excellent fit to Transpac’s continued commitment to bringing on trend and priced right product to market.
“We could not be more excited to have Marsha join our growing organization. Her knowledge and experience is an indicator of the impact she has made in the marketplace,” said Alicon Lee, vice president of product development. “We have transformed our positioning in the seasonal gift category over the last few years and developed ways to bring trend right product to the market while still being mindful of our price positioning. Marsha understands these goals and priorities and will help continue to elevate the products we bring to our valued customers.”
Nicholson joins team Transpac immediately.
“I have watched Transpac’s product evolution for years. I have been impressed with how they have navigated the changing product environment, and look forward to bringing my skills and deep passion for the industry to this outstanding organization” Nicholson said.
Transpac is a privately held wholesale company that distributes seasonal gifts, and décor. It is located in Vacaville, California and has been in business for over 25 years. The company is a part of C&F Enterprises.
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Operation Homefront Launches Back-to-School Brigade for Military Families
National nonprofit Operation Homefront is kicking off its16th annual Back-to-School Brigade program to support thousands of military families during a difficult time of the year. Our nation’s military families often face deployments, and the summer frequently brings relocations and the challenge of adjusting to new communities.
Operation Homefront’s program reduces the financial burden of purchasing school supplies and provides local communities an opportunity to thank military families for all they do to protect the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy daily.
Operation Homefront will provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to 30,000 military children across the country this year, hoping to reach a major milestone, distributing its 550,000th backpack to a military child since the program launched in 2008, saving military families more than $60 million to date.
“Many of our military families continue to face a variety of financial hardships as they work to protect our nation and the freedoms we enjoy daily,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “Thanks to like-minded partners like Dollar Tree and its loyal customers and Southern New Hampshire University, we will not only be able to help this special group of our fellow citizens during the financially stressful back-to-school season, but we will be able to ensure our military children have the resources they need to succeed at school.”
Southern New Hampshire University, whose mission is to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone, is the lead investor in this year’s Back-to-School Brigade and has supported Operation Homefront since 2014.
“SNHU is proud to partner with Operation Homefront to help reduce barriers and create opportunities for military spouses and their families,” said Jeremy Owens, AVP of University Partnerships, SNHU. “Military families make many sacrifices in their service, and it is vital that they get the support they need to make sure their children have access to school supplies to be able to focus on their studies.”
The school supplies that Operation Homefront will distribute at more than 120 events across the country are thanks to contributions from Dollar Tree and its customers. Beginning July 5 and running through Aug. 4, customers can donate supplies to the Back-to-School Brigade program at more than 8,000 participating Dollar Tree locations nationwide.
Dollar Tree is a longtime advocate of military families. Since their partnership with Operation Homefront began in 2006, Dollar Tree and its generous customers have provided millions of dollars in cash and in-kind to the nonprofit’s recurring support programs.
”We are honored to once again partner with Operation Homefront – and our generous customers – to set up military families for success in this back-to-school season,” said Kristin Tetreault, chief communications officer for Dollar Tree. “Our customers and associates truly look forward to giving back to those who give so much for our country.”
Additional partners supporting Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade at events around the country include CSX and Kellogg’s. For more information, visit https://operationhomefront.org/back-to-school-brigade/
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Floor & Decor Opens 29th Florida Store
Floor & Decor, the high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring for homeowners and professionals, has opened its 29th warehouse store in Florida, with the addition of its newest location in Clermont. Located at 4800 Collina Terrace, it is the fifth store in the Orlando metropolitan area.
The warehouse store and design center will open with a team of about 50 full-time and part-time associates led by Jack Holshue, the store chief executive merchant.
“We’re thrilled to announce our newest store location in Clermont,” said Holshue. “For more than two decades, Floor & Decor has had the opportunity to serve professionals and homeowners throughout the nation, and we are excited to expand our footprint yet again in Florida with this new location. We look forward to becoming part of the community and welcoming our newest neighbors into our store and making their renovation journeys easier, inspired and more affordable.”
In celebration of the grand opening, Floor & Decor is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 6, at noon ET with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
In appreciation of its valued builders, contractors, architects, designers, remodelers, flooring installers and realtors, Floor & Decor welcomed its PRO network to the new location with a special PRO VIP Grand Opening event on June 28.
“Building relationships with our local professionals is very important to us. Their success is our success,” said Holshue. “The store tours and giveaways give us a chance to support our community and tell them about our PRO Premier Rewards and all the benefits it can bring to their business.”
The Clermont store will give away a $5,000 Floor Makeover as part of its grand opening festivities. Through Sept. 5, customers will have the chance to register to win a $5,000 gift card. Interested parties can register online at www.floormakeoverclermont.com.
Store Facts & Features
- Location: 4800 Collina Terrace, Orlando, FL 34711
- Square Footage: 80,000
- Regular store hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Floor & Decor is one of Fortune’s 100 fastest-growing companies, and in April 2023, was named to Yelp’s “Most Loved Brands” list, which honors the most loved brands on the consumer reviews platform.
For more information, please visit https://www.flooranddecor.com/ and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/flooranddecor).
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Consumers Prepare for Back to School
LTK, the global creator marketing platform, released the findings of its 2023 Back to School Shopper Study, revealing insights into consumer behaviors and attitudes towards back-to-school shopping this year. Back to school is one of the biggest retail moments of the year with 65 percent of the general population intending to shop during this time, and despite economic concerns, 81 percent of shoppers plan to spend the same or more as last year with purchase decisions driven by price and quality. As shoppers begin their shopping journey, more are turning to creators for help as a majority of the general population (63 percent) now shop creator recommendations.
The study found a substantial percentage of consumers across generations are preparing for back-to-school shopping. Gen Z leads the pack with 77 percent intending to shop, closely followed by 76 percent of Millennials and 74 percent of Gen X. Back-to-school shopping isn’t exclusive to students or parents; 42 percent of Millennials and Gen Xers who shop for their kids also plan to shop or themselves, further fueling the excitement surrounding this shopping season.
Despite 72 percent of the general population expressing concerns about the current economic climate, 81% of consumers plan to spend the same or more on back-to-school shopping this year. Among those intending to maintain or increase their spending, Millennials lead the way at 85 percent, closely followed by Gen X (83 percent), and Gen Z slightly trailing (71 percent). Compared to last year, the general population intends to spend more in four categories: traditional school supplies, electronics, clothes and shoes and beauty.
Consumers are kicking off their shopping earlier this year. By early July, 35 percent will have begun their back-to-school shopping, up from 31 percent in 2022. Furthermore, 62 percent of shoppers state they will have started shopping before the end of July. As Gen Zers head back to college, more than half will start their shopping in late July through early August. When it comes to shopping preferences, 76 percent will shop online while 73 percent will shop in stores.
The most sought-after categories during the back-to-school season include fashion, shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes, core school supplies, accessories, personal care products, food and beverage, cleaning supplies, electronics and health and wellness products.
Price and quality are paramount for the majority of shoppers this year, with quality gaining more significance over convenience compared to last year’s trends. Gen Z and Millennials place an even higher emphasis on price than the general population, with 53 percent intending to compare prices across multiple stores, 40 percent waiting for significant sales events and 31 percent ready to switch brands for better-priced items.
Creators have significant influence over shopping behaviors, especially among Gen Z consumers. Creators are 3.5 times more influential to Gen Z than social media ads. An overwhelming majority of Gen Z (75 percent) and a significant number of Millennials (67 percent) base their online purchases on recommendations from creators. Similar trends are seen for in-store purchases, with 77 percent of Gen Z and 67 percent of Millennials expressing that they rely on advice from creators when shopping in physical stores. In addition, 45 percent of Gen Z and 41 percent of Millennials say they follow creators who share back-to-school content.
The reported data is from a survey conducted in May 2023 among 1,084 participants, reflective of the US population with 97 percent confidence.
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Ross Stores Extends Rentler’s Leadership
Ross Stores, Inc.‘s board of directors has approved an employment agreement with Barbara Rentler, vice chair and chief executive officer, that will extend through March 31, 2027. The agreement provides for Rentler, 65, to continue as CEO through Jan. 31, 2026. By that date, the board expects to have selected her successor, and Rentler will become a senior advisor through the end of March 2027.
George Orban, chairman said, “Barbara Rentler is an outstanding executive and gifted merchant who has made significant contributions to our Company’s growth and success since joining Ross in 1986. As CEO, she has provided the vision and leadership to navigate the company successfully through both favorable and more challenging external landscapes with a focus on maximizing our opportunities for growth and profitability. This long-term succession plan will enable us to continue to benefit from Barbara’s more than three decades of leadership at Ross, while supporting a smooth transition to a new CEO.”
Rentler said, “Serving as CEO and leading the incredibly talented and committed teams we have throughout the business has been, and continues to be, a great privilege. I look forward to our continued success.”
Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500, and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2022 revenues of $18.7 billion. Currently, the Company operates Ross Dress for Less, the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,704 locations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam.
Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20 percent to 60 percent off department and specialty store regular prices every day. The company also operates 330 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores in 22 states that feature a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20 percent to 70 percent off moderate department and discount store regular prices every day.
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Igloo Reveals Expanded Trailmate Series
Igloo revealed the expanded Trailmate Series of high-performance hardside coolers at Outdoor Retailer Summer trade show. Made in the USA, these two rugged, adventure-ready ice chests officially join the ranks of Igloo’s established, bestselling Trailmate Journey cooler with all-terrain wheels, marking the first time Igloo broadened Trailmate into a family of varied hardside cooler sizes. The all-new series — featuring the Trailmate 25 Qt Cooler and Trailmate 50 Qt Cooler — is available now at igloocoolers.com/trailmate.
“Over the past 76 years, Igloo has become a legacy brand that Americans associate with summer essentials, long-lasting outdoor fun and keeping things cool. To continue enhancing the adventures of our customers, we built upon our immensely popular and bestselling wheeled Trailmate Journey cooler to include two new durable, high-performance hardside coolers that are made at our manufacturing facility in Texas. We see our expanded Trailmate Series bringing people together to create more memories for many generations, and we are so proud to be a part of their enjoyment,” said Adrienne Berkes, Vice President of Marketing at Igloo.
Igloo designed the new Trailmate Series of hardside coolers with a focus on durability and better performance. With a heavy-duty blow-molded construction, each Trailmate style features extra-thick 1.5-inch foam-insulated walls for longer ice retention, a lockable lid with a leak-resistant gasket, new and easy-to-use two finger Sure-Lock latches, dual-sized self-draining cup holders, wider handles, oversized hinges and more.
Both the 25-quart Trailmate ($99.99, fits up to 38 standard 12-ounce cans) and the 50-quart Trailmate ($129.99, fits up to 81 standard 12-ounce cans) come in carbonite, bone and spruce colorways and can be purchased at igloocoolers.com/trailmate, while supplies last.
Earlier this year, Igloo also released a collection of Trailmate softsides — three rugged, weather-resistant high-performance cooler bags that mark the company’s first time expanding its bestselling Trailmate Journey cooler line into softsides. The entire Trailmate Series can be found at igloocoolers.com/trailmate.
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Gift for Life Launches Tiered Donor Program
Gift for Life has launched a tiered recognition program for donors in conjunction with Atlanta Market’s Summer 2023 Fundraising to support World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts.
Designed to celebrate the generosity of Gift for Life supporters, the new tiered recognition program will recognize annual giving at levels between $500 and $10,000+. This industry-wide recognition occurs three times per year, supplementing acknowledgement of campaign-specific donations.
“The gifts received from our industry partners are the lifeblood of organizations like World Central Kitchen,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life. “Recognition of the manufacturers, sales agencies, market-makers and trade media who support Gift for Life across multiple markets is long overdue. This new tiered recognition program will allow Gift for Life to recognize our most consistent and generous supporters for their philanthropic efforts.”
Recognition levels start at $500, and extend through $10,000+ with the following specific recognition tiers: Diamond Donor ($10,000); Platinum Donor ($5,000); Gold Donor ($3,000); Silver Donor ($1,000) and Bronze Donor ($500). Donors will be recognized for all of their donations made to any GFL campaigns three times per year – January, March and October – and totals will reset with each calendar year.
As an added bonus, Diamond and Platinum donors will be recognized as Gift for Life Sponsors for the following year and receive logo placement and testimonial opportunities in Gift for Life communication pieces.
Atlanta Market’s week-long “Feed the Hungry. Feel the Good” campaign kicks-off the newly introduced tiered recognition program for Gift for Life. Participating showrooms will raise funds in several ways, including donations for each confirmed order placed during the summer market; vendor contributions, direct donations from retailers; and percentage of sales.Funds raised during the July 11-17 event at AmericasMart Atlanta will support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to eradicate food insecurity across the globe.
“ANDMORE is delighted to continue our support for World Central Kitchen this July in Atlanta and to pilot the new tiered recognition program for Gift For Life,” said Sarah Mount, ANDMORE vice president marketing and Gift for Life first vice-chair. “Long-time supporters, like ANDMORE and so many of our Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market exhibitors, are really essential to Gift for Life’s year-round fundraising efforts.”
Participating Atlanta Market showrooms confirmed to date are Schauben & Co., Road Runners, and The Link Companies, with many more to be announced. ANDMORE also will make a $2,500 donation. All gifts made through the Atlanta Market summer 2023 fundraiser will be added to the Donor’s 2023 running total and count towards the tiered recognition levels.
Donations to Atlanta Market’s “Feed the Hungry, Feel the Good” campaign benefitting World Central Kitchen are now accepted at https://donate.wck.org/atlsummer2023. ANDMORE, owners and operators of Atlanta Market, have set a $5,000 goal for the summer 2023 fundraiser.
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ANDMORE Launches @Market App
ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers) is helping buyers optimize the physical market experience with launch of a new @Market app, an all-in-one market mobile experience combining registration, pre-market planning, at-market navigation, product and showroom organization and post-market activity recaps. The @Market app – available on the Apple App Store – is the first tool in ANDMORE’s omnichannel strategy to enhance physical markets with digital tools.
“ANDMORE’s customer-first ethos is the driving force behind a reimagined omnichannel strategy designed to deliver efficiency, simplicity and innovation,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “The new @Market app answers buyers’ needs by creating efficiency before market, driving relevant discovery at market and making post-market follow-up easier and more effective.”
The @Market mobile app combines the features buyers know and love from ANDMORE’s current market apps, including turn-by-turn directions allowing buyers to do and see more during market, with new enhancements to support sourcing across apparel, gift, home décor and furniture. Newly developed features include Scan & Go QR codes for quick buyer badge pickup and the ability to capture and organize photos of favorite market finds with notes and scannable QR codes that unlock information about each permanent showroom and temporary exhibitor. Post-market, buyers will receive a detailed market recap with a list of showrooms visited and notes for reference during follow-up.
“ANDMORE is laser-focused on building experiences that deliver value to our customers with exactly what they are asking for: insights to help them grow their businesses and solutions to maximize their time before, during and after market,” added Mark Crowther, ANDMORE executive vice president, chief digital officer. “ANDMORE’s new @Market app is a great example of starting with the customer in mind and iterating with direct buyer input.”
The app is now live and ready for Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market in July and coming for ANDMORE’s Atlanta Apparel, Las Vegas Apparel and Formal markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas in August. Buyers who have attended these markets in the last 12 months can simply download the app and activate an account. New buyers must first register for the market, then download the App and activate an account. Upon arrival to market, buyers use the app like a “boarding pass” scanning a unique registration QR code to print a badge.
During each market, ANDMORE “App-bassadors” will be available for onsite support and assistance, and buyers can learn more about the new @Market app at Innovation Labs on both ANDMORE’s Atlanta and Las Vegas campuses this summer. Between markets, ANDMORE’s mobile-friendly market websites provide buyers with easy access to market information, exhibitor directories and event calendars.
ANDMORE’s @Market buyer app is available for download here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/market/id6444213157
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker that fuels opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through physical markets, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. By pairing face-to-face events with always-on digital channels, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel business platforms for its global customer base.
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Space Automatic Feeder Dishes Fresh Pet Food
PETLIBRO, a leading smart pet supply brand in the United States, has launched its innovative PETLIBRO Space Automatic Feeder (RRP $199.99). It is a game changer for pet owners seeking a practical, convenient, and efficient way to preserve the nutritional value and freshness of their pet’s food.
With a vacuum-sealed food tank and individual valve, this innovative feeder has a multitude of benefits to your pet’s meals. The automatic sealing ensures that your pet’s food remains protected. By eliminating exposure to air and external contaminants, it preserves the nutrients and taste of the food. This means every meal is as nutritious and delicious as the first time you opened the package.
But the advantages don’t stop there. The vacuum-sealing technology plays a crucial role in preventing your pets from common diseases like Salmonellosis and Aspergillosis. The vacuum seal effectively blocks pathogens and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring your pets stay healthy and free from foodborne illnesses.
With this technology, you can rest easy knowing that your pets are receiving the best care possible with our top-of-the-line vacuum-sealing technology.
Mealtime will be a joy for your beloved pets thanks to this PETLIBRO Space Automatic Pet Feeder. The 34-cup food tank ensures an ample supply of food. The 187mm wide and 48mm deep food bowl provides a comfortable and spacious eating area. The feeder’s 18mm kibble support allows for compatibility with various pet food options. Moreover, the bottom four feet enhance stability during mealtime.
Whether your furbaby is a cat or a dog, this feeder provides a happy and fulfilling eating experience. They can enjoy their meals in a comfortable and satisfying manner.
With the PETLIBRO app, you have complete control at your fingertips. Set customized feeding schedules, dispense food, record personalized meal calls, and even initiate vacuum sealing with ease. Whether you’re away or at work, you can conveniently feed your pet. The PETLIBRO Space Feeder is currently available on the PETLIBRO website and Amazon.
Since 2019, PETLIBRO has been dedicated to providing high-quality pet care products that make life easier for pet owners. Their innovative products are designed to strengthen the bond between pet owners and pets, and help them both live happy, fulfilling lives.
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NRF Foundation Adds 4 Directors
The NRF Foundation has added four members to its Board of Directors. The new members were elected during the organization’s summer board meeting in New York City.
“We are honored to welcome this outstanding group of individuals to the NRF Foundation board. These leaders represent a wide range of roles across our dynamic industry, and exemplify the successful career paths that retail can offer,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “We are grateful for their expertise as we continue to strengthen the NRF Foundation’s impact on future industry leaders.”
The new board members are:
- Ronald Brown, vice president of community impact, Target
- Tonya Hallett, vice president of people experience and technology, Amazon
- Meghan Marr, LIM college graduate and 2023 NRF Foundation Next Generation top recipient
- Penelope Sur, vice president of talent, DICK’S Sporting Goods
The NRF Foundation Board of Directors is chaired by Tony Spring, president of Macy’s, Inc. and chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale’s.
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for life-changing careers. As NRF’s nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities.
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies, and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring, and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.
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IMC, Juniper Rebrand as ANDMORE
International Market Centers has unified its physical marketplace business with the Juniper digital offerings and rebranding as ANDMORE omnichannel wholesale marketmaker. This business transformation follows a year-long initiative to redefine the company’s vision, align all channels under a single brand experience, and offer more ways to seamlessly connect wholesale buyers and sellers through physical and digital platforms.
“Today marks an important milestone as we embark on a new era for our company,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “ANDMORE captures our spirit of innovation and focus on doing MORE to support our customers by enhancing and extending the value of our physical markets for both buyers and sellers across the furniture, home décor, gift and apparel industries.”
ANDMORE’s modern visual identity captures the creative and vibrant nature of the industries ANDMORE serves. In addition to the new name and branding, ANDMORE will introduce a host of innovative features and enhancements to its upcoming markets and digital offerings.
The first product introduction under the ANDMORE name is a new buyer mobile app, which launches in preparation for the summer markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas. The @Market app includes pre-market planning tools, a personal QR code for quick badge pick-up, the ability to capture and organize images with notes, turn-by-turn directions to help buyers make the most of their time at market and a comprehensive, post-market recap for easy follow-up and ordering.
“ANDMORE is MORE than a name or a brand. It is both a promise and a challenge that gives us the space and flexibility to continue to find new ways to provide exceptional value to our partners and customers,” said Maricich.
ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, owns and operates more than 20 million square feet of premium event and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City.
For coverage of ANDMORE, including Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market, get the July issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Thrash Band Slayer Is Cool(er) Than Ever
Igloo announces its collaboration with Slayer — one of the most distinctive, influential, and extreme thrash metal bands of all time — by unleashing the first-ever Slayer coolers. Following suit with artists such as The Rolling Stones and Iron Maiden, and in partnership with Slayer’s licensing agent Global Merchandising, the Slayer KoolTunes and Little Playmate coolers are available in tribute to the International Day of Slayer (June 6), the annual heavy metal holiday that celebrates the legendary band. To check out the coolers and place an order, log onto igloocoolers.com/slayer. Also, coming later in 2023, Igloo will be expanding the collection to include Slayer drinkware.
“Collaborating with Slayer to capture the band’s distinct and influential look onto our world-famous coolers has been incredible,” said Adrienne Berkes, vice president of marketing at Igloo. “Through our effectively chilling KoolTunes and Playmate, we’re providing Slayer’s legion of fans a unique and practical way to show their undying devotion to the band.”
“We are very excited to continue our partnership with Igloo and extend it to one of the pioneers of metal music. The collection Igloo has put together to honor Slayer will undoubtedly be a fan favorite and we look forward to doing more with Igloo and their talented team,” said Jens Drinkwater, head of licensing worldwide.
Slayer’s impact on thrash metal music is undeniable, and their influence can be seen in the artwork of this new cooler collection. The Slayer Reign in Blood KoolTunes ($174.99) — Igloo’s fan-favorite 14-quart (holds up to 26 cans) Playmate cooler with built-in, weather-resistant Bluetooth speakers — channels the band’s boundary-pushing third album, arguably the greatest speed metal album of all time. Additionally, Igloo designed the 7-quart (holds up to 9 cans) Slayer Graveyard Little Playmate ($39.99) with a black base, an all-black lid and skeleton graphics, an all-over design that wholly embodies the dark side and perfectly captures the band’s essence.
All metalheads can shop the brand-new collection on igloocoolers.com/slayer.
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Atlanta Market Sets Gourmet Programs
Atlanta Market presents exclusive gourmet programming this summer, including a series of live cooking demonstrations and GCX:Connect, a full slate of education and events presented by GC Buying Group, during its July 11-17, 2023 edition at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Atlanta Market is a top spot for all things gourmet – with a full range of gift-oriented housewares, tabletop and specialty foods, complemented by top chefs making signature dishes in the interactive JURA Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen,” said Karen Olson, IMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “IMC’s continued partnership with GC Buying Group also offers Atlanta Market buyers and sellers an exclusive opportunity to source, learn and network with an even wider range of industry leaders through GCX:Connect.
Three Days of Gourmet Demonstrations
The JURA Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen, located in the heart of the Gourmet offerings (Building 2, Floor 8), is bustling with three must-see cooking classes.
Celebrity chef and author Elizabeth Heiskell shares recipes, tales and laughs from her culinary road trip in “Stop and Smell the Tomatoes” on Wednesday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m. Using the best summer produce from side-of-the-road shacks, farmer’s trucks, fruit stands, melon patches gathered from Oxford to Atlanta, she will show how to turn her road harvest into a delightful Sunday Supper. A book signing of Heiskell’s “Come on Over” follows.
Mark Alba, executive chef of Kimpton Shane Hotel in Midtown Atlanta, adds a refreshing summertime twist to a seafood favorite as he prepares Lump Crab Salad with melon, avocado, citrus, honey ginger vinaigrette and basil in “In the Kitchen with Mark Alba” on Thursday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m.
Shane Quillin, Dessert Wars champion and owner of the Atlanta-based gourmet cookie bakery Sugar Shane’s, creates light and moist banana bread with a brown sugar glaze topping during “Sugar Shane’s Cookie Secrets” on Friday, July 14, at 2:30 p.m.
GCX:Connect Offers In-Depth Gourmet Programming
GC Buying Group returns for the third time to Atlanta Market in Summer 2023 with GCX:Connect, its semi-annual buying and programming event connecting gourmet and housewares brands and retailers.
“The July Market in Atlanta has become the go-to summer market for GC Buying Group store members”, confirmed Janis Johnson, president and founder of GC Buying Group. “Plus, GC vendor members have shown great support for the market by featuring products in every possible venue – rep showrooms, dedicated company showrooms, and the dynamic Temps. The all-out focus on kitchen and home by IMC at Atlanta Market makes the locale decision a simple one for GC event planning.”
New in Summer 2023, GC Buying Group opens its “Vendor Demo” to all Atlanta Market attendees interested in the latest and greatest in culinary tools and products from brands like Harold Imports, Cangshan and Solac on Wednesday, July 12 in the GC Buying Group space (Building 2, Floor 8). Also open to all attendees is the “GCX Networking Lunch,” an opportunity for prospective vendor and buyer members to learn more about GC Buying Group, on Friday, July 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
GCX: Connect education is open exclusively to GC Buying Group Members. A full day of education on Thursday, July 13, includes training presentations by key vendor members and networking group discussions for buyers. The “Mini Showcase” highlights vendors new to GC Buying Group, as well as new product introductions from current vendors with light bites and networking opportunities for members. Additionally, members will gather for the “Party in the Kitchen” featuring demonstrations from JURA and Vitamix on Wednesday, July 12, 5 -7 p.m. in the JURA Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen. Atlanta Market attendees who are interested in GCX programming can join the organization onsite.
At Atlanta Market, some 475+ gourmet, housewares and tabletop lines are presented in showrooms on two dedicated floors of Building 2 with an additional 100+ gourmet, housewares and tabletop lines presented in five temporary exhibit categories: Gourmet, Gourmet LUXE, Housewares, Tabletop & Entertaining and Tabletop LUXE. A full list of Atlanta Market exhibitors is available at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings and apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
International Market Centers serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce.
For coverage of Atlanta Market, see the July issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now!
IHA Market Watch: Consumer-Centric Approach Is Key to Success
Following unprecedented demand during the pandemic years, the home and housewares industry finds itself at a unique inflection point in 2023. Suppliers and retailers are wondering how to stay engaged with customers, how to meet their quickly changing needs and what will inspire them to buy in challenging financial times.
The International Housewares Association has just released its 2023 IHA Market Watch Report, which is designed to assist the home and housewares industry with connecting to consumer values. As consumers adjust to a post-pandemic world, this report revisits five key drivers or motivating factors in consumers’ purchase decisions for home and housewares products: Wellness, Time, Space, Experience and Responsibility.
The report is based on the IHA Market Watch Survey, whose results illustrate how consumers are feeling, what they want, what they need and what motivates them to buy items for their homes. It also sheds light on what consumers learned during the pandemic, what habits or values endure and how they see their home lives evolving in the coming year. Each section of the report contains data and analysis, as well as suggestions for ways that both product developers and retailers can connect with consumers in 2023.
- Wellness: In 2023, wellness is an extremely important driving force in people’s lives and a motivating factor in many of their home-related purchase decisions. According to the report, 81 percent of survey respondents said wellness was very or somewhat important to their daily lives at home. In fact, while all five of the survey’s drivers are important to respondents, wellness emerged as the overwhelming top priority. When asked which was most important to them at home, 47 percent said wellness. That was followed by time (19 percent), experience (14 percent), space (11 percent) and responsibility (9 percent).
- Time: As consumers try to find their way in a post-pandemic world, they’re feeling like time is not on their side. More people are returning to the office for work, and commutes are cutting into their days. Others have hybrid work arrangements, juggling two profoundly different types of workdays and time considerations. What’s more, kids are back to school and all their activities, which brings a whole different set of time-related challenges. According to the report, 70 percent of survey respondents said they wished they had more time or more resources to save time. In fact, 23 percent said they always wished they had more time; 18 percent said often and 29 percent said sometimes.
- Space: While consumers might not be as cramped for space as they were during the height of pandemic shutdowns, space challenges remain now that some consumers have permanent work-from-home arrangements, either every day or on some days of the week. And now that consumers have spent so much time at home—and have come to understand the incredible impact that their living space has on their wellbeing—they are craving affordable and easy ways to update, change or improve their living areas. According to the report, 60 perent of survey respondents said they experience some kind of space-related challenge at home; 17 percent said “many,” 21 percent said “a few” and 22 percent said “sometimes.”
- Experience: There’s no question that people are craving experiences after the pandemic limited so many of them. While many industry forecasters predicted this would drive spending away from home and housewares, the current economic climate is making restaurants, travel and other out-of-home experiences cost-prohibitive for some consumers….and causing others to think twice. As a result, it’s a perfect time to promote home-based experiences that can be enjoyed at a fraction of the price. For example, there is a significant pent-up demand for at-home entertaining. According to the report, 10 percent of consumers “often” try to create new experiences at home, such as meals or social gatherings, and replicating paid activities like going to a spa or movie theater. But the IHA Market Watch survey indicates there is an opportunity to engage with consumers who are interested in these experiences but may have barriers such as time, money or simply feeling out of practice or unsure of how to get started.
- Responsibility: Responsibility has historically focused on environmental issues, but in recent years consumers have become increasingly concerned about social responsibility. Many expect the companies they buy from to be committed to both environmental and social solutions. This is partly due to the sense of global community created during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a result of consumers becoming more educated and informed. According to the report, 67 percent of survey respondents said they’re socially/environmentally conscious at home, either often (33 percent) or sometimes (34 percent). This response offers retailers and suppliers an opportunity to lower some barriers to entry—namely price and convenience—in order to connect with more consumers, especially those who answered “only if convenient” and “not yet, but want to.”
First launched in 2020, the IHA Market Watch Report is part of IHA’s efforts to help retailers and suppliers of home and housewares connect with the consumer lifestyle trends and values that will drive success. It was written by IHA in conjunction with Joe Derochowski, vice president and home industry advisor for Circana, the new market research firm formed by the merger of IRI and The NPD Group, and Tom Mirabile, principal and founder of Springboard Futures, and IHA’s consumer trends forecaster.
The 2023 IHA Market Watch Survey was conducted by CivicScience Dec. 13-20, 2022, among a sample range between 2,800 and 3,400 adults. The interviews were based on age, gender and household income and conducted through partnerships with hundreds of online and mobile content publishers and then aggregated into a centralized proprietary platform.
To read the full 2023 IHA Market Watch Report, go to Housewares.org/market-watch-2023
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GE Launches UltraFast Combo
GE Profile has launched the UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology, its all-in-one laundry solution and latest addition to the GE Profile laundry portfolio.
The new combination washer and dryer changes the game by eliminating the need for owners to complete the laborious task of transferring the load from the washer to the dryer and feeling chained to the laundry room until the cycle ends. Beyond that, the UltraFast Combo saves time with its ability to wash AND dry a large load in about two hours (Tested using a 10-pound Department of Energy or typical mixed load on the Normal Wash + Dry Cycle Eco Dry setting.). With the UltraFast Combo, the washer automatically cycles to dry so owners spend less time in the laundry room and more time doing activities they enjoy.
In addition to the time-saving capabilities, the machine also saves energy with its ventless heat pump technology and a High-Airflow Ventless Drying System that delivers 50 percent more energy efficient drying (Efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR qualification for standard electric dryers.). The ventless design also lets owners reimagine how they want to set up their laundry room. Instead of having to plan around exterior venting, owners can set up their laundry from anywhere with a water hookup, such as a closet or primary bathroom. By pairing this feature with a 120v plug requirement and space-saving design, owners get the same speed and power they desire along with installation flexibility.
“We continue to challenge the status quo of how everyday tasks are done and disrupt the conventional laundry room design to address consumer pain points head-on,” said Ken Rudolph, senior director of product management for clothes care at GE Appliances. “We’ve created the ultimate powerhouse for laundry by bundling the power of cleaning and drying and matching that with energy-efficient features and a compact, flexible design.”
Since debuting at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show earlier this year, the UltraFast Combo has been recognized by several associations and media companies for being an innovative smart home product. The all-in-one solution was awarded the Best Home Technology Product for the 10th annual Best of IBS awards by the National Association of Home Builders, which recognizes outstanding building products and services based on the products’ innovation, functionality, design as well as builder and consumer friendliness. The product was also awarded the 2023 Sustainable Products of the Year by Green Builder for its energy saving capabilities and the Design Meets Tech Award by Connected Design.
Additionally, the UltraFast Combo includes Adaptive SmartDispense Technology, which helps save time and effort by automatically dispensing the right amount of detergent along with an UltraFresh System with Microban Antimicrobial Technology that helps prevent odors by providing antimicrobial protection on the gasket, dispenser, and draining system. The machine is also designed at an ergonomically desirable height for retrieving and folding clothes on top, includes an exclusive, easy-to-reach lint filter system for easily removing lint and micro particles, and gives owners the power to manage their laundry loads remotely when connected to home Wi-Fi through the free SmartHQ app.
Available in Carbon Graphite, the UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology is available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2,899.
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Father’s Day Spending Expected to Reach Record $22.9B
Consumers will collectively spend a record-high $22.9 billion to celebrate Father’s Day this year, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Total expected spending for the holiday is up from last year’s $20 billion and exceeds the previous record of $20.1 billion in 2021.
“Father’s Day remains a momentous occasion for Americans to honor the important men in their lives,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Consumers plan to celebrate the holiday in a big way this year, and retailers are ready to help make it special.”
Three-quarters of consumers plan to celebrate Father’s Day this year, which is on par with participation in recent years. Consumers expect to spend a record $196.23 on average, up from $171.79 last year and exceeding the previous record of $174.10 in 2021.
The record highs for both collective and average spending are primarily driven by an increase in the percentage of consumers purchasing clothing, electronics, personal care and special outings and the amount they are spending on these categories.
Half of those celebrating the holiday plan to buy for a father or stepfather, followed by a husband (27 percent), son (11 percent), brother (9 percent), friend (8 percent) or grandfather (7 percent).
As in previous years, the most popular Father’s Day gifts are greeting cards, purchased by 61 percent. Other top gifts include clothing (55 percent), a special outing such as dinner or brunch (52 percent), gift cards (48 percent) and personal care items (32 percent).
“The big spenders this Father’s Day are consumers aged 35-44 who are expected to outspend other consumers by nearly $100,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “Those aged 45-54 plan to increase their spending the most, by spending $57.04 more than they planned last year.”
Online remains consumers’ primary shopping destination for Father’s Day, with 43 percent shopping online, up from 40 percent last year. This is followed by 38% shopping at department stores, up from 34 percent last year. Other popular destinations are discount stores (24 percent) and specialty stores (22 percent).
Nearly one-third (29 percent) of those celebrating Father’s Day are planning to give a gift of experience, such as tickets to a sporting event or concert. This is up from 25 percent last year and is the highest since NRF started asking this question in 2016. Also, 42 percent are interested in giving a product subscription box, up from 37 percent last year, and is the highest since NRF began tracking this gift option in 2019.
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year.
The survey of 8,414 consumers was conducted May 1-8 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
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LV Design Center Presents Brand Building Keynote
Las Vegas Design Center continues its 2023 event programming with a special keynote session to help designers take business to the next level with brand building. “Building Your Brand Into a Business” will take place on June 1 at 2 p.m., at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Our in-person educational events help promote community and connection among members of the area’s talented design community,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “In addition to gaining valuable insights from top professionals, participants have the opportunity to explore the newest product from LVDC’s 30+ showrooms and to network with other designers.”
The brand building keynote offers an insightful discussion on ways interior designers can grow and improve their brands. The panelists are PR and content maven Cherie Bustamante, president of Fog & Apple; content and media expert Brittany Chevalier McIntyre, executive editor of LUXE Interiors + Design; and trendsetter Alex Woogmaster, founder and creative director of Woogmaster Studio. Registration for this free event is at https://LVDCSignatureEvent-Luxe.eventbrite.com.
Bustamante is a career-long design professional. In her 15+ years of industry experience, she has promoted the work of premier brands and their renowned collaborators. Bustamante established Fog & Apple in 2016 to bring a fresh option for integrated communications within the design industry. Bustamante holds an MBA in Communications and Global Sustainability from Fordham University. She is on the steering committee for DIFFA’s Dining by Design, and is a longtime New York City transplant from San Francisco.
McIntyre is a writer, design editor and content strategist. In her current position at LUXE Interiors and Design Magazine, she oversees the team’s communication plan, executes brand initiatives and assists with shaping each of 15 regions’ feature sections.
Woogmaster holds a degree in Architecture from Cornell University with a concentration in Architecture History, and is a Registered Interior Designer. A passionate student of Classical life and design, Woogmaster relocated from Rome to Las Vegas and served as Creative Director at Wynn under his mentor, Interior Design Hall of Fame designer Roger Thomas. Woogmaster founded his own design studio in 2019. His creative collaborations include worldwide sourcing from multiple manufacturers of luxury interior elements and furnishings, and designing unique licensed product collections on behalf of some of these companies.
Las Vegas Design Center is located at World Market Center Las Vegas on the first two floors of Building A and offers interior designers and other members of the trade year-round access to a comprehensive selection of the industry’s finest product lines. To learn more, visit https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/year-round/lvdc.
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Emerging Brands Alliance Offers $50K Grant
For companies scaling their brands to the next level, the Emerging Brands Alliance will award a $50,000 grant this September to one brand.
The alliance said is an opportunity to receive funding for the purchase of processing or packaging machinery that could transform manufacturing operations such as filling machinery, labeling system or automating part of the line.
Applications are open and will close July 31.
Finalists will be notified in August. To be eligible for the Emerging Brands Grant, applicants must produce and distribute a consumer packaged good in the United States and/or Canada with annual revenues of at least $1 million but not more than $20 million.
The winner will be announced Sept. 10 at the Emerging Brands Summit in Las Vegas.
The grant program is funded by the Emerging Brands Alliance, a platform providing year-round education, community support and growth opportunities to high-growth brands looking to scale their manufacturing operations.
The summit is a one-day event on Sept. 10, prior to the start of PACK EXPO, designed for fast-growing emerging brands seeking to scale their manufacturing operations. Hear directly from brands like Petal Sparkling Beverages, Simple Mills and Mason Dixie, who’ve successfully scaled through both contract and in-house manufacturing. Expert advisors with decades of CPG experience (from the likes of P&G, Kraft Heinz, Del Monte, Nestle and more) will be available for discussions about operations, along with suppliers eager to work with emerging brands.
New in 2023:
- The summit will be hosted the day prior to the start of PACK EXPO, so there are no conflicts with the show
- In addition to the main stage, attendees will have a choice between two concurrent breakout sessions providing additional educational programming throughout the day
- Attendees may browse the digital marketplace to discover resources before, during and after the event
- A dedicated event mobile app will make it even easier to connect with peers, experts, and suppliers
- Consierge service at PACK EXPO Las Vegas to help identify suppliers who support emerging brands
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Wishing You a Safe Memorial Day 2023 Weekend
Everyone at Kitchenware News & Housewares Review wishes you a safe Memorial Day 2023 weekend!
Weber Redesigns Smart Grilling App
Just ahead of the 2023 outdoor cooking season, Weber-Stephen Products, LLC, the global leader in outdoor cooking, technology, and products, debuted its redesigned WEBER CONNECT Smart Grilling 2.0 App. Featuring new experiences, such as a dynamic grilling dashboard, cook graphing, recipes, instructional videos, and multi-grill and multi-recipe cooking capabilities, the App helps users monitor and track their cook — either at the grill or remotely – and offers inspiration and grilling knowledge, all in a fresh, streamlined, beautifully designed experience.
The WEBER CONNECT App, created completely in-house by Weber software engineers, is available to BBQ enthusiasts in multiple languages and supports gas, charcoal, wood pellet, and electric cooking on WEBER® and non-WEBER branded grills. To create the experience, the Weber team layered multiple data points that feed the cloud in a highly orchestrated way so that outdoor cooks receive continuous, colorful, and dynamic time and temperature readouts at precisely the right moment.
“Cooking outside with Weber is fun, enjoyable, and relaxing, and we’ve redesigned every element in our new WEBER CONNECT Smart Grilling App to complement the exceptional experience we strive to bring with our grills,” said Nikhil Bhogal, senior vice president, technology and connected devices at Weber. “When we set out to improve our App, we knew we wanted to elevate the look and feel of it along with deepening its functionality and usability to speak to outdoor cooks of all skill levels, essentially creating an App that isn’t available anywhere else but with Weber.”
“We’ve created a custom guided grilling experience for our owners, which includes a new dashboard, feature sets, functionality, and content that span from beginner cooks to expert grillers. For example, a cook using more than one grill can now track and monitor what’s happening on their SMOKEFIRE wood fired pellet grill while cooking a different meal on their WEBER GENESIS gas grill. Or for our more advanced grillers, new precision cook graphing visually charts the progress of a cook by the second,” added Bhogal.
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Vivint Smart Home Named ‘Trustworthy’
Vivint Smart Home, a leading smart home company, has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies of 2023. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 were identified in an independent survey based on a sample of approximately 25,000 U.S. residents who rated companies they know in terms of three public pillars of trust: customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. A total of 95,000 evaluations were submitted, and all companies headquartered in the U.S. with over $500 million in annual revenue were eligible for inclusion on the list. For each company that received a sufficient number of evaluations, a social listening analysis was conducted to evaluate whether the social mentions were largely positive, neutral, or negative.
“Instilling trust and satisfaction is a top priority at Vivint, and we have worked hard to ensure that every aspect of our business is dedicated to earning and maintaining trust with our customers, as well as our employees,” said Rasesh Patel, president at Vivint. “It is encouraging to see our efforts validated and we’re proud to be recognized on Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies this year – an honor that speaks to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and building strong relationships with those who rely on us.”
See the full list of Newsweek’s America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 here.
Newsweek, in collaboration with market research partner Statista, analyzed companies through a 3-step process. First, all companies – public and private – headquartered in the U.S. with annual revenues over $500 million were considered in the study. Second, Newsweek and Statista conducted an independent survey of about 25,000 U.S. residents, who rated companies against three touchpoints of trust – customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. Finally, for each company that received a sufficient number of evaluations, a Social Listening analysis was conducted. This involved researching over 270,000 mentions of the companies online, and evaluating whether they were largely positive, neutral or negative.
Vivint, an NRG company, is a leading smart home company in the United States. Vivint delivers an integrated smart home system with in-home consultation, professional installation and support delivered by its Smart Home Pros, as well as 24/7 customer care, and monitoring. Dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services, Vivint serves more than 1.9 million customers throughout the United States.
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Atlanta Market 2023 Sets Events for Summer Show
Atlanta Market combines education and celebration with daily programming to offer market exploration, industry insights and networking opportunities during the Summer 2023 edition, July 11-17, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“A full slate of Atlanta Market events will inspire, educate and entertain buyers this summer,” said Karen Olson, IMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Our extensive programming, in combination with the market’s depth and breadth of product resources, gives both retailers and designers the tools they need for success.”
On-Trend Educational Programming
Eleven educational seminars and workshops allow Atlanta Market buyers to hear from trendsetters and experts as they prepare for the busy fourth-quarter season.
The Atlanta Market Mainstage in the Atrium of Building 3 offers three keynote presentations from retail and design tastemakers. In “The Trend Pendulum: Staying Ahead of the Curve,” internationally acclaimed interior designer and former global marketing executive Timothy Corrigan shares his expertise on trend forecasting, avoiding short-term fads and identifying future classics on Wednesday, July 12, at 1 p.m. “Real Talk: Mark-Ups” is a panel discussion moderated by Business of Home‘s Dennis Scully, with designers Wesley Moon, Max Humphrey, Leah Alexander, and Ashley Malone of Studio Wellington on Thursday, July 13, at 1 p.m. In “Engage and Inspire: Crafting A Visual Story with Artful Displays & Visual Merchandising,” Accent Decor’s Creative Director Becky Hillis and artist Toni Dammicci discuss the creation and success of their award-winning showroom displays.
Additional retailer-oriented programming includes “It’s Your Time to Shine Online!” with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media Co., addressing how to jumpstart a social media selling mindset and create meaningful results on Thursday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Seminar Space (Building 1, Floor 14). Complementing Vilkaitis’ seminar are “Social Media Audit with Crystal Media Co.,” a series of free 20-minute personalized coaching sessions to help retailers to maximize and localize their social media efforts on Friday, July 14, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., in the Designer Workspace (Building 1, Floor 15). “HAT Retail Stars Panel,” led by Home Accents Today Editor in Chief Allison Zisko, features a panel of independent brick-and-mortar retailers all recently named by the publication as “Retail Stars” on Friday, July 14, 2023, 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Designer-focused programming includes “Buyer Q&A: All Things Home” with Caroline Russell, IMC design services manager, helping newcomers to navigate home furnishing resources on Wednesday, July 12, at 10 a.m. (Designer Workspace). In “Prioritizing Project Profitability and Publicity,” Traci Connell, founder of The Gloss for Interior Designers, shares her proven process of maximizing a firm’s profitability while designing incredible projects on Wednesday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Outdoor Living Education
Atlanta Market attendees can explore new casual furniture and outdoor living opportunities through free access to programming presented at the concurrent Casual Market Atlanta.
“Outdoor Living with Vern Yip” offers retailers and designers alike the opportunity to learn more about what’s trending in casual furnishings and outdoor living spaces on Tuesday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m. (Seminar Space).
Atlanta Market buyers also have the opportunity to shop the new Casual Furnishings collection in Building 1, Floors 2-7, on both the day before and opening day of the Summer 2023 Market. The “Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings” at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 11, will be led by Paula Eller-Cox, IMC marketing manager – casual, who will offer an overview of brands and products available as well as helpful tips for a successful market experience.
Gourmet Demonstrations
The JURA Demonstration Kitchen in Building 2, Floor 8, at Atlanta Market offers three days of interactive cooking demonstrations that celebrate the summer season. Chef and author Elizabeth Heiskell showcases the bounty of locally grown produce with a fresh Sunday Supper on Wednesday, July 12. Chef Mark Alba of Kimpton Shane Hotel in Atlanta prepares his signature lump crab salad on Thursday, July 13. Shane Quillin shares Sugar Shane’s cookie secrets on Friday, July 14. All sessions kick-off at 2:30 p.m.
Summer Market Fun
Atlanta Market also offers multiple opportunities for buyers and brands to connect, share ideas and enjoy the Atlanta Market experience. The “Market Kickoff Party” is the must-attend social event of the Summer Market, featuring complimentary drinks and live entertainment by the band The Big Beyond amid the vibrant Gift & Home Temporaries on Wednesday, July 12, at 6 p.m., on the Atrium of Building 3. A “Designer Workspace Soiree” celebrates all things home with complimentary cocktails and light bites on Thursday, July 13, at 4 p.m. in the Building 1, 15th Floor location. “Afternoon Beats” gives attendees a chance to mix and mingle with music provided by DJ Ree De La Vega and complimentary beverages in the Building 3 Atrium Thursday, July 13 – Saturday, July 17, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, buyers can enjoy free amenities such as pop-up bars and buffets, photo-ops and more interaction opportunities throughout Atlanta Market.
The full Summer 2023 Atlanta Market events calendar including additional programming for the design community is at AtlantaMarket.com/Attend/Events. Events are open to all Atlanta Market attendees.
For coverage of Atlanta Market, see the July issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!
At Home Capitalizing on Retail Closures
At Home Group Inc. has closed a new $200 million private placement and completed a series of refinancing transactions to strengthen its balance sheet and position the business to take advantage of opportunities created by recent competitive exits in the sector.
“These transactions further strengthen our financial position and provide At Home with incremental capital to support our growth objectives and execute on our strategic plan,” said Lee Bird, chairman & CEO of At Home. “At Home’s value positioning, unique product assortment and unmatched selection remain highly differentiated in the marketplace. With these transactions, we are able to further invest in our business and strengthen our position as the leading destination for home décor. And with significant runway to add stores, we believe we are well positioned to continue our long track record of double-digit growth in the coming years. We appreciate the support from our financing partners who recognize the value of our business and potential for long-term growth.”
Under the transactions, a subsidiary of the company completed a private placement of $200 million aggregate principal amount of 11.500 percent Senior Secured Notes due 2028, the net proceeds of which were on-lent to the company.
Concurrent with the offering of the New Money Notes, certain holders of the company’s existing 7.125 percent Senior Unsecured Notes due 2029 will exchange their Existing Unsecured Notes for new 7.125 percent/8.625 percent Cash/PIK Toggle Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued by the company.
The company expects to exchange approximately $447 million of its Existing Unsecured Notes for Exchange Notes in aggregate principal amount of approximately $412 million, representing an exchange of Existing Unsecured Notes for Exchange Notes at 90 percent of par value plus accrued interest.
The New Money Notes and the Exchange Notes were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. The Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
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$20M Raised for Youths in Paper Clover Campaign
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, in partnership with National 4-H Council, has raised a cumulative $20 million for the nation’s youth in its Paper Clover fundraising campaign. Tractor Supply reached the milestone during its spring Paper Clover event, which generated over $1 million dollars for 4-H programs across the country.
“The success of this fundraising effort is a testament to our customers’ generosity. Their donations will profoundly impact our nation’s future leaders, enabling more young people to benefit from 4-H’s programming,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer at Tractor Supply. “We at Tractor Supply are honored to have been a part of this incredible effort and are excited to see its positive impact on communities across the country.”
Tractor Supply and 4-H started the bi-annual Paper Clover fundraiser in 2010 to raise money and awareness for local 4-H clubs. Ninety percent of campaign donations are used to support 4-H youth in the state where the donation is made, while the remaining 10 percent supports national 4-H programming. The contributions fund educational programs and provide all 4-H members with the opportunity to engage in enriching camps, conferences and community projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, agriculture, healthy living and civic engagement.
“We are so grateful for our longstanding partnership with Tractor Supply and the many opportunities provided for 4-H’ers across the country thanks to the Paper Clover campaign,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “Together with Tractor Supply we celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to providing even more hands-on learning experiences to help ignite a spark in young people.”
The Paper Clover campaign by Tractor Supply Company has significantly impacted fulfilling the aspirations of numerous 4-H’ers across the country. By supporting youth development programs, the campaign is dedicated to empowering the future leaders of tomorrow. Deanna Brock, a Pasco County, Fla., native and a former 4-H participant, is one of many alumni who received scholarships from the Paper Clover campaign. As a result, Deanna was able to attend state leadership events and Camp Cloverleaf.
“Because of the Paper Clover campaign and the support from Tractor Supply, I was given opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. These experiences shaped me into who I am today and led me to my career of working with youth in 4-H,” said Deanna.
Tractor Supply held the 2023 spring Paper Clover campaign from April 26-May 7, inviting customers to purchase a paper clover at checkout in stores or online at TractorSupply.com.
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, touching more than six million youths across the United States. To learn more about Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover campaign, visit TractorSupply.com/4H.
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Happy Mother’s Day From Us!
Home Décor, Furnishings Updates at Atlanta Market
Home décor and furnishings are front and center at Atlanta Market this summer, with nine updates including a dynamic new Building 1 Lobby presentation of industry-leading home furnishings showrooms, plus seven other home décor showroom additions and expansions, July 11-17 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Home resource expansion brings increased opportunity for retailers and designers at the Summer 2023 Atlanta Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC chief growth officer.” The depth and breadth of home brands and products is unmatched this summer at AmericasMart, with a dynamic new collection of industry-leading brands at ground-level of AmericasMart, the addition of new casual furnishings and outdoor furniture resources and some nine new and expanded brand presentations.”
Highlighting the Summer Market is the completion of IMC’s Atlanta Next transformation, with three industry-leading home resources now serving as the gateway to the Building 1 Home Collection. A new Hooker Furnishings (consumer and contract furniture brands) showroom debuts on the ground-level, alongside the newly relocated showroom of Loloi (area rugs and textiles) and the existing showroom of Currey & Company (lighting, accent furniture and accessories). This major reimagining of the arrival experience for AmericasMart visitors was a significant element of the multi-year transformation project that also included a new registration area on Floor 2. All three of these Lobby-level showrooms will be open for Atlanta Market as well as weekdays as part of AmericasMart’s Open Year Round offerings.
“Our permanent, year-round space within the prestigious AmericasMart allows us to showcase a variety of Hooker Furnishings portfolio brands, to connect with new and existing retailers, and to contribute to our growth within the essential interior design channel,” said Johne Albanese, Hooker Furnishings chief marketing officer. “Additionally, the company’s outdoor brand, Sunset West, will have its own temporary space on Floor 12 in Building 1 for Casual Market Atlanta.”
Overall, the Summer 2023 Market features a total of 25,000 square feet of showroom updates in the home décor category. In addition to the two Building 1 Lobby changes, updates include three new showroom debuts: Artifacts Trading Company (hand-woven home décor and accessories), Home Treasures (luxury Italian bedding, bath and table linens) and The Ivy Guild (custom silk floral, floor plants, trees and home accents). Four expanding showrooms are Cloud Nine Design (home accessories), D.V. KAP Home (accent pillows), Frank Thomas Gallery (wall art) and LR Home (home décor).
As an added benefit for Atlanta Market participants, co-location with the inaugural Casual Market Atlanta brings 150+ casual furnishings and outdoor furniture resources to AmericasMart Atlanta this summer. To help Atlanta Market retailers and designers navigate the new cross-category offerings, a Buyer Tour: Casual/Outdoor Furnishings will be held on Monday, July 10, at 10 a.m., and Tuesday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Casual Market Atlanta runs July 10-13, in Building 1, with permanent showrooms on Floors 2-5 and temporary exhibits on Floors 6 and 7.
Atlanta Market presents more than 350 home décor showrooms with lighting, accent furniture, casual furnishings, rugs, wall décor, linens, textiles and more on 13 floors in Building 1. Complementing the permanent showrooms are 200+ home décor temporary exhibitors on three floors in the ANTIQUES, HIGH DESIGN and HIGH DESIGN LUXE categories and Home Accents & Home Furnishings and Fine Linens & Home Textiles collections. A Buyer Q&A: All Things Home, offering a brief overview of the home resources at AmericasMart Atlanta, takes place on Wednesday, July 12, at 10 a.m. A full list of exhibitors is available at AtlantaMarket.com.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
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Choi Rises to Product Manager Position at JURA
Hyung Choi is expanding his role in JURA in the newly created position of product manager for accessories and care products. His responsibilities will also include JURA POS merchandising and furniture, which is offered to participating retailers to create a branded shop within a shop. Choi reports to David Shull, executive vice president, marketing and communications.
“JURA is putting a strong focus on accessories and care products like water filters and cleaning tablets because they’re crucial to delivering the ultimate coffee experience. These products do more than bring in a steady revenue stream for our retail partners – they also help ensure pure coffee enjoyment for the consumer, day after day and year after year. Hyung is passionate about the opportunities in this segment for business growth and customer satisfaction,” said Shull.
Accessories include Cool Control to chill milk for frothing, SmartConnect and WiFi Connect for operating selected machines from a smartphone or tablet, a Cup Warmer, glassware and more. JURA POS and furniture is an expanding initiative that helps retailers merchandise and display JURA models and their accessories.
Choi has worked in product development since 2021. He came to the company with an extensive background in product development and product management in tabletop and housewares.
JURA offers the largest assortment of automatic coffee machines, with actual retail prices ranging from $999 to $4,999. For more information, visit jura.com.
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IHA Trims The Inspired Home Show 2024 to 3 Days, Changes Layout
The Inspired Home Show 2024, to be held next March in Chicago, will undergo several changes to show length and layout, the International Housewares Association announced. After carefully considering feedback received from two industry-wide surveys and four special committees made up of both exhibitors and retailers, the IHA board of directors has decided to reduce the overall length and to optimize the Show layout to create the most vibrant, productive and efficient trade show experience possible for the industry.
The The Inspired Home Show 2024 will open on Sunday, March 17, and close on Tuesday, March 19. The majority of exhibitors and retailers indicated on recent surveys and in discussions that three full days at the Show is sufficient with business being more concentrated over that timeframe, said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO.
“Making the move from four days to three full days will not only make the show more productive and dynamic but will also reduce costs for both the exhibitor and retail audiences, something frequently cited throughout discussions,” Miller explained.
“I’m excited for the changes; it’s great for the industry,” Steve Greenspon, CEO, Honey-Can-Do International and IHA chairman told IHA’s HomePage News. “A three-day show will help both retailers and exhibitors better control their expenses while getting a more fulfilling show experience. Condensing the Show will make it much more efficient to see all the exhibits and displays.”
Changes to the show layout include:
- The Wired + Well Expo will move from the Lakeside Center to the North Hall co-locating with the Clean + Contain Expo to create an active and dynamic destination at the Show. Housing all three of the Show’s primary Expos, which includes Dine + Décor, together in the North and South Halls will bring the industry’s core categories together into a central location that is much easier and more efficient to navigate with quick trips between two halls now being possible.
- The North Hall will be divided into two halves with Wired + Well occupying the right-hand side and Clean + Contain continuing to occupy the left-hand side. Both Expos will be reconfigured with exhibitors being placed in each based-on seniority number. Additional details will be provided to returning and new exhibitors in the coming weeks about this process and schedule.
- The Discover Design Expo will be dispersed with current exhibitors being placed within their appropriate categories. Discover Design was created in 2011 in order to concentrate and highlight design-driven companies that wanted to exhibit in a central location. With design-forward products now being widespread and found throughout the show, Miller said there is simply no longer a need for this specific area. As with the changes to Wired + Well and Clean + Contain, current exhibitors from Discover Design will be contacted directly regarding the space assignment process.
- The Travel Gear + Luggage category will move into the South Hall to give this new, exciting area room to grow and develop. Additional details about this category’s development will be released in the near future.
- The International Sourcing Expo will return to the Lower North Hall, a location previously occupied by that group of exhibitors in 2019. Exhibitors without branded products and U.S. distribution will be grouped in this area together to create product sourcing opportunities for the industry.
- While the overall size of the show will not decrease, with these re-location plans the show will no longer occupy the Lakeside Center. Exhibits and displays located in the Lakeside Center Lobby, such as the Smart Home Pavilion and the Inventors Corner, will be relocated later in the year into the North and South Halls.
Reacting to the news, exhibitors Bill Endres of Select Brands and Jacob Maurer of The Cookware Company told HomePage News:
“IHA is listening to what key retailers and exhibitors said about the effectiveness of the Show, and it is doing everything to put on a first-class global Show,” said Endres, president, Select Brands. “Moving (electrics) out of Lakeside is a chance to address changes that will be beneficial to the Show layout and to the retailers. Things change, and you need to adapt.”
Maurer, who is CEO, Americas at The Cookware Company, added “Retailers spend a fair amount of time walking the Show. We’re excited about the adjacencies offered to companies like ours that are in multiple categories. Retailers will be able to circle back more efficiently as needed. The Show will be more active, which is a real positive.”
Coming out of COVID, the 2022 Show was very successful but certainly smaller than the 2019 event, Miller said. “As the 2023 Show built upon the previous year’s success with large increases in the number of exhibitors and retail attendees, there is no doubt that the trajectory for the Show is extremely positive,” he added. “The changes being made will be a further propellent to create a trade show that is more productive, highly efficient and tremendously successful for the entire industry.”
Further details about the Show changes will be released in the coming weeks. An FAQ about the changes is available on the Show website.
The Inspired Home Show 2024 will take place March 17-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Registration is currently open at https://app.theinspiredhomeshow.com/registration/
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Pottery Barn, Ayesha Curry Team on Sweet July
Pottery Barn, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched a collaboration with Sweet July, a lifestyle brand founded by renowned restaurateur, chef, two-time New York Times best-selling author and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry.
Anchored by natural textures, fresh patterns, and earthy tones, the Sweet July by Ayesha Curry collaboration for Pottery Barn features a well-crafted collection of beautiful items for the home.
The new Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn collection is inspired by summer celebrations and embraces a range of neutral tones with pops of bold and rich terracotta for an elevated, modern look that mix and match seamlessly. From guest-ready bedding and bath accessories to modern barware, table linens, and Calacatta marble serveware and dinnerware debossed with a herringbone pattern, the collection’s thoughtful details celebrate Ayesha’s passion for design and love of al fresco dining.
“Our collaboration with Ayesha Curry has been so organic and inspiring because we share core values of bringing together good people and products through meaningful design,” said CEO of Pottery Barn Brands Marta Benson. “The new Sweet July collection showcases our shared passion for family and beautiful living in the home.”
“It’s been a dream working with the Pottery Barn design team to create a collection featuring products and designs that offer comfort and serenity throughout the home,” said Ayesha Curry, CEO & Founder of Sweet July. “I was inspired by neutral palettes, playing with clean lines and textures that can be mixed and matched in the spaces that mean most to you and your loved ones.”
The Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn collection debuted for Summer 2023 on May 5 at potterybarn.com/sweetjuly and in select California Pottery Barn stores — the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, the Westfield Galleria in Roseville, and Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. See the new collection by following @potterybarn and @sweetjuly on Instagram.
Pottery Barn, a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands, is a premier specialty retailer for casual, comfortable and stylish home furnishings. The brand is dedicated to beautiful ideas for real life, quality products that are crafted to last, sustainability and service. Key product categories include furniture, bedding, bath, rugs, window treatments, tabletop, lighting and decorative accessories. Nearly all Pottery Barn products are designed in-house and are exclusive to its catalogs, stores and website. Pottery Barn operates company-owned stores in the United States, Canada and Australia and has unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East, India, the Philippines and South Korea, and stores and ecommerce websites in Mexico, as well as an ecommerce site at www.potterybarn.com that offers international shipping to customers worldwide. Pottery Barn provides complimentary design services and a comprehensive gift registry program for weddings and other special events. Pottery Barn now offers products for all life stages and every room in the home through Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and Pottery Barn Teen. Pottery Barn is also part of The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands, the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Ayesha Curry is a renowned restaurateur, chef, 2x New York Times bestselling author, producer, host, entrepreneur and was featured on the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list. Her accessible approach to cooking has made her one of the most sought-after experts in food and lifestyle. Ayesha is the Founder and CEO of Sweet July, her burgeoning lifestyle brand with a focus to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and stories shared. In 2019 Ayesha launched Sweet July, a quarterly lifestyle magazine that covers a range of topics such as wellness, fashion, fitness, beauty, entrepreneurism and food. Following the launch of the magazine, Ayesha opened a brick-and-mortar Sweet July storefront and café in Oakland, CA and its accompanying website, featuring thoughtfully created products alongside other carefully selected items from Black-owned and female-founded companies. In 2020, Ayesha launched Sweet July Productions, which focuses on creating content centered around food, family, faith and female empowerment. Most recently, Ayesha served as host and executive producer of HBO Max’s ABOUT LAST NIGHT. In 2022, Ayesha announced Sweet July Books in partnership with Zando. Sweet July Books will acquire fiction and nonfiction work, with a focus on diverse authors and women’s stories. Ayesha, along with her husband Stephen, is the co-founder of Eat. Learn. Play., an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child and making a positive impact for generations to come.
Sweet July is a Black, female-owned lifestyle brand founded by Ayesha Curry. Launched in 2019 with an eponymous lifestyle magazine, Sweet July aims to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and the stories shared. Additionally, Sweet July creates products for the self and home, from pantry essentials to self-care staples. The company opened their flagship store and café in 2021 in the heart of Oakland, featuring products from Sweet July, in addition to Black-owned and women-owned brands, thoughtfully curated by Ayesha and the Sweet July editorial team. Sweet July has also expanded to include a production company, Sweet July Productions, a publishing imprint, Sweet July Books and an online digital platform in sweetjuly.com for quality journalism with profiles, features, recipes and more content from a diverse array of contributors.
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Gift for Life Event Raises $20K+ for WCK
Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team, in partnership with industry-leading home manufacturers and market-makers, announced that its Party with a Purpose event at the Spring 2023 High Point Market brought in more than $20,000 for World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief programs.
“We are so appreciative of everyone who joined us for Party with a Purpose during High Point Market,” said Russ Jones, chair of Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team. “We’d also like to thank our hosts, Eichholtz for their incredible hospitality.” Jones went on to say, “To those who missed us during market, there is still time to help meet our fundraising goal of $25,000 for World Central Kitchen!”
To date, this event, held April 21 in the Eichholtz showroom in High Point has raised $21,648 with generous donations from Eichholtz and International Market Centers as well as individual contributions from top home brands and members of the design community. Donations will be accepted through May 26 at https://donate.wck.org/HomeVsHunger23.
In partnership with home industry leaders and market makers, Gift for Life’s debuted its Home vs Hunger initiative at High Point Market in October 2022. An in-person event at the Fall 2022 High Point Market, an online campaign in February 2023 following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and the 2023 Party with a Purposed together have raised nearly $50,000 for World Central Kitchen, crisis related hunger relief efforts.
Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team members include Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Jonathan Cochran, Eichholtz; Chris Amos, International Market Centers; Mark Furlet, International Market Centers; Monica Loving, Ivystone; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J. Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
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At Home Kicks Off ‘College Decision Day’
At Home is kicking off “College Decision Day” with its first Back-to-College event, “College HQ,” focusing on essentials at unbeatable prices and trend-right product perfect for outfitting dorms and small spaces.
With exclusive, curated collections complete with bedding, organizational solutions, bath, décor and more, every student can bring their own style to their dorm. Perfect for graduation gifts and gift cards, expect to find bedding under $30, bath towels starting at $3.99, and small space organization solutions, on-trend décor, and dorm kitchen and dining solutions – all under $20.
“We are a campus solution for all – with furniture, décor, organization, and bedding for both first-time college students and students heading back to on-campus dorms and apartments,” says Susan Rodgers, chief marketing officer. “We have everything new students need to make their first dorm a home, and everything returning students need to refresh their spaces on any budget. We are excited about entering this market, and speaking to a new, younger audience.”
At Home is focused on making it easy for graduates to get to school and pick up items near the campus itself. Students can pick up orders at a store near their university or college up to 90 days after their purchase when they shop on athome.com beginning in June. Students can also choose same-day delivery straight to their dorm or apartment.
By showing a university or college student identification card or college acceptance letter, prospective students will receive 10 percent off their order or purchase in-store throughout the summer at every At Home location, on top of already unbeatable low prices.
“I love taking my college-age children to school each year, and we designed our back-to-college offering with parents and students in mind,” said Lee Bird, chairman and CEO. “Using my own knowledge of the wide-variety of needs for everyone entering the next stage of their education, we built our experience to cater to all families going off to college. We’re excited to help our customers have an easier transition with just the right products at the right prices for all.”
At Home will be giving away $10,000 to transform a dorm! 20 lucky winners will win $500 gift cards to shop At Home. Simply join the free Insider Perks program on AtHome.com, and new members from May 1 to July 31 will be entered to win.
At Home has everything a college student needs to go back to school with style and organization, all for less. Shop the back to campus curated collections through September.
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older. The sweepstakes starts on 5/1/23 at 12:01:00 AM CT and ends on 7/31/23 at 11:59:59 PM CT. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of entries received. For complete official rules, including alternate means of entry, visit www.athome.com/campus-sweepstakes.html. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsored by At Home Stores LLC, 9000 Cypress Waters Blvd, Dallas, Texas, 75019.
At Home, The Home and Holiday Superstore, offers up to 45,000 on-trend home products to fit every room, style, budget or season. From furniture, mirrors, rugs, art and housewares, to tabletop, patio and seasonal décor, At Home offers décor for all, and always for less. Headquartered in Dallas, At Home operates 262 stores in 40 states.
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Container Store, thredUP Launch Closet Clean Out
The Container Store Group, Inc., the leading specialty retailer of organizing solutions, custom spaces, and in-home services, and thredUP, one of the largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes, and accessories, have launched a Closet Clean Out resale program that allows customers to resell gently worn items for shopping credit at The Container Store. The Closet Clean Out program is powered by thredUP’s Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS), which enables the world’s leading brands and retailers to deliver customizable, scalable resale experiences to their customers. The Container Store is the first custom closets retailer to collaborate with thredUP.
“We at The Container Store believe in the power of organization to transform lives, and as a company, we are committed to a sustainable future for ourselves and our planet,” said Melissa Collins, chief marketing officer of The Container Store. “We could not be happier with this program, where our customers can give new life to their belongings as they clean out and organize their spaces – and be rewarded with Container Store credit in the process. Together, we can slow fashion waste and reduce its impact on our planet.”
Customers can earn an eGift Card to The Container Store for sending in their gently worn women’s and kids’ clothing, shoes and accessories. To participate, customers can pick up a thredUP Clean Out Kit from any of The Container Store’s 97 retail stores or generate a prepaid shipping label from containerstore.thredup.com, fill any shippable box or bag with apparel, shoes, and accessories from any brand in their closet, and ship it to thredUP for free. For items that sell on thredUP, customers receive an eGIft card that can be used at both The Container Store and online at containerstore.com.
To kick off the program, The Container Store and thredUP are sponsoring a giveaway on Instagram where three winners will each receive a $500 eGift card to The Container Store and a $500 thredUP gift card. The giveaway will close on Friday, May 5 at 11:59 PM CST. Winners will be chosen and notified by Friday, May 12.
“thredUP was founded to solve a simple problem that most Americans face, which is having too many unworn clothes in our closets,” said James Reinhart, CEO of thredUP. “We’ve pioneered the simplest way to clean out your closet with our signature Clean Out Kit, and making those available at The Container Store, the go-to destination for home organization, offers customers yet another convenient way to give those clothes a second life. Together, we’re reaching a new segment of American consumers to drive greater impact.”
The Closet Clean Out launch will coincide with The Container Store’s Sustainable Living event, when stores will highlight The Container Store’s curated assortment of sustainably sourced product offerings. The Container Store is dedicated to helping its customers reduce the use of single-use plastic and environmentally harmful cleaning products and practices, and highlighted offerings will cross a variety of categories, including food preservation and hydration, recycling and composting, and natural cleaning.
The Container Store Group, Inc. is the nation’s leading specialty retailer of organizing solutions, custom spaces, and in-home services – a concept they originated in 1978. Today, with locations nationwide, the retailer offers more than 10,000 products designed to transform lives through the power of organization.
thredUP is transforming resale with technology and a mission to inspire a new generation of consumers to think secondhand first. By making it easy to buy and sell secondhand, thredUP has become one of the world’s largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes and accessories. Sellers love thredUP because we make it easy to clean out their closets and unlock value for themselves or for the charity of their choice while doing good for the planet. Buyers love shopping value, premium and luxury brands all in one place, at up to 90 percent off estimated retail price.
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Tractor Supply, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Dole Out Grants
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, in partnership with reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and passionate animal advocate Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, has disbursed the first grants funded by customer donations to the Relief for Rescues Fund to support shelters and impacted animals of recent natural disasters. Since its inception in March, the fund has generated over $357,000 to help support shelter animals affected by disasters such as floods, fires, hurricanes and tornadoes.
“Our hearts break for the communities and shelter animals that have been impacted by recent devastating weather events, including tornadoes, storms and flooding,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer at Tractor Supply. “In partnership with MuttNation, we’ve been able to quickly deploy our first Relief for Rescues grants and provide life-changing support to shelters and shelter animals in their time of greatest need. This meaningful impact underlines Tractor Supply’s passion for caring for and protecting pets and animals.”
In late March, as record snowpack began to melt and rainstorms approached, severe flooding swept through California’s Central Valley. Central California Animal Disaster Team, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting emergency response agencies with animal evacuation, emergency sheltering, search and rescue and animal reunification, has been on the ground assisting homeless animals. With Relief for Rescue funding, they have been able to provide food and medical care for these animals, while also keeping pets and pet parents together by housing them at the same facility.
During another March storm, a violent EF4 tornado swept through Mississippi, devastating the area and its community. Amory Humane (Amory) and South Delta Animal Rescue (Rolling Fork) were among the damaged structures. Relief for Rescue funds have been earmarked to assist these shelters with food, medical supplies and materials needed to rebuild.
MuttNation and Tractor Supply will disperse additional grants to these and other organizations as needs continue to arise.
“My heart goes out to everyone in the communities that have been hit so hard by the recent tornadoes over these past few weeks,” adds Lambert. “I am so grateful, especially now, to the hundreds of thousands of animal lovers who generously supported the launch of our MuttNation-Tractor Supply Relief For Rescues Fund, showing they care as deeply as I do about helping with the recovery process and proving, once again, we are always strongest when we work together.”
In celebration of the initiative’s launch, from March 6-12, Tractor Supply invited customers to donate to the Relief for Rescues Fund at checkout in-store, online at TractorSupply.com or via the Tractor Supply mobile app. The inspiration for the fund came after Lambert witnessed the impact of 2017’s Hurricane Harvey on shelter pets while on the ground in Houston during recovery efforts. In addition to providing funding via Relief for Rescues, MuttNation also works directly with transport partners to assist and relocate animals during times of natural disaster.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of April 1, the company operated 189 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information, visit www.Petsense.com.
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Atlanta Market Boosts Temporary Exhibits
Atlanta Market offers the largest number of temporary exhibits for Summer 2023, with 3,000 lines in 34 categories presented in new and expanded categories and showcases, July 12-16 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Atlanta Market’s expansive temporary exhibits are the ultimate destination for finding what’s new and next this summer,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC chief growth officer. “New categories and destinations make Atlanta Market a ‘can’t miss’ for product discovery and business opportunity for Summer 2023.”
New Categories and Relocations
Key highlights at the Summer 2023 Atlanta Market include the debut of the new Modern Maker category, a juried collection of design-led and maker-driven handmade products ranging from lifestyle and home décor to gift. Located in Building 2, Floor 2, Modern Maker features approximately 10 brands, including Clayton & Crume (handmade leather goods and accessories), Gary Bodker Designs (handcrafted glassware) and ZPOTS Studio Pottery (handmade ceramic tableware).
Cash & Carry Jewelry and Cash & Carry LUXE relocate alongside the ANTIQUES collection to create an immediate-delivery destination in Building 3, Floor 1. Cash & Carry Jewelry features approximately 90 exhibitors offering fine and fashion jewelry and accessories. Cash & Carry LUXE is a juried collection of selected exhibitors featuring high-quality, luxury jewelry and fashion accessories. ANTIQUES is a collection of approximately 50 exhibitors offering European treasures including antique furniture, vintage paintings and prints, unique collectibles and one-of-a-kind items.
To accommodate specialty food expansion, Gourmet and Gourmet LUXE relocate to Building 2, Floor 3. Gourmet includes 90 exhibitors offering specialty gourmet food items, beverage products and cookbooks. Gourmet LUXE is a juried collection of six exhibitors providing gourmet products made from the finest ingredients.
Emerging Brands Showcases
Also notable for Summer 2023 are new showcases of some 35 brands exhibiting in their first-ever wholesale market in three Atlanta Market categories: Body & Soul, General Gift and Handmade. Within Handmade, Emerging Artists features a juried collection of artisans debuting original handmade creations. Body & Soul’s Emerging Brands presents innovative new personal care products such as soaps, lotions, scented candles, loungewear and fragrances. Newcomers in General Gift’s Emerging Brands offer monogrammed and personalized gifts, resort and souvenir items, stationery, collegiate licensed product, pet products and more. Brands making wholesale industry debuts in Atlanta this July include: Beadnikrow Jewelry; Cashmere Moon, LLC (vegan & cruelty free skin-nourishing products); Divine Drip Jewelry (jewelry and crystals); Laurel Greenfield Art (paintings inspired by food); Oh My Sweetie (jewelry); Renegade Silver Jewelry; Spot Colors (embroidery kits); and Wendala’s (sugar scrubs).
Industry Partner Showcases
Four leading trade organizations – Georgia Grown, GC Buying Group, Greeting Card Association and Museum Store Association – return to Atlanta Market with showcases in Summer 2023.
Georgia Grown expands to feature 40 brands in the Georgia Grown Pavilion in Gourmet, and extends its participation by in-state brands to three other Atlanta Market categories. Body & Soul welcomes Georgia-grown brands Evolve Botanica Co. (all-natural skincare products), NYC-Essentials (handcrafted personal care items), and The Girl in the Garden (natural personal care products); Housewares welcomes Banyan Designs (home décor and accessories); and Bella Cucina Artful Food (specialty food gifts and accessories) relocates to HIGH DESIGN.
GCX EXPO by GC Buying Group returns for its third Atlanta Market with 100 top gourmet foods and kitchenware tool brands. The GCX Expo is open to GC Buying Group members as well as retailers who join on-site.
The Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Atlanta Market Village makes its Atlanta Market summer edition debut with 10 up-and-coming brands showing greeting cards, custom invitations and imprintables, gift wrap, journals, planners, notebooks and more.
The Museum Store Association’s The Gallery Collection features 30 member brands offering apparel and jewelry, books, educational products, games, garden, home décor, paper, reproductions, toys, souvenir/promotional merchandise and more.
Expansion in Luxury Categories
Luxury offerings are strong in Summer 2023, with nearly 100 luxury brands featured in nine juried collections.
In Building 2, HIGH DESIGN LUXE is a juried collection of HIGH DESIGN products featuring high-quality, luxury goods. Tabletop LUXE offers design-oriented tabletop accessories and entertaining products. Gourmet LUXE includes gourmet products made from the finest ingredients. Outdoor Living LUXE features design-driven, high-quality products for outdoor/indoor living.
In Building 3, Cash & Carry LUXE offers luxury jewelry and fashion accessories. LUXE presents higher-end, handmade global and museum goods. Body & Soul LUXE offers high-end personal care and wellness products. Boutique LUXE includes curated accessory and apparel products featuring luxury goods. General Gift LUXE presents higher-end resort, stationery, collegiate merchandise, pet products and more.
Casual Market Atlanta Crossover
For Summer 2023, Atlanta Market buyers also have access to 100 temporary exhibitors bringing outdoor furnishings, umbrellas and textiles, plus garden décor, fire pits and more to the first-ever edition of Casual Market Atlanta. These temporary exhibits run Monday, July 10, through Thursday, July 13, on Floors 6 and 7 in Building 1.
For Summer 2023, Atlanta Market’s 1,600 temporary exhibitors are organized in 12 exhibit halls as:
- Building 1
- Floors 6 & 7: Casual Market Atlanta Temporary Exhibits
- Floor 8: Fine Linens & Home Textiles; Home Accents & Home Furnishings
- Building 2:
- Floor 1: HIGH DESIGN; HIGH DESIGN LUXE
- Floor 2: Housewares; Modern Maker; Tabletop & Entertaining; Tabletop LUXE
- Floor 3: Gourmet; Gourmet LUXE + Georgia Grown Pavilion
- Floor 4: Outdoor Living; Outdoor Living LUXE; Seasonal/Gift + GCX Expo by GC Buying Group
- Building 3
- Floor 1: ANTIQUES; Cash & Carry Jewelry; Cash & Carry LUXE
- Floor 2: Emerging Artists; The Gallery Collection; Global Designs; Handmade Designs; Handmade Jewelry; LUXE; Made in America; Museum Gifts/Fine Gifts
- Floor 3: Body & Soul, Spa Products; Body & Soul LUXE; Children’s World; Modern Child
- Floor 4: Boutique; Boutique LUXE; Gentleman’s Boutique; Jewelry, Fashion Accessories & Apparel
- Floor 5: General Gift; General Gift LUXE; On Trend Gifts + *Noted Village
In Summer 2023, Atlanta Market temporaries will be presented Wednesday, July 12 – Saturday, July 15, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., except ANTIQUES and Cash & Carry which close on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. For Casual Market Atlanta, temporary exhibits are open Monday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Atlanta Market’s temporary exhibits’ product mix represents a wide range of merchandise including apparel, jewelry and accessories; baby and children’s; general gifts; gourmet foods; handmade gifts; home décor and decorative items; housewares; Made in America; museum-quality gifts; personal care; seasonal and holiday; stationery; tabletop and more. The full list of exhibitors is available at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings and apparel, and home to the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
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Walmart Launches ‘Mother of All Savings’
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Walmart is giving away up to 20,000 free one-year Walmart+ memberships nearly $2 million in value to new moms as part of its new “Mother of All Savings Memberships” campaign.
The memberships, valued at $98 each, will be distributed to moms who give birth in hospitals nationwide in the month of May.
“Walmart+ brings together benefits that will help save moms precious time,” said Seth Dallaire, executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Walmart. “Whether it’s getting diapers delivered straight to their door or saving on gas for the carpool, we’ve got their back. To celebrate moms we’ve committed to gifting 20,000 Walmart+ memberships to some of our most important customers, making life a little easier for them.”
The membership giveaway is in conjunction with Pampers Hospital Gift Program, which provides a gift bag for patients who have recently delivered a baby. This May, each gift bag will include a reusable fabric bag that moms love, coupons, a Pampers Sensitive Wipes 6-count sample, informative newborn literature, and while supplies last, a free one-year Walmart+ membership.
“Through Pampers partnerships with hospitals, we have an opportunity to support and care for new parents right from the beginning of their journey from hospital to home,” said Marty Vanderstelt, senior vice president, P&G North America Baby Care.
Ultimate Celeb Hacks for Motherhood
Walmart is also bringing together a group of powerhouse celeb moms to share their ultimate hacks for motherhood as part of the “Mother of All Savings Memberships” campaign. Cardi B, Stephanie Beatriz, Janelle James and Jenny Slate are sharing their fun, light-hearted hacks for motherhood and how Walmart+ fits into their lives.
Some of the celebrity mom hacks include:
- Cardi B: Let them sleep with lots of binkies in their crib. If they lose one during a nap, they can easily find another!
- Stephanie Beatriz: Anything is a changing table if you have a changing pad.
- Janelle James: The moment your baby closes their eyes, you should too. Their laundry can wait. And for toddlers, sliced grapes are candy until further notice.
- Jenny Slate: Feed your toddler in their diaper before putting their clothes on to make mealtime clean up easier.
“The beauty of motherhood is that it brings moms together with a bond regardless of where they are in their lives,” said Courtney Carlson, senior vice president of retail marketing, Walmart. “Every mom loves to trade their parenting hacks, and we’re excited for this campaign to showcase the biggest hack of all being “The Mother of All Savings” — a Walmart+ membership.”
Walmart+ makes life easier for moms and busy families, saving them time and money. It offers a series of perks and benefits* including:
- Free delivery from your store: Get fresh groceries, diapers, snacks your kids crave and more with $0 delivery fees, all at the same low in-store prices.
- Video streaming with Paramount+: Put the kids to bed – successfully, with no callbacks – and finally have time to yourself! Catch up on over 40,000 episodes, hit movies, live sports & more with a Paramount+ subscription included with your W+ membership.
- Free shipping with no order minimum: Even small orders ship for free like when you forgot to grab that last-minute gift for the 5-year-old neighbor’s birthday party. Choose from a huge assortment of eligible items and never pay a shipping fee.
- Member savings on fuel: Planning a summer road trip for the family? Save up to 10¢ per gallon at 14,000+ locations nationwide including Exxon, Mobil, Walmart & Murphy stations.
- Walmart Rewards for members: Claim special offers on everyday items to earn rewards for future savings, giving you extra money to spend on something special you’ve had your eye on or even more diapers.
- Mobile scan & go: Use your phone to scan items as you shop in-store & check out contact-free, avoiding any toddler meltdowns in the checkout line. Fast. Easy. Done!
- Early access: Members enjoy product releases, online Black Friday deals & more, giving you the edge on those holiday shopping gifts at the top of your family’s list.
- Returns from home: Walmart comes to you. No printing, no repackaging, no need to load up the baby and leave your home.
Customers still on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day present for a mom in their life can now gift Walmart+ — the Mother of all Savings Memberships, by visiting walmartplus.mom. There, customers can also find additional content and motherhood hacks from celebrity moms.
The “Mother of all Savings Memberships” campaign will start to air on April 24th across social platforms.
*Restrictions apply, details at www.walmart.com/plus
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Gift for Life Adds 7 Board Members
Gift for Life, the gift, stationery, and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced the addition of seven members to its 25-member board of directors: Alana Branston of Emerald, Kelly Bristol of Purchasing Power Plus, Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc., Wes Hardin of Diverse Marketing, Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW + SF NOW & Emerald X, Fred Rosenkampff of The Link Companies and Angela Schmook of Road Runners.
“We are excited to welcome these respected industry leaders to the Gift for Life board.” said Ari Lowenstein, Chair of GFL. “The influx of new energy, talent and enthusiasm will help us expand the reach of Gift for Life and the impact we can make as an organization. I look forward to working alongside our entire board as we support causes including World Central Kitchen and their amazing crisis-related hunger relief efforts in the U.S. and around the world.”
The Gift for Life Board is now comprised of 25 recognized leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries. Members are: Jessica Barile, Design Works Collective; Alana Branston, Emerald; Kelly Bristol, Purchasing Power Plus; Maureen Carpenter, The Queen’s Jewels; Sheila Charton, Springboard Futures; Randa Crisler, The Portico Collection, Inc.; Cole Daugherty, Dallas Market Center; Wes Hardin, Diverse Marketing; Emalee Hoffman, Studio Oh!; Angela Jacobson, Stephen Joseph; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Matt Katzenson, Fine Lines; Amy Loewenberg, NY NOW + SF NOW, Emerald X; Ari Lowenstein, Emergent Workshop; Julie McCallum, Gift Shop Plus; Landon Metts, MarketTime; Nancy Michael, International Housewares Association; Sarah Mount, International Market Centers (IMC); Andrea Padilla, Transpac; Fred Rosenkampff, The Link Companies; Peter Schauben, Schauben & Co.; Angela Schmook, Road Runners; Cathy Steel, Steel Associates; Crystal Vilkiatis, Crystal Media; and Lenise Willis, Gifts & Decorative Accessories.
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Litzmans to Receive Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, announced that industry veterans Todd and Jannetta Litzman will be honored with its 2023 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award on June 21 in Dallas. Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award, which has been presented at Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Retailer Excellence Awards since 2009, recognizes overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry – whether as a thought leader, standard-bearer or overall industry influencer.
“I cannot think of more deserving recipients of Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of the Gift for Life board. “Todd and Jannetta are trailblazers. They have served the gift and home industries for more than 25 years and pioneered much of the technology that forms the foundation of our wholesale ecosystem today.
:Their continuous and dedicated engagement with agencies, reps, brands and buyers alike is reflected in the tools they’ve built to support all stakeholders involved in the sales process. Everyone in our industry has been touched by their work and benefited from their many contributions.”
Jannetta Litzman is the EVP of Finance and HR for MarketTime and former co-founder and CFO of Brandwise, Inc. Her career started in the telecom industry as an executive with AT&T in sales and marketing. After earning her master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Denver, she took the plunge into entrepreneurialism when she started a Home Décor and Accent Furniture Showroom. While attending numerous trade shows as a buyer, she identified a technology gap in the wholesale gift and home industries.
As a result, she and her husband and business partner, Todd Litzman, co-founded Showroom Solutions, which later came to be known as Brandwise, Inc. Prior to its acquisition by MarketTime, Brandwise was the largest SaaS provider for the wholesale gift and home industry for more than 25 years. In addition to her corporate roles, Jannetta also served for 12 years on the Gift for Life board.
Todd Litzman has over 30 years of experience owning, managing and operating technology companies. Todd was a co-founder, president and CEO of Brandwise/Showroom Solutions before selling Brandwise to MarketTime in 2021. Currently, as president of MarketTime, Todd is intimately involved in working with customers to ensure that the software and services meet needs, and that the customer success team continues to provide extraordinary service.
He has always been very involved with the industry and was previously the president and chairman of the Gift and Home Trade Association Board and now serves as a general board member and has served on other boards across the various industries that MarketTime serves.
“We are honored to be nominated by the Gift for Life board for this most coveted industry award,” said Todd and Jannetta Litzman. “When we created our technology company to help this industry, we had no idea how deeply we would connect with our customers and how much our technology would positively impact their business and personal lives. It is this sense of purpose and responsibility that drives our team forward every day.
“Throughout our 25-year journey, we have made so many lifelong friends and special memories. We humbly accept this award and celebrate it with all our team members, business partners, customers and industry friends who have supported us throughout the years.”
The 2023 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award will be presented to Todd and Jannetta Litzman at the 72nd Annual Retailer Excellence Awards, on June 21 at The Southside Music Hall at Gilley’s Dallas. Donations in celebration of Todd and Jannetta Litzman will benefit World Central Kitchen’s worldwide crisis-related hunger relief efforts. Donate at https://donate.wck.org/REA2023.
Since 1951, Gifts & Decorative Accessories has been celebrating the best of the best in seven retail categories: Specialty Store, Multiple Locations, Visual Merchandising, Store Events, Store Design, Social Media Outreach, Online Initiatives and Socially Responsible. Awards are also presented to Manufacturer of the Year and Sales Representative of the Year. Information, nominations and registration for the 72nd Retailer Excellence Awards is available at https://www.retailerexcellenceawards.com/.
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Disney Names Ayaz Chief Brand Officer
Asad Ayaz has been named the first-ever chief brand officer of The Walt Disney Company, effective immediately, it was announced by Robert A. Iger, chief executive officer. In this newly created role reporting to Iger, Ayaz will be responsible for stewarding and elevating the Disney brand globally across the entire ecosystem of company touchpoints and consumer experiences.
Ayaz will also continue as president of marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, overseeing all aspects of marketing and publicity for the Studios’ films and series as well as for Disney+ globally, reporting to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
“Asad is an exceptional creative leader with a deep understanding of what Disney means to millions of people around the world,” Iger said. “His taking on this role is particularly noteworthy and consequential as we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, and I am confident that his strategic, operational, and creative prowess, along with his profound passion for Disney, will make him an outstanding steward of our stories, characters, brands, and franchises.”
Ayaz will develop and execute holistic brand marketing campaigns leveraging and synthesizing the company’s full suite of content and consumer experiences, activate the brand internally and externally through partnerships, and provide guidance and alignment for the company’s digital and social media strategy and presence. He will set corporate synergy and franchise priorities in consultation with the CEO and lead a global consumer research and analytics function focused on Disney’s brands and franchises that will inform actionable cross-platform initiatives.
“Throughout both my early life and my time at the company, I’ve marveled at the power of Disney’s storytelling, experiences, and simply the name itself to inspire people and resonate through generations,” said Ayaz. “I am immensely grateful to Bob for entrusting me with this opportunity, and I’m excited to work with the amazing teams around our company to highlight all the things that make Disney exceptional and ensure that we continue to create those meaningful connections with audiences for many more generations to come.”
Among other cross-company brand initiatives, Ayaz will oversee the Disney100 campaign as the company celebrates its 100th year. He recently led the development and creation of the Disney100 Special Look spot that debuted in this year’s Super Bowl, as well as the Studios’ new 100-year logo refresh now appearing on all Disney-branded films.
As president of marketing for The Walt Disney Studios, a role he has held since 2018, Ayaz will continue to oversee all aspects of marketing for films and series from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios, including strategy, creative advertising, media, digital, research, special events, promotions, international marketing, publicity, and synergy. He was also recently named to lead marketing for Disney+ globally.
An 18-year Disney veteran, Ayaz has developed and led marketing campaigns for some of the most successful film releases in history, including Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” and the global phenomenon “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Additional campaigns Ayaz has spearheaded include Disney’s live-action hits “Aladdin” and “The Lion King”; Walt Disney Animation’s “Frozen 2” and “Encanto”; Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” and “Turning Red”; 20th Century Studios’ “Free Guy” and “Prey”; along with Disney+ hit series including “The Mandalorian,” “WandaVision,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and “Loki,” among many others.
In all, Ayaz has led the campaigns for the most watched films on Disney+ and Hulu, and 13 of the top 15 box office debuts of all time, including six opening weekends over $200 million, as well as the biggest worldwide debut of all time for “Avengers: Endgame,” which earned over $1.2 billion in five days.
An award-winning marketing leader, Ayaz has been the recipient of multiple industry honors, including Variety’s Marketing Visionaries Award and The Clio Marketing Mastermind Award. He was recently named one of Forbes Most Influential CMOs, and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business.
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Think Tank Launches Focus on Travel Luggage
Think Tank is launching a refreshed brand identity with a new focus on travel luggage leading off with the tagline: Venture, Observe, Connect.
Think Tank is a leading manufacturer of innovative, top-quality camera bags, backpacks, and rolling luggage designed for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. The company has been a leader in the industry for more than a decade, providing photographers the best protection for their cameras, lenses, and gear as they travel around the world on assignments and adventures.
With the launch of the new brand identity, Think Tank is expanding their focus to now include new lines of travel luggage. These new lines will feature a wide range of sizes and styles, from everyday carry backpacks to stylish, rolling suitcases, and accessories.
Think Tank’s new Venture, Observe, Connect tagline speaks to the brand’s commitment to helping “Venturing Observer” customers explore the world and be inspired by the sights and experiences along the way. Think Tank’s new travel bags are designed for efficient and comfortable travel, while also providing users with the most durable gear they need to explore the world.
“We’re excited to launch our new brand identity with a focus on travel luggage,” said Doug Murdoch, founder and CEO of Think Tank Photo. “Our customers are expert travelers who venture all over the world capturing incredible images, and this new venture into travel is a natural extension of the Think Tank brand and legacy.”
Think Tank’s brand reveal can be experienced on their newly redesigned website at: www.thinktankphoto.com/voc
Think Tank creates the highest quality photo and travel gear for the world’s Venturing Observers. Designing products inspired by their community of globe-trotting pro photographers, Think Tank supports those seeking illuminating experiences and enables us to Venture, Observe, Connect with our world. Join us on the journey at thinktankphoto.com.
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Bed Bath & Beyond Explains Shareholder Meeting
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has disclosed information related to the company’s upcoming Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on May 9 at 10 am EDT. The company also addressed several frequently asked questions that have been received recently.
Sue Gove, President & CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. said, “We recognize this past year has been among the most difficult in our company’s history. Particularly over the last several months, we are grateful to have overcome immediate challenges and impediments again and again thanks to the support of our customers, associates, business partners, and shareholders. Our dedication to delivering for our supporters remains unwavering and we will continue to pursue our operational and financial goals to drive our turnaround.”
“We are seeking shareholder approval for a reverse stock split to continue raising the necessary capital to fulfill our business goals. We understand the choices we have had to make to improve our liquidity have led to speculation both about our business and our stock. We are taking the necessary steps as part of our financial strategy to sustain and grow our business.
“One thing remains true — many families, including our 20 million and growing Welcome Rewards members, continue to visit our beloved brands, Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY, to find solutions for life’s special moments. We have operated for more than 50 years, and we are determined to deliver for the long-term benefit of our stakeholders.”
The announcement intends to answer questions regarding the company’s upcoming shareholder vote and its stock. The company plans to continue addressing inquiries in future communications.
- There were 428,098,624 BBBY shares outstanding as of March 27, the record date for the Special Meeting of Shareholders that is scheduled for May 9.
- Only the holders of these shares, whose trades have settled as of the record date, are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders. Other transactions related to trading in BBBY shares, such as share borrowing, derivatives (including options contracts) or short selling, do not impact the number of shares entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders.
- A definitive proxy statement detailing the company’s proposals for shareholder approval, was filed on April 5. Copies of the proxy and voting materials are being delivered to investors, and to brokerage firms holding shares on behalf of investors in street name. Various distribution agents are responsible for forwarding proxy materials on behalf of banks, brokers and other nominees. Such investors are encouraged to reach out to their brokers if proxy materials have not yet been forwarded to them by their brokers by the end of this week.
- The company has received several inquiries from shareholders regarding “naked short selling.” The company does not have specific access to information regarding any share lending or short selling transactions. While the company is unable to confirm such activity, the company denounces any market manipulation of its stock.
- The company has received requests for the number of directly registered shares. Once the company can confirm an approximate count, it aims to release this information in future communications.
- The outstanding share count presented above includes those shares held by both domestic and international investors. The company understands that certain international brokerage houses may restrict international investors’ ability to cast their votes. Affected international investors may wish to seek out other brokers who facilitate shareholder voting for future elections.
The Company will regularly update its Investor Relations website with information about the Special Meeting of Shareholders, in addition to general information about its business.
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AIDS Walk New York Set for May 21
Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, an annual 10K walk raising funds for GMHC. NY NOW has pledged, once again, to match the first $8,000 in donations for the 2023 edition, which will be held May 21 in New York’s Central Park.
“This year marks a change in team leadership for this wonderful life-giving event,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift For Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Kelly Bristol joins me as an enthusiastic co-captain. Together, we will continue the strong traditions of fundraising set by our captain emeritus, Su Hilty, who has retired after 10 years of leadership and inspiration. For 2023, the team has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $40,000… and with the industry’s support, we can do it!”
“The energy of last year’s AIDS Walk New York was exhilarating,” Bristol said. “We are excited to join the many other teams again this May for our walk in Central Park. We are also thrilled to have NY NOW as our partner once again and are delighted that our fundraising efforts are kickstarted with its generous $8,000 matching pledge.”
Alana Branston, NY NOW’s Group Vice President of Gift & Home and Gift for Life Board member, said, “The whole NY NOW team is thrilled to partner with Gift for Life to support the fundraising efforts of AIDS Walk New York 2023. It’s been very meaningful for me to join the board of one of our most valued partners, and I couldn’t be happier to help raise awareness and funds for such an important cause. In partnership with Gift for Life, we hope to continue in our mission to support charities on both the national and local level in need of support.”
2023 Su Hilty Fundraising Tribute Opportunity
The 2023 event will have a special fundraising connection to Hilty, team captain emeritus, who is battling PSP-Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy, a degenerative disease. In recognition of her 10+ years of support for AIDS Walk – both as a participant and team co-captain – Hilty recently was presented Gift for Life’s “Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award.” As a special tribute, industry friends and supporters can submit AIDS Walk NY donations in Hilty’s honor at https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/suhilty.
Gift for Life Board Chair, Ari Lowenstein said, “For more than three decades, Gift for Life has raised millions of dollars to support HIV/AIDS research, education, treatment, prevention and advocacy. This year’s AIDS Walk, and our special fundraising tribute for Su Hilty, team captain emeritus, is an especially meaningful continuation of our work. I join many of my fellow GFL board members in participating in this worthy and fun event!”
Now in its 38th year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $155 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline sustaining the prevention, care and advocacy programs – GMHC provides for the thousands of individuals affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program. For more information, visit ny.aidswalk.net/Who-Benefits.
To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW team and fundraise, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GFLNYNOW, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at mailto:kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.
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‘Passport to Product’ Highlights Casual Brands
International Market Centers’ next Market Wednesday, April 5, will highlight casual furnishings and outdoor living showrooms featured in AmericasMart Atlanta’s newest category through a special “Passport to Product” promotion. Beginning in 2023, some 43 leading casual brands join AmericasMart Atlanta’s 350+ open year round showrooms.
“As we approach the summer months, April’s Market Wednesday is the perfect opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of the new open year round casual, outdoor furnishing offerings at AmericasMart,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief growth officer. “With the addition of outdoor offerings to our Open Year Round showrooms, AmericasMart now offers buyers easy access to the best in home décor, gift, apparel, accessories, fine jewelry and casual categories.”
The April “Passport to Product” promotion will showcase 16 of AmericasMart Atlanta’s new casual brands. To participate, attendees check-in at the International Casual Furnishings Association lounge in Building 1, Floor 2 and receive a “passport” which will be by participating showrooms as they tour the floors. There will be amenities throughout the building during the day, and at the end of the day, participating buyers will be entered in a raffle to win prizes including: thermal wine glasses from Polywood, Woodard products, two custom outdoor pillows, three metal bistro chairs and more.
Brands participating in the “Passport to Product” promotion are: Barlow Tyrie (British teakwood outdoor furniture); Gensun Casual (outdoor furniture); Homecrest Outdoor Living (outdoor furniture and fire tables); Inspired Visions by Peak Season (patio furniture and outdoor pillows and cushions); Jensen Outdoor (sustainable wood outdoor furniture); Kettler Life Outdoor Living (high-end, modern outdoor furniture); MoDe Patio Living (outdoor furniture); Outdura by Sattler (acrylic fabrics woven in the USA); O.W. Lee Company (handcrafted outdoor furniture); POLYWOOD (outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic materials); Ratana (outdoor home furnishings and accessories); Seaside Casual (casual furniture & lighting that provides sustainable outdoor living); Summer Classics (modern outdoor furniture); Telescope (wicker, aluminum and resin outdoor furniture); Three Birds Casual (teak outdoor furniture); and Woodard (luxury outdoor furniture). Buyers interested in taking part in “Passport to Product” can RSVP at https://www.americasmart.com/Plan/passport-to-product?id=47169b6a-e048-4a39-9b92-5c4b84919e58.
The Open Year Round home decor collection at AmericasMart features 180+ showrooms in Building 1, with 390+ lighting, accent furniture, rugs, wall décor, casual furniture and linens brands plus 100+ commercial design brands. The gift collection features more than 130 multi-line representative groups and branded showrooms throughout Building 2 with gift, lifestyle, gourmet, tabletop, holiday / floral and outdoor living product. In apparel, 80+ Cash & Carry showrooms on Building 3, Floors 6 and 7 and some six children’s apparel showrooms on Building 3, Floor 13 are open every day. The April Market Wednesday runs April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at AmericasMart Atlanta.
The Open Year Round Designer Workspace, in Building 1, floor 15, offers signature events, in-person and virtual seminars, educational opportunities, designer concierge services, a resource library and guided tours throughout AmericasMart Atlanta. For more information, visit https://www.americasmart.com/en/Year-Round.
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Retail Sales to Grow 4-6%, NRF Says
The National Retail Federation anticipates that retail sales will grow between 4 and 6 percent in 2023. In total, NRF projects that retail sales will reach between $5.13 trillion and $5.23 trillion this year.
“In just the last three years, the retail industry has experienced growth that would normally take almost a decade by pre-pandemic standards,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “While we expect growth to moderate in the year ahead, it will remain positive as retail sales stabilize to more historical levels. Retailers are prepared to serve consumers in the current economic environment by offering a range of products at affordable prices with great shopping experiences.”
NRF’s annual sales forecast was announced during the third annual State of Retail & the Consumer virtual conversation, where retail executives from major brands, prominent economists and consumer experts discussed the health of American consumers and the retail industry.
The 2023 figure compares with 7 percent annual growth to $4.9 trillion in 2022. The 2023 forecast is above the pre-pandemic, average annual retail sales growth rate of 3.6 percent.
Non-store and online sales, which are included in the total figure, are expected to grow between 10 percent and 12 percent year over year to a range of $1.41 trillion to $1.43 trillion. While many consumers continue to utilize the conveniences offered by online shopping, much of that growth is driven by multichannel sales, where the physical store still plays an important component in the fulfillment process. As the role of brick-and-mortar stores has evolved in recent years, they remain the primary point of purchase for consumers, accounting for approximately 70 percent of total retail sales.
NRF projects full-year GDP growth of around 1 percent, reflecting a slower economic pace and half of the 2.1 percent increase from 2022. Inflation is on the way down but will remain between 3 and 3.5 percent for all goods and services for the year.
Although the labor market has remained resilient, the trade organization anticipates job growth to decelerate in the coming months in lockstep with slower economic activity and the prospect of restrictive credit conditions. The unemployment rate is likely to exceed 4 percent before next year.
NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz noted that aggregate economic activity has held up well, despite restrictive monetary policy that is working purposefully to curb inflation. He also acknowledged that recent developments in the financial markets and banking sector as well as some unresolved public policy issues complicate the outlook.
“While it is still too early to know the full effects of the banking industry turmoil, consumer spending is looking quite good for the first quarter of 2023,” Kleinhenz said. “While we expect consumers to maintain spending, a softer and likely uneven pace is projected for the balance of the year.”
As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on retail sales each month and also forecasts annual retail sales and spending for key periods such as the holiday season each year.
NRF’s calculation of retail sales excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail.
For frequently asked questions regarding NRF’s annual forecast, visit here.
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.
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Enjoy ‘Tulips and Tea’ at LV Design Center
Las Vegas Design Center’s April “First Friday” event will feature a hands-on, instructional floral design class, “Tulips and Tea with LVDC and Global Views,” Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m.
“April is the perfect month for the design community to grow more comfortable working with florals for spring,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “Through LVDC’s monthly education, attendees will learn not only how to use florals to elevate design but also will have an opportunity to discover the newest product in showrooms and to network with other designers.”
The April “First Friday” session, Tulips and Tea with LVDC and Global Views, will offer designers in the area a chance to create their own floral design with guidance from local florist, Myrinda Miller, owner of MMM Floral & Events. Miller, a native Las Vegas resident, began her journey with Floral design in 2014 to regain her fine motor skills after a life-changing event. Her love for working with botanicals grew, leading her to launch MMM Floral & Events.
The session will be held Friday, April 7, at 10 a.m. (P.T.) in the Global Views showroom, A153, at the Las Vegas Design Center. The first 35 attendees will receive a complimentary Global Views vase to use for the hands-on instructional class. Tea, sandwiches, pastries and champagne will be provided. Registration is required by April 4 at https://April2023FirstFriday.eventbrite.com. The next First Friday session will be May 5.
Las Vegas Design Center is located at World Market Center Las Vegas on the first two floors of Building A and offers interior designers and other members of the trade year-round access to a comprehensive selection of the industry’s finest product lines. To learn more, visit https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/year-round/lvdc.
International Market Centers serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce. Our premium showroom spaces spanning more than 20 million square feet in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta, paired with our digital tools, connect the wholesale industries we serve. For more information, visit IMCenters.com.
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Cookware & Bakeware Alliance Meeting Set
The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance will hold its 101st Annual Spring Member Meeting from April 26-28 in Providence, R.I.
Founded in 1922, the CBA is dedicated to protecting U.S. consumers and has been providing meaningful information and solutions to the industry for over 100 years. The 2023 April meeting will mark another significant milestone in the organization’s history, and members will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually.
The event will feature a keynote speaker, Dyfed “Fred” Richards, founder of The Hive Principle, who will take attendees on a journey into human-based design through the lens of brand-specific and category histories. Richards will also explore semiotic design codes that inspire our daily lives, the pitfalls of the design industry and best-in-class brand examples.
The presentation promises to be both fun and engaging, with Richards providing tips, tricks and world-class design principles that will inspire designers to take brands and businesses into a positive future. Attendees can expect a fast-paced and often humorous experience, with exciting audience participation exercises.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions with the Engineering Standards Committee. These sessions will provide valuable insights into the latest industry standards and practices. Additionally, the meeting will feature updates on PFAS and sustainability, which are crucial topics in the cookware and bakeware industry.
Members will also have the chance to connect with each other during the “Meet the Members” segments throughout the event. These segments create a relaxed and collaborative environment where members can exchange ideas and share their experiences.
The CBA is excited to welcome members to this milestone event in Providence and looks forward to providing meaningful insights and solutions to the cookware and bakeware industry. If members are unable to meet in person, their ticket purchase includes virtual access.
Companies that are interested in becoming a member of CBA can purchase a virtual ticket to the event. By doing so, they will have the opportunity to network with other companies in the same industry, learn about the latest trends and innovations, and gain insights from industry experts.
Joining CBA as a member also provides companies with access to exclusive resources and benefits, such as research reports, webinars, and training programs. Becoming a member of CBA is a great way for companies to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their industry and to connect with like-minded professionals who share their passion for innovation and growth.
For more information on the 101st Annual Spring Member Meeting, please visit the CBA website.
The CBA is a not-for-profit trade association owned by its membership: manufacturers of cookware and bakeware with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States. The CBA’s mission is to inform and promote the industry to its members, its customers, and the general public.
At the core of fulfilling its mission, the CBA Engineering Standards for Cookware & Bakeware are the result of extraordinary voluntary collaboration among member companies in the US and Canada. The standards exist to promote the welfare of the cookware and bakeware industry and improve its service to the public. The Standards are continually updated to reflect changes in materials and technology.
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Party With a Purpose Set for April 21
Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team today announced that its “Party with a Purpose” fundraising event for World Central Kitchen will be held Friday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Eichholtz Showroom, 129 S. Hamilton St. in High Point, N.C. All proceeds will benefit World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief efforts.
“Party with a Purpose is the home and accessory industry’s way to help support World Central Kitchen and the amazing work they do,” said Russ Jones, chair of Home vs. Hunger. “This April will be our second Home vs. Hunger event, and we are thrilled that Eichholtz once again generously is hosting the event. We hope that market-goers will come by, have a drink and a bite, and donate to help us Feed the Hungry! Feel the Good!”
To RSVP for this event, email homevshunger@gmail.com. Donations from members of the home industry are accepted at https://donate.wck.org/HomeVsHunger23.
In partnership with home industry leaders and market makers, Gift for Life’s debuted its Home vs Hunger initiative at High Point Market in October. An in-person event at the Fall 2022 High Point Market and an online campaign in February following devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria together have raised nearly $28,000 for World Central Kitchen.
“We are excited by the momentum created by the Home vs. Hunger launch at High Point Market,” said Ari Lowenstein, chair of Gift for Life. “High Point is the most important gathering of buyers and sellers for home furnishings and accessories. The Home vs. Hunger team created a visible and tangible way for industry members to connect and combine resources to make a difference in the world. We are humbled by the home industry’s support and generosity and look forward to all that we can accomplish together in the future.”
Home vs. Hunger team members include Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Jonathan Cochran, Eichholtz; Chris Amos, International Market Centers (IMC); Mark Furlet, International Market Centers; Monica Loving, Ivystone; Jones, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J. Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
World Central Kitchen was founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. In 2020, with COVID-19 straining traditional food security safety nets like school feeding programs, city services and food banks, WCK pivoted to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that needed support and launched the Restaurants for the People program to scale nationwide.
Fast forward to 2022 and the escalating crisis in Ukraine and at home. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the front lines making sure there is always a warm meal, an encouraging word, and a helping hand. World Central Kitchen has provided tens of millions of fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Donations will be used to support emergency food relief efforts and resilience programs. If you’d like to host your own fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, click HERE or contact a member of the Gift for Life board.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Appleman Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal.
Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief.
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Housewares Industry Raises $1M for Charity
The housewares industry came together to raise $1 million during the 2023 Housewares Cares Charity Gala presented by the Housewares Charity Foundation on March 6. Proceeds from the event, held at the Four Seasons Chicago, benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the HCF’s legacy charity, and the James Beard Foundation, the gala’s partner as well as Winning With Wyatt and the V Foundation.
Since the first gala in 1998, HCF has raised more than $56 million and has been credited with donating more than $32 million to BCRF.
Held annually in conjunction with The Inspired Home Show, this year’s gala honored Select Brands’ founder and president William Endres with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Bloomingdale’s executive vice president and GMM of Menswear, Kids, The Home Store and Cosmetics Daniel Leppo with the Humanitarian of the Year Award; and The Home Edit co-founder Clea Shearer with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The philosophy and mission of the nonprofit HCF is, in the spirit of goodwill, to raise funds annually for designated charities and help unite and promote the philanthropic image of the housewares industry. Honorees are selected for their humanitarian support and exceptional leadership.
The event offered 350 attendees dinner and a cocktail reception featuring three tasting stations hosted by James Beard Foundation chefs including Damarr Brown, Beverly Kim and Greg Wade.
The evening, emceed by QVC television personality David Venable, included live auctions, where guests bid on an extraordinary collection of relaxing get-aways, dinners and unparalleled culinary experiences. Offerings included a private dinner with William Lauder at Le Bernardin in New York City; a week in Provence, France; tickets to the James Beard Media Awards and to the James Beard Restaurant & Chef Awards in Chicago; tickets to the Sonoma Epicurean event; a private in-home dinner by Chef Daniel Green; a custom Canali suit package; and three luxury housewares surprise packages.
For more information about the Housewares Charity Foundation, its honorees and its charities, please visit HousewaresCharity.org.
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Farmstand Nook Grows Produce Indoors
Lettuce Grow has introduced the Farmstand Nook, the second edition of its flagship product, designed to make it even easier to grow produce indoors, in tight spaces and across seasons. With enhancements including a smaller tank and fully integrated grow lights, the Farmstand Nook empowers any home chef to grow the best ingredients just steps from their stovetop.
The Farmstand Nook simultaneously grows 20 plants among four levels, comes with integrated proprietary LED grow lights and, as is the case with the flagship Farmstand, is manufactured utilizing upcycled materials. New plant maintenance features, including newly designed Grow Cups and Sleeves, and digital accessories, provide a seamless indoor grower experience.
The new Smart Timer allows growers to digitally control the lights of the Farmstand Nook, including a new snooze feature, from a smartphone. A digital pH pen replaces the color-coded litmus test to make pH testing even easier and faster.
“I am excited to finally bring the Farmstand Nook to our growers. We listened to our community’s feedback and have created a turnkey growing system that allows for delicious produce to be grown in the tightest of spaces, furthering our goal of creating a more sustainable food system,” says Jacob Pechenik, founder and CEO of Lettuce Grow. “The Farmstand Nook is like a living pantry for produce. You can easily grow greens, vegetables, fruits and herbs in your kitchen or any corner of your home, allowing even more people to grow and harvest something delicious – your very own fresh food.”
The original Farmstand, modular in design for growing a variety of plants indoors and outdoors, will continue to be available alongside the new Farmstand Nook. Pechenik noted, “Customers might choose to have an original Farmstand outdoors or in another area of their house, and have the Farmstand Nook in the kitchen, next to the refrigerator. The Nook provides more options to suit family needs, homes, and cooking habits.”
Co-founder Zooey Deschanel said, “Growing with Lettuce Grow is about more than growing plants, it’s about nurturing connections with our family, friends, and neighbors. It’s about creating a moment of joy in the simplest of ways, and with the Farmstand Nook even more people will be able to create magic just steps away from their dinner tables.”
The launch of the Farmstand Nook furthers Lettuce Grow’s mission to empower consumers to lead the transition to a sustainable food system. A lower price point and smaller footprint also augments accessibility and eliminates geographical barriers, inviting more consumers to grow their own groceries and be a part of the change.
The Farmstand Nook will retail for $699 (or as low as $58.25/month via Affirm). A limited number of Farmstand Nooks are available for pre-order at lettucegrow.com.
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Tips, Tools for Sleep Awareness Month
March is National Sleep Awareness Month and Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. offers tips and tools to improve nighttime routines and encourage a better night’s sleep. From solutions to avoid overheating overnight to calming a fussy baby so everyone can rest, the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY have products at every price to help get the right balance of sleep.
“At Bed Bath & Beyond, we know sleep is incredibly important and product choice can be very personal based on what works for each individual,” said Rebekah Chase, vice president, general merchandising manager at Bed Bath & Beyond. “From fabric and softness to color and style, which is why we offer options at every price point, online and in stores, to ensure our customers can always find what suits them and their sleep preference.”
Elevate Your Sleep
Modern pillows offer a variety of choices based on personal preference including cooling, temperature regulation, neck and body support, moisture wicking, and anti-allergen qualities. To ensure the best experience, it is recommended that most pillows are replaced every two years, and Bed Bath & Beyond offers many options to find the one that’s just right for any sleep style.
Mamas to-be can also get a better night’s sleep with a body pillow like the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow, that supports a growing bump. The pillow can be placed anywhere more support is needed, including between the knees or under the back.
The best type of bed sheet differs by person, depending on a variety of factors, including temperature when sleeping, fabric features like anti-wrinkle, or price point. In warmer weather, consider swapping a comforter for a quilt or flannel sheets for the cool and crisp percale cotton.
Adding light pressure with a weighted blanket can also be soothing. The soft and cozy Therapedic Weighted Blanket, available in varying weights, offers calm and relaxation for drifting to sleep.
Enhance Your Unwind Routine
Set the stage for a great night’s sleep with small additions that can make a big difference in any room. The SpaRoom PureMist Directional Mist Ultrasonic Diffuser delivers a gradient lighting effect and calming aroma while allowing adjustment of the 360 degrees of mist. Choosing a soothing sound like the ocean or rainfall from the HoMedics SoundSpa Sound Machine can help clear the mind from distractions. When tossing and turning, Vitafusion Melatonin Gummy Supplements and hims & hers Melatonin Sleep Gummies can help to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Better Sleep for Baby
Sound machines like the Hatch Baby Rest 2nd Generation provide soothing sounds for baby to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. It can also grow with baby, by teaching them bedtime cues with the nightlight feature. Portable, on-the-go options, like the Fridababy 2-in-1 Portable Sound Machine, are also available so baby can sleep soundly anywhere.
As blankets are not recommended for young babies, parents can keep them warm and provide a sense of security and comfort with a swaddle or wearable blanket like the ever & ever Muslin Swaddle Blankets or HALO SleepSack. This can help babies sleep soundly until they are old enough for more traditional bedding.
“Swaddling is a great way to get your baby to fall asleep and stay asleep longer,” said Jenny Son, vice president, general merchandising manager at buybuy BABY. “Since every parent, and baby, will have their own preference on how they like to swaddle, we carry a great assortment, from traditional to innovative, so you’re sure to find one that works for you and your baby. Many of these wearable blankets can continue to be worn as they grow.”
‘Smart’ bassinets like the 4moms mamaRoo sleep bassinet and Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet with Cry Detection Technology can help soothe a fussing baby back to sleep with movement and white noise, helping everyone get their much-needed rest.
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Gift for Life Welcomes New Chair, Vice Chairs
Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced new leadership of its board of directors, with Ari Lowenstein of Emergent Workshop serving as chair through 2025.
Gift for Life also instituted a change to its vice chair role, splitting the current duties into two positions. Board member Sarah Mount of International Market Centers was elected as first vice chair and Emalee Hoffman of Orange Circle Studio/Studio Oh! was elected as second vice chair.
After serving as the GFL chair for two years, Cole Daugherty of Dallas Market Center steps into the role of Immediate past chair.
\Lowenstein has been involved in the gift industry internationally since 1997. After owning a gift company in Italy for 12 years, he moved back to the United States and worked as business development manager for Clear Solutions and The Unemployed Philosophers Guild. In 2014, Lowenstein co-founded Canopy, one of the first Seller Account Management companies guiding the presence of many businesses on Amazon.
In 2016, he founded Emergent Workshop, a consulting company advising manufacturers and service providers. In 2019, Lowenstein joined Brandwise, serving as chief strategy officer and then as SVP of corporate development at MarketTime. He has served on the executive board of the Museum Store Association and as president of the Gift Sales Managers Association. While staying engaged with the gift industry, earlier this year Lowenstein opened Ari’s Pantry, a catering company in Dallas, to fulfill his passion for cooking! Lowenstein joined the GFL board in 2017, becoming vice chair in 2021 and chair in 2023.
“I am honored to serve as the chair of Gift for Life and to be surrounded by an extraordinary board of directors,” Lowenstein said. “Each of them is a leader in their organizations and represents that which is truly special about our industry. I welcome the opportunity to work alongside Sarah and Emalee and the other board members to continue finding new ways to help others. The history of Gift for Life over the past 31 years is remarkable. So much work has been done by so many. Continuing that tradition, while preparing for the future, is our goal.”
As vice president of content & digital marketing at IMC, Mount leads a creative and digital team focused on engaging buyers and sellers across its physical markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas. Prior to this role, she led the marketing team for Juniper by IMC.
Mount’s gift and home industry experience spans 15+ years, including 6 years as VP of marketing at AmericasMart Atlanta, leading all marketing communications strategy, branding and events for its markets and daily business. She was named as one of Gift Shop’s 40 under 40, Class of 2019. Mount joined the GFL board in 2021 and was elected first vice chair in 2023.
“I am honored to assume this role in 2023 with the goal of uniting our industry to support the good work of World Central Kitchen across the globe,” Mount said. “My involvement to date with Gift for Life has shown me how empathetic and generous our industry is, and I’m looking forward to doing great things together this year.”
Hoffman has been a part of the gift and home industry for more than a decade. She began her career as a buyer in 2009, joining Orange Circle Studio/Studio Oh! in 2014, ultimately working her way from a role in customer service to vice president of sales. She’s also a member of GHTA and is working on the 2023 content committee. Hoffman joined the GFL board in 2021 and was elected second vice chair in 2023.
“Being part of Gift for Life, this past year has truly been a highlight, and I look forward to being 2nd Vice Chair,” Hoffman said. “The work World Central Kitchen does is incredible! I am honored to be part of the GFL team to help fundraise for such a great organization.”
The Gift for Life Board is comprised of recognized leaders in the gift, home and stationery industries: Alana Branston, Emerald Expositions; Andrea Padilla, Transpac; Angela Jacobson, Stephen Joseph; Ari Lowenstein, Emergent Workshop; Cathy Steel, Cathy Steel Associates; Christina Bell, Clarion Events; Cole Daugherty, Dallas Market Center; Crystal Vilkaitis, Crystal Media; Emalee Hoffman, Orange Circle Studio/Studio Oh!; Jessica Barile, Paddywax; Julie McCallum, Gift Shop Plus; Landon Metts, MarketTime; Lenise Willis, Gifts & Decorative Accessories; Matt Katzenson, Fine Lines; Maureen Carpenter, The Queens’ Jewels; Monica Loving, Ivystone; Nancy Michael, International Housewares Association; Peter Schauben, Appelman Schauben; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Sarah Mount, Juniper; and Sheila Charton, Springboard Futures.
For more news of interest to the gift, stationery and home decor industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Spring Cleaning
Spring is in the air, and chances are, so is dust and dirt that has found its way into homes during the winter months. The start of a new season is a perfect reason to spruce things up, and Bed Bath & Beyond has everything shoppers need – from storage solutions starting at $4 to heavy-duty deep cleaners – to tackle all their spring cleaning chores.
“We know our customers would prefer not to spend the whole day cleaning and have curated a few fan-favorite items that will get the job done with ease,” said Gabriel Minchow, vice president, general merchandising manager. “In addition to the right products, a spring cleaning pro-tip is to work from top to bottom – picking up loose items and putting them away, dusting and wiping down surfaces, vacuuming or mopping, and then freshening the air as a finishing touch. We want help make it quick and convenient, like shopping in stores, online, or on our app.”
Clear Out the Clutter
Need a place to store toys or household clutter that’s accumulated the last few months? The Closet Complete® Moon & Stars Canvas Storage Bin and Taylor Madison Designs® Safari Oval Storage Bin are adorable options for toys, and the Simply Essential™ 11-Inch Collapsible Storage Bin, available exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond in a variety of colors, is great for other household knick-knacks. Also, Squared Away™ Canvas Garment Storage Bag and Simply Essential™ Comforter Storage Bag are great options to store sweaters or heavy comforters in months when they are not needed. All items can be easily tucked away in a closet, under the bed or in storage for ease.
No Fuss, No Dust & Mopping Made Easy
Kiss dust bunnies and pet hair goodbye with the Swiffer® Sweeper™ Pet 2-in-1 Dry and Wet Floor Sweeping and Mopping Starter Kit, which features heavy-duty dry and wet mopping cloths. The dry cloths fluffy, 3-D fibers trap dust, dirt, and hair on common household surfaces, and the cloths can be attached to Swiffer’s easy-to-assemble sweeper handle, to reach tight corners, under furniture, and more. The wet mopping cloths feature an “Absorb + Lock” strip that helps trap dirt and grime deep into the pad, so it does not get pushed around. Plus, refills include unscented and scented options.
For those looking for a more advanced mopping system, try the Swiffer WetJet™ Hardwood Floor Spray Mop Starter Kit, which cleans virtually any floor in the home with its unique dual-nozzle sprayer and WetJet solution to break up and dissolve tough messes.
Lightweight Vacuums Tackle Heavy-Duty Cleaning
Bed Bath & Beyond has a wide assortment of vacuums for spring cleaning, including the Dyson V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum in Silver/Nickel and Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner in Yellow/Nickel, which are great options for homes with or without pets. Both Dyson V8 and V12 models are engineered with power and versatility and transform into a handled vacuum with one click to clean up high, down low, and everywhere in-between.
For those who would rather kick up their feet and let their vacuum do the spring cleaning work, Bed Bath & Beyond carries a variety of robotic vacuum brands, including iRobot®, Shark, and Neato®, which offer features like Wi-Fi-connectivity, automatic dirt disposal, and more. These are great options for ongoing maintenance to keep carpets and floors clean all year round.
Clear the Air
To keep the home smelling fresh all season long, shop the Febreze Light AIR Spray Air Freshener in Lavender. Its fine mist infuses the air with a pleasant scent that is subtle and not overpowering.
Candles are another a great option, and Bed Bath & Beyond offers customer-favorite brands like Yankee Candle®, Woodwick® and more, with a variety of scents that will keep the house smelling like your favorite all spring and beyond!
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Inspired Home: Consumers Value Trust, Quality
While there are many factors influencing consumers’ perception of value these days, trust and quality emerged as the two most important in new research revealed by IHA’s trend expert Tom Mirabile at The Inspired Home Show 2023, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market.
Owned and operated by the International Housewares Association, the Show is being held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Mirabile, principal of Springboard Futures, gave a keynote session, Consumers In Control: Insights & Imperatives for the New Economy, to reveal the 2023 Value Equation Index – new research highlighting the most important elements influencing consumers’ purchases of home and housewares products today. The survey of 1,200 U.S. householders was conducted just two weeks ago as a joint project between Springboard Futures, Project Partners Network and The Trend Curve.
Trust emerged as consumers’ #1 consideration when purchasing home and housewares products. When choosing a retailer or brand for those purchases, 22 percent said trust was extremely important, 37 percent said very important, 37 percent said somewhat important and only 2 percent said not important at all.
Reputation for reliability/durability influenced their trust the most (60 percent), followed by prior personal experience (47 percent). (Respondents could select two factors.) Recommendations from others came in next (28%) indicating “we’re delegating trust to other people” to some degree, said Mirabile.
Brand remains a significant aspect of trust, with 88% saying brand is extremely, very or somewhat important. For newer companies or even legacy brands looking to mix things up a bit, Mirabile pointed out that brand partnerships and licensing agreements are “an opportunity to reinvent yourself constantly.” These relationships are probably under-utilized in the home and housewares industry, he added.
Quality came in as consumers’ #2 most important consideration when purchasing home and housewares products. Durability (59 percent) and reliable performance (51 percent) were by far the top two factors in determining quality, followed by safety (21 percent), ease of use (19 percent), minimal care (16 percent) and material composition (13 percent).
Among the other factors influencing consumers’ perceptions of value today are:
- Price – When it comes to price, waiting for a promotion was most likely to influence a purchasing decision (39 percent). But free shipping/returns was a close second at 34 percent, a category that Mirabile said jumped from last year’s survey. The ability to earn loyalty rewards also increased its influence from 2022.
- Convenience – The pandemic created new standards for convenience that aren’t going to go away, said Mirabile. Home delivery/store pick-up remained an important factor here, coming in as the #2 most important factor at 43 percent.
- Ratings & Reviews – While there’s definitely some skepticism of online ratings and reviews, consumers find negative reviews to be the most helpful for two reasons, said Mirabile. One is because they give brands an opportunity to respond or handle them publicly, and the other is they make positive reviews seem more authentic or genuine.
- Lifestyle Benefits – Mirabile often encourages housewares brands to think about “What’s the message (about lifestyle benefits) beyond what a product does?” and to include that on packaging or in online content. Respondents rated wellness
(46%) as the top lifestyle benefit they’re looking for, followed by family & friends (34%), learning new skills (33%) and emotional health (30 percent).
- Shopping Experience – Most consumers say they do an equal mix of shopping in-store and online (43%), though the number of those who skew one way or the other tends to lean more heavily toward online only (37 percent vs 22 percent). “The opportunity here is to excite consumers in-store,” Mirabile said.
- Responsibility – Social responsibility is trending up in importance, and environmental responsibility is trending down. But that doesn’t mean environmental concerns are going away, he said, they may just be taking a back seat to other more pressing concerns right now.
- Data privacy, safety and security – 75 percent of respondents said privacy, safety and security was extremely or very important.
For coverage of The Inspired Home Show 2023, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Inspired Home: Consumer Data, Innovation Key to Industry Success
As the world gradually moves from pandemic to endemic, consumers are prioritizing wellness, but they also value time, space, experience and responsibility said the IHA Market Watch authors at a keynote session at The Inspired Home Show 2023, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market. The session incorporated data from the just-released 2023 HomePage News Consumer Outlook Survey and the 2023 IHA Occasions Report, as well as a sneak peek at the 2023 IHA Market Watch Report, which will be released in late March/early April.
Owned and operated by the International Housewares Association, the show is being held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Following record sales while the pandemic led many people to spend so much time at home, “This industry is at a unique inflection point where it needs to speak a little louder and where it needs to try to win share,” said Peter Giannetti, editor-in-chief of HomePage News, who moderated the discussion. “It can do so by understanding the consumer and driving innovation in product, marketing and merchandising.”
Giannetti was joined by IHA Market Watch authors Leana Salamah, IHA vice president, marketing; Tom Mirabile, principal of Springboard Futures; and Joe Derochowski, vice president and home industry advisor for The NPD Group.
Reflecting IHA’s consumer-centric approach of the last few years, “The emphasis in the coming year should be not so much on what we can create, but why we should create it,” said Salamah. “We should be asking ‘What need is it solving?’ or ‘What viewpoint is it delivering on?’
“Positioning is also a huge piece of responding to consumer values,” she added. “It doesn’t have to just be about new products. Sometimes taking something that already exists and repositioning it or thinking about how it fits into some of these pillars can be just as effective as wholesale new product development.”
The five pillars or driving forces that were the focus of the IHA Market Watch Survey 2023 were: time, space, experience, wellness and social responsibility.
Wellness emerged as the overwhelming top pillar or driving force for consumers this year. When asked which was most important to them at home, 47 percent said wellness. That was followed by time (19 percent), experience (14 percent), space (11 percent) and responsibility (9 percent).
Respondents ranked mental wellness as slightly more important than physical wellness, as they did in 2022. Salamah said wellness actually encompasses all the Market Watch pillars and that the “really critical” importance of wellness has come through in a number of recent IHA consumer surveys.
When it comes to time, consumers who are most driven by time concerns are those 25-44 years old. This tends to be the age group that is juggling busy work schedules, kids’ activities and possibly caring for aging parents.
“There are so many challenges right now related to time that are ripe for smart home innovation,” said Derochowski.
In fact, the Market Watch survey showed higher intent to buy smart home products in 2023 compared to last year. Respondents said they would be most interested in smart products that had auto-cleaning features (52 percent), followed by detecting or ordering parts (51 percent), coordinating meal elements (49 percent), detecting ingredients or suggesting recipes (49 perent) and counting calories or macros (47 percent).
When it comes to space, those who value it the most are 35-44 years old and have an income level of $50,000 or less. This leaves significant opportunities for storage and organization products, as well as affordable and versatile home décor, said Derochowski.
Consumers (especially younger ones) are open to renting home and housewares products, which may be a way for them to try new things and express themselves in different ways while not conflicting with their space challenges. “They want access, not ownership,” said Mirabile.
As for experience, the home and housewares industry also has a lot to offer consumers who value experience but may not be spending as much discretionary income in 2023. Thirty-five percent of consumers plan to entertain at home more in the coming year, according to the Occasions survey.
Data so far in 2023 supports that trend as sales of products such as beer and cocktail items, fondue sets, popcorn makers, slow cookers and pie servers are especially strong, said Derochowski.
Consumers say their biggest challenges related to entertaining are post-event clean-up, preparing everything to be ready at the same time and general meal prep, according to the Occasions Survey.
Responsibility continues to be important to consumers when it comes to home, though the Market Watch survey found it to be most important to consumers 55 years and older.
Salamah said this was a little surprising, given the attention that younger generations tend to give to environmental concerns. When they dug a little deeper into responses from young people, she found that price differences or lack of convenience may cause them to rate responsibility issues lower. “I think that begs the question, ‘How do we remove barriers to entry for them?’” she said.
The panel agreed that home and housewares products could address more than one of the five pillars or driving values discussed in the session. “Think of it as a checklist,” said Mirabile. “The more pillars you can check off on any given item, the more you’re going to sell.”
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The Inspired Home Show Notes
The Inspired Home Show 2023 got off to a good start with moderate foot traffic (more expected on the second and third days).
One of my first stops was to the Hestan booth. I’m telling you, the cookware is so beautiful, I’d hate to mess it up with my cooking. But they have me covered, since the pans are also easy to clean. They had a new store display, which really shows off the advantages of the quality cookware the company produces. It would look good in my kitchen, if I had the space!
One of the highlights of my day was stopping by the Portugal Ceramics booth. As you probably know, Portugal has a long history of producing top-quality ceramics and we can expect to see them promoted more in the United States, which is the No. 1 destination for Portugal ceramics exports. Last year saw a record number of exports for the ceramics industry there. Some of that is due to Russia’s war on Ukraine, so when the supply chain broke, many European countries that depended on Ukraine for ceramics turned to Portugal for materials. (Learn more about Portugal Ceramics in the May issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.)
I love seeing all the innovative products that come on the market at The Inspired Home Show. I met Armand Ferranti, who invented a great device called Draft Top, which slices the tops off of aluminum cans swiftly and so cleanly that you can drink from them like a glass. He says bartenders love them and the company had a prototype of a professional grade appliance that is essentially a big (and sleek) electric can opener geared to the bar industry (but could go in homes, too). He’s also coming out with a white version of the black Draft Top.
Funny story: Armand was wearing a company shirt with the Draft Top logo and its tagline: Drink Topless. There was a lot of discussion at the time about the tagline, but it was approved. Armand didn’t think anything of it until he saw his mom wearing the shirt and tagline. We talked about maybe getting Mom a shirt without the tagline!
Many of us have seen Fusion candle products produced in private labels, such as Walmart’s Scent Sationals, but the company decided to launch its own line under the Fusion: Fragrance. Light. Decor line. They’ve got everything from flame-less candles (one has a remote control where you can go from a cool light to a warm light), plug-in scents, fragrant oils, flameless lanterns and so much more. Yeah, I want one of everything!
I had seen a fraction of Bradshaw Home’s goodcook cookware and bakeware at the show preview in New York, but of course the Chicago show has the full line. Most impressive are the AirPerfect nonstick baking sheets and pizza pan. The bakeware is constructed with a double-wall bottom and vented air space between the walls, so the cookies don’t burn and your pizza crust is crispy perfect. The goodcook line has hadded barware to its catalog, too.
Two words I never thought I’d link together: Cool mop. Bradshaw’s casabella cleaning products line has a Clean Water Spin Mop. The great thing about it is it has two buckets, one that the microfiber mop draws clean water from, then after mopping, spins in a detachable second bucket that captures the dirty water. The clean water bucket even has a measuring cup at the bottom, to put any kind of cleaner in, as well as measurement lines going up the side so you can keep your ratios correct. This mop was a finalist in the gia Awards.
Another product that caught my eye (since I have a long-haired cat who sheds a LOT) is the casabella Power Core Pet Broom. It’s got stiffer bristles in the center to hold on to pet hair that the softer outside bristles catch. Then the dustpan has a comb, so you can get the hair out. The bristles are also cut on a slant, so it’s easier to get the hair balls swept up.
A good friend of mine who is a cookbook author asked me to tell her what new cool kitchen appliances I see. I told her about the multi-function Pressure Cooker I saw at IRIS Appliances. It’s like slow cooking for dummies (like me). It’s a 3-quart cooker, so it doesn’t take up much counter space (and it’s got a great design). It can steam rice slow cook, pressure cook and the beauty is it has a display where you can search for hundreds of recipes that produce a QR Code so you can call up ingredients and instructions to your phone, tell the cooker what you want to do, add the ingredients and let it do all the work.
I was treated to an impressive demonstration at the ZeroWater booth of its five-filter water cleaners. To demonstrate how much its filter catches that two-filter systems don’t, Katrin Ferge poured diluted red wine into a popular brand of two-filter pitchers and the ZeroWater brand. The other brand produced more diluted red wine, while the ZeroWater brand produced clean water. The company also has a similar water cooler system, but instead of hoisting heavy water bottles onto it, you pour tap water in and it gets clean. You’ll know when to change the filter because it comes with a built-in sensor that tells you when the particulates get high.
Check back here for more vignettes from The Inspired Home Show!
Outlook Survey Charts Spending on Homes
Surging home goods sales during the pandemic, shortages, inflation and recessionary fears have changed how consumers spend money, but that doesn’t mean they’ve snapped shut their wallets and purses. Consumers responding to the HomePage News 2023 Consumer Outlook Survey had a continuing interest in spending on their homes, though not at quite the same level as they expected heading into last year.
The second annual HomePage News 2023 Consumer Outlook Survey, commissioned in partnership with the International Housewares Association, provides data that, by design, can help retailers and their suppliers get a sense of where their opportunities lie in 2023 and who may be the most prepared to spend in home merchandise categories.
The resulting HomePage News 2023 Consumer Outlook Report provides a detailed guide that home goods retailers and suppliers can use to help them plot their course for the coming year. Data from the study can help set strategic efforts on a firmer footing as retailers and vendors strive to bolster demand, target shoppers most enthusiastic about purchasing, generate consumer satisfaction and gain market share.
With detailed charts and exclusive analysis, the comprehensive report throws a spotlight on consumer purchase decision factors affecting 18 key home and housewares categories: Bakeware, Cleaning Tools, Cookware, Cutlery, Dinnerware, Drinkware, Flatware, Floor Care Electrics, Glassware, Home Environment, Kitchen Electrics, Kitchen Textiles, Kitchen Tools & Gadgets, Luggage & Travel Accessories, Outdoor Living, Personal Care & Wellness, Pet Accessories and Storage & Organization.
Outlook Survey results showed housewares purchase intent decreases year over year were generally rather small — ranging from declines in purchase intent from 1% to 4% depending on category. For many of the home and housewares categories covered by the survey, 50% or more of consumers said they are very or somewhat likely to make purchases in the coming year.
“After a period of high demand during the heart of the pandemic, a slight pullback in demand across core home and housewares categories is not surprising,” said Peter Giannetti, IHA’s director of editorial, content & education and editor-in-chief of HomePage News. Suppliers and retailers should be encouraged, however, that intent to purchase remains relatively strong as 2023 progresses. The HomePage News 2023 Consumer Outlook Report reveals an industry that historically has performed well during economically challenging times at an inflection point, ripe once again for new product innovation, creative marketing and well-curated merchandising to drive the next wave of demand.”
With shoppers facing inflation and recessionary worries, some market research has emerged suggesting that consumers who had begun to shift spending to service sectors were reconsidering and even scaling back spending plans in those sectors— and they find more ways to enjoy their households, he added.
The readiness to spend is particularly strong among consumers who would be the go-to person for a housewares or home goods purchase.
The HomePage News 2023 Consumer Outlook Survey gathered key purchase data from an online survey conducted by Morning Consult of 4,000 adults living across the United States. The survey, conducted in late November, 2022, touched on several demographic variables to approximate a target sample of adults most likely to purchase home and housewares products.
For each featured category, the survey revealed which housewares products consumers plan to buy; retail channels in which they expect to shop; key product attributes and lifestyle factors expected to influence their purchase choices; and the potential impact of inflation on their purchase decisions.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
GC Buying Group Names Best Vendor
GC Buying Group Store Members recently voted and named Outstanding Vendors in the Group for 2022. Award winners are:
Best in Shipping – Jura
Best in-Stock – Epicurean
Most Creative GC Program – Le Creuset
Best in-Store Signage – FinaMill
Best In-Store Fixture/Display – Constructive Eating
Most Innovative Product – Dreamfarm: Sharple
Best in Customer Service – Cuisinart
Best Overall Vendor – FinaMill
“GC Vendors are genuinely excited to be recognized by our independent retailers,” observed Janis Johnson, GC Buying Group founder and president. “Realizing that store owners are on the front lines of retail and consistently passionate about serving their personal customers makes the award even more meaningful,” Johnson continued.
The GC Buying Group team will be exhibiting at the Chicago Inspired Home Show, March 3-7, at McCormick Place, located in Booth #S2223. In addition, the team will visit vendor booths each day and host a Store Member Breakfast on Saturday morning before the Show opens.
GC Buying Group Members form the original and leading buying group in the kitchenware industry. Celebrating 42 years in 2023, GC functions to ensure the success of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including discounts provided for our 300+ store members by 150 vendor members. For more information on Gourmet Catalog, call: +1-214-855-0005, email: info@gourmetcatalog.com or visit: gcbuyinggroup.com.
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Danish F&H Group Enters US Market
In recent years, the Danish F&H Group A/S has focused a lot on development and growth in the European market. The company is now investing in another market — the United States.
It will take place in central Manhattan, where at 41 Madison Avenue there will be both an office and an inspiring showroom of almost 280 Square Meters. Initially, the focus will be on products from stylish brands such as Zone Denmark, Hoptimist and Rosti.
F&H Group A/S is a well-established design-driven brand house with a strong foundation. Since its beginning in 1945, the company has developed into Scandinavia’s leading brand house within Kitchen Living Dining.
F&H Group A/S owns more than 10 different design brands, which the company develops, markets and sells worldwide, including ZONE Denmark, Rosti, Gense, Villa Collection Denmark, Hoptimist and many more. There is something for everyone in the inspiring design universe of functional design and quality products.
F&H Group A/S is headquartered in Denmark and is represented with its own offices in several European cities including Copenhagen, Paris, Berlin, Oslo and Stockholm. Here you can experience visionary design, stylish form and exclusive design history.
For more news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
IHA Sets The Inspired Home Show Keynotes
Leading retail executives, market data analysts and consumer trend and color forecast experts will share their home and housewares industry vision in special keynote presentations during The Inspired Home Show 2023.
The show will be held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. The keynotes are set for Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Room S102 in the South Building. The hour-long sessions will be held at 1 p.m. each day and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to all show attendees.
In the opening keynote, Julie Barber, executive vice president, general merchandising, Walmart U.S., and Justine Van Buren, general manager, home goods, Walmart Marketplace, will examine how Walmart has adapted to meet the needs of its customers in Winning in an Evolving Retail Landscape at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4. Barber and Van Buren will dive into Walmart’s growth as a true omnichannel retailer; explain how Walmart is using both owned and marketplace-offered merchandise to become even more relevant for customers; and describe how to be successful in today’s omni world.
Other keynote sessions will focus on exclusive IHA data on consumer values, insights on consumer expectations that drive purchasing and a look at the inspiration, clarity and meaning to future color and design trends. They feature veteran IHA trend forecasters and keynoters Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute; and Tom Mirabile, principal of Springboard Futures, along with industry experts Joe Derochowski, vice president and home industry advisor for The NPD Group; Leana Salamah, vice president, marketing, International Housewares Association; and Peter Giannetti, editor-in-chief of HomePage News.
Here is a detailed schedule of the keynotes:
Saturday, March 4
1-2 p.m.
Winning in an Evolving Retail Landscape
Julie Barber, executive vice president, general merchandising, Walmart U.S.
Justine Van Buren, general manager, home goods, Walmart Marketplace
Join Walmart executives Julie Barber and Justine Van Buren to learn how Walmart has adapted to meet the needs of its customers. Dive into Walmart’s growth as a true omnichannel retailer; hear how Walmart is using both owned and marketplace-offered merchandise to become even more relevant for customers; and understand how to be successful in today’s omni world.
Sunday, March 5
10-11 a.m.
State of the Housewares Industry/IHA Market Watch
Leana Salamah, Tom Mirabile, Joe Derochowski, Peter Giannetti
Join the authors of the IHA Market Watch report for a lively discussion of the consumer values and demands that are driving purchases as consumers evolve from pandemic to endemic in 2023. Coupled with hard data from the extensive IHA/HomePage News Consumer Outlook survey, this session will provide suppliers with insights to help prioritize product development and rethink marketing/positioning of products and provide retailers with insights to drive sourcing decisions and merchandising strategies in the year ahead.
1-2 p.m
Consumers In Control: Insights & Imperatives for the New Economy
Tom Mirabile
Whether you’re on the shifting sands of supply side or the front lines of retail, an emphasis on the consumer is essential. Still, staying focused can be difficult with today’s incessant storm of new, sometimes conflicting, information. It’s time to take a fresh look at the crucial elements of success as Mirabile discusses The 2023 Value Equation Index. In this enlightening national survey, home and housewares consumers reveal what creates value for them and which expectations will drive their spending in 2023 and beyond.
Monday, March 6
1-2 p.m.
Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman
The Art of Living: Directional Color/Design Trends
As featured in the Pantone View color forecast, the theme titled “the Art of Living” offers inspiration, clarity and meaning to future color and design trends. Providing direction and insights on design and color palettes, this presentation clearly defines consumers’ needs and motivations in a challenging time. Eiseman will feature and explain the appropriate harmonies, moods and hues that will resonate for your clients or customers.
For more information on the keynote sessions, visit https://www.theinspiredhomeshow.com/education. The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2023 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register.
Read the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review for a preview of The Inspired Home Show. Subscribe today so you don’t miss anything!
IMC Promotions, Eckman Departure Announced
International Market Centers has promoted Dorothy Belshaw into the new role of EVP, chief growth officer, and longtime IMC employees Karen Olson, Brett Austin and Brian Archer into expanded roles and responsibilities.
Scott Eckman, who joined IMC in 2011 and most recently served as EVP, chief revenue officer, leaves IMC to become president of Loloi Rugs, a family-owned rug and home decor business with permanent showrooms in markets including Atlanta Market, High Point Market and Las Vegas Market.
“Scott’s business acumen, industry experience and collaborative leadership style position him well for this exciting new opportunity,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC. “I am happy for him, thank him for his immeasurable contributions to building the IMC of today, and look forward to continuing to work with him as a customer in IMC’s markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas.
Maricich said the promotions of senior team members will allow IMC to leverage their experience for new opportunities.
“Both individually – and collectively – Dorothy, Karen, Brett and Brian have made significant contributions to IMC’s past successes. In their new roles, they will iterate and innovate to provide a market experience that is efficient, effective and compelling for our customers.”
Belshaw will tap into more than three decades of industry experience to direct IMC’s growth, evolution and business expansion – in both the physical and digital realms. In her new role, Belshaw will be responsible for all IMC revenues as well as company-wide strategic growth initiatives. IMC leasing and tradeshow Senior Vice Presidents Ryan Mahoney (Furniture), Julie Messner (Home Décor), Katie Miner (ADAC), Terence Morris (Gift) and Caron Stover (Apparel), as well as Jesse James, Vice President of Shoppe Object, now report directly to Belshaw.
Belshaw is a more than 30-year veteran of the trade show industry. She joined IMC in 2012 as President of its fledgling Gift division, with the specific charge of expanding Las Vegas offerings, and her role soon broadened across IMC’s Las Vegas and High Point campuses. As a member of IMC’s executive leadership team, she helped facilitate IMC’s acquisition and integration of AmericasMart Atlanta in 2018 and Shoppe Object in 2022. Prior to joining IMC, she was SVP for George Little Management, the nation’s leading producer of consumer product tradeshows.
“Dorothy’s experience with revenue oversight and new business development, coupled with her 360-degree knowledge of our customers, uniquely positions her to help drive IMC’s growth,” said Maricich. “Dorothy has been a guiding influence this past decade and a valuable partner to me in defining what IMC is today, and will be tomorrow. IMC’s industry-leading markets in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point are juggernauts of commerce connecting 250,000 unique and qualified buyers with more than 13,000 brands year-round. Dorothy’s experience, leadership and insights will be invaluable in executing IMC’s omnichannel strategy.
Veteran IMC staffers Karen Olson, Brett Austin and Brian Archer also assume expanded roles and responsibilities.
Olson assumes the role of chief marketing officer, reporting to Maricich. Olson has a more than 25-year career in wholesale marketing and business strategy. Since joining IMC in 2011, she has made an indelible imprint on the company’s marketing for High Point, as well as its expansion into Las Vegas in 2011, Atlanta in 2018 and JuniperMarket in 2020.
Austin assumes the role of senior vice president, procurement & production, reporting to Bill Lacey, IMC CFO. Austin has 20+ years of experience in managing advertising sales, production, procurement, project management and creative services. He joined IMC in 2018 as part of the company’s acquisition of AmericasMart Atlanta and oversees marketing operations across the company’s three campuses.
Archer assumes additional responsibility as senior vice president of LightFair. Archer brings nearly 20 years of financial and accounting experience to his current role as Chief Accounting Officer for IMC. He joined IMC in 2014, with responsibility for oversight of the accounting, tax, treasury, risk management, payroll and financial reporting functions. He also serves as Board member of LightFair, an annual commercial lighting tradeshow, owned by IMC in partnership with IALD and IES. Dan Darby continues as LightFair senior vice president and show director, reporting directly to Archer.
“These promotions will allow us more effectively to support the current needs of our business, differentiate the customer experience and drive more value to all constituents,” said Maricich.
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Gift for Life Supporting WCK’s Earthquake Aid in Turkey, Syria
Gift for Life’s Home vs. Hunger team has launched a fundraising campaign supporting World Central Kitchen’s earthquake aid in Turkey and Syria. All funds will be directed to World Central Kitchen, which is working with local partners supporting families impacted by the crisis as well as the rescue crews.
Donations may be made via the Home vs. Hunger page link: https://donate.wck.org/HomeVsHunger23. The campaign goal is $25,000, which will provide thousands of hot meals to families in crisis.
“We are working together with home furnishings brands, trade media, market centers, influencers and industry organizations to quickly raise awareness, gather donations and send help to desperate families,” said Russ Jones, co-chair of Home vs. Hunger. “Every dollar helps someone, and every dollar goes directly to assistance programs.”
Home vs. Hunger team members include Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Jonathan Cochran, Eichholtz; Chris Amos, International Market Centers; Mark Furlet, International Market Centers; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Douglas Self, J. Douglas; and Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs.
In addition to this immediate need and campaign, ongoing Home vs Hunger fundraising efforts will take place during the spring High Point Market.
World Central Kitchen was founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. In 2020, with COVID-19 straining traditional food security safety nets like school feeding programs, city services and food banks, WCK pivoted to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that needed support and launched the Restaurants for the People program to scale nationwide. Fast forward to 2022 and the escalating crisis in Ukraine and at home. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the front lines making sure there is always a warm meal, an encouraging word, and a helping hand. World Central Kitchen has provided tens of millions of fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Donations will be used to support emergency food relief efforts and resilience programs. For information, visit www.wck.org. If you’d like to host your own fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, click HERE or contact a member of the Gift for Life board
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Appleman Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief. More information is available at www.facebook.com/giftforlife.
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LV Design Center Resumes ‘First Friday’
Las Vegas Design Center kicks off its 2023 event programming with two sessions in March: a social media photography First Friday session on Friday, March 3, and a student career day on Thursday, March 30.
“We are excited to resume LVDC programming in March, engaging both current and future design industry professionals in an intimate, educational setting,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “LVDC is proud to continue offering a full range of trend and trade education, networking and design resources in 2023.”
The March “First Friday” session, Composition Like the Pros: Leverage the Psychological Benefits of Photography to Elevate Your Social Media, explores basic compositional techniques to instantly elevate images, videos and content on social media. interiors and architectural Photographer, Devin Robinson, will address why some images just feel good and others don’t, raising the question, “is there something psychological going on?”
Robinson is an interiors photographer with over 15 years of professional photography experience. Robinson began his career as an Interiors photographer in 2017 while earning a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. Combining his experience in human behavior and electronic media, he launched Devin D. Real Estate Media, which provides a wide range of marketing media for real estate professionals.
The March “First Friday” session will be held March 3 at 10 a.m. (P.T.) in the LVDC Seminar Room, A140. Registration is required no later than March 2 at 9 p.m. at https://LVDCFirstFridayMarch2023.eventbrite.com.
LVDC is set to host a Student Career Day, in partnership with the California Central/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers on Thursday, March 30, for students at interior design schools from the western U.S. to learn from and mingle with industry professionals in an all-day event. The day will consist of a presentation by Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design, panel discussions, pop up workshops, networking opportunities and a luncheon.
The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at LVDC. Students interested can RSVP at https://ASIDStudentCareerDay2023.eventbrite.com no later than Monday, March 27.
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Tractor Supply Launches ‘Emerging Artists Program’
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has launched its inaugural “Emerging Artists Program” in partnership with country music artists Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Jimmie Allen, Dustin Lynch and Kat & Alex, along with Opry Entertainment Group. The program will discover and support emerging country artists who live and love what Tractor Supply calls “Life Out Here.”
Now through March 15, emerging artists can submit an original song inspired by the Out Here lifestyle to tractorsupply.com/emergingartists. Tractor Supply will name the final five emerging artists in May and pair each one with an established mentor. Two-time CMA Awards winner and Tractor Supply Brand Ambassador Wilson will curate the program, and will be joined by Allen, Lynch, McBryde and Kat & Alex.
The five selected emerging artists will travel to Nashville to collaborate with their mentors, record their songs at a premier studio, meet with industry executives and open for Wilson at an exclusive event during country music’s biggest week in Nashville in June. The selected artists will also earn a spot on “Ole Red on the Rise Presented by Tractor Supply,” an Opry Entertainment Group series kicking off June 7 at Ole Red on Broadway.
Finally, each artist will have the opportunity to perform alongside Wilson on the Grand Ole Opry stage and appear in an upcoming Circle Network 30-minute special set to premiere this fall.
“It really hits home that I get to help an aspiring artist through this program,” said Wilson. “I’m so excited to guide my mentee through this complex music industry as best I can, and I hope we get to build a relationship that lasts a long time. I always say I only take advice from people around me who are where I want to be, so I’m hopeful I can be that person for somebody else through Tractor Supply’s program.”
For 85 years, Tractor Supply has been an essential part of rural America, communities that have produced some of the most successful names in country music and have inspired many of their greatest hits.
“Our Emerging Artists Program will offer emerging artists unparalleled access to Lainey and these other chart-topping artists, while opening the door for them to share their music with the world,” said Kimberley Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer at Tractor Supply. “This program is a wonderful way for us to engage with people across the country – many of them our customers – and support the communities we serve through music. We are excited to see how these up-and-coming artists will translate the spirit of the Out Here lifestyle into song.”
“Knowing that Lainey personally wanted our Opry family to be involved in this program is such an honor. Since making her Opry debut in 2020, Lainey was part of our Opry NextStage class in 2021 while on her way to becoming one of the most electrifying superstars in country music! We are thrilled to continue to support her, our participating Opry members and other emerging artists through this exciting new partnership,” said Jordan Pettit, Director of Artist Relations at Opry Entertainment Group.
“Songwriting is what country music is all about. It’s amazing to see Tractor Supply shine a light on songs inspired by a lifestyle that we can all relate to no matter where we live,” said McBryde. “Growing up in Arkansas and writing my first song at 12 years old, Life Out Here has its own meaning and ties to my story as an artist. I’m excited to be a part of this program and hear these songs inspired by Life Out Here.”
“Lainey is a good friend, and I’m excited to work with Tractor Supply and these incredible artists to help launch the careers of new country music talent,” said Allen. “I truly believe in the impact this genre has on people’s lives. I know how being given a shot can change your life, and I hope we can do that for these new artists.”
“It takes true passion to want to make a career out of playing music and I can’t wait to hear these new songs and help play a role in launching these emerging artists’ careers with Tractor Supply,” said Lynch. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to mentor a rising artist and use the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to help them chase their dreams.”
“We’re honored to be a part of this program and work alongside some of the most talented artists in this business,” said Kat & Alex. “Tractor Supply has been a consistent destination for us in our personal lives as we’ve celebrated numerous milestones as a couple. From bringing home our new puppy to buying our first home in Nashville, Tractor Supply has met all our needs and we can’t wait to bring country music into the mix.”
Follow along on Tractor Supply’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels for more information on and announcements about the Emerging Artists Program. Visit tractorsupply.com/emergingartists to enter through March 15.
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IHA Announces gia Product Design Finalists
The 70 finalists in the IHA Global Innovations Awards (gia) for Excellence in Product Design have been announced by the International Housewares Association. Global honorees in each of the 14 categories will be announced during the invitation-only gia dinner Saturday, March 4, during The Inspired Home Show 2023, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts and news media. The finalists and global honorees will be on display in an exhibit in the Hall of Global Product Design in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the North Building as well as in the New Product Showcases located in the Buyers Club in each Show building. The Inspired Home Show opens at 10 a.m. on March 4 and runs through 3 p.m. March 7.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists for an IHA Global Innovation Award for Excellence in Product Design,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “Product innovation is the engine that keeps the home + housewares industry vibrant and profitable. It is our pleasure to honor the brands and designers that continue to push the envelope and delight both buyers and consumers.”
The gia product design finalists are:
Bath & Personal Care
Company: Product
F&H Group A/S: Zone Denmark – TIME Bath series
Jobar International, Inc.: Clear View Digital Scale
Moso Natural: Natural Scent-Free Bathroom Spray
Prospera Corp.: RF 5 in 1 EMS Micro Current LED Light Anti Aging Massage Device
Stasher: Everyday Beauty Bag
Cleaning
Bradshaw Home: Casabella Clean Water Spin Mop
Bradshaw Home: Evercare Duo Pet Hair & Lint Remover
simplehuman: 14-oz sensor pump with caddy
simplehuman: paper towel pump
The Procter & Gamble Company: Bloom Planter
Cook & Bakeware
Clipper Corp.: Viking Contemporary Copper 4-Ply 9 Piece Cookware Set
Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC: Genetti Fan Lid
Hestan Culinary: Hestan OvenBond 5pc Set
Newell Brandss: Rubbermaid® DuraLite™ Bakeware
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC: GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel Collection
Home Décor & Gifts
Be Home: Pali Recycled Leather Floor Basket
F&H Group A/S: Zone Denmark – INU Vases
INNOVATIVE FOUNTAINS, INC.: noBrn-Sustainable Luxury Home Fragrance™
TV Productions, Inc.: The Doorhickey
Wrap-It Storage: MagSnap – Magnetic Snap Wristband
Home Organization & Storage
Brabantia USA: Bo Trash Can Hi, 1.8 Gallon
Freshlink Product Development, LLC dba PREPARA: Expandable + Adjustable Utensil Organizer
Grand Fusion Housewares, Inc.: Roll-Up Drying Rack with Collapsing Utensil Holder
Polder Products, LLC: Handle-It™ Storage Canisters
YouCopia: StoraRoll™ Food Wrap Dispenser
Household & Home Electrics
BeiAng Air Tech Ltd.: Airdog MOI Mist Free Evaporative Humidifier
Crane USA, Inc.: Cool Mist Collapsible Humidifier
IRIS USA, Inc.: 360 Degree Stand Fan
Roborock (HK) Limited: S8 Pro Ultra
Zafferano America: Theta Lamp
Kitchen Electrics
Jura Inc.: GIGA 10
Lomi: Smart Waste Appliance
Ooni Limited: Ooni
StoreBound: Dash Digital Turbo Hand Mixer
THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC: GreenPan Premiere XL Smoke-Less Grill & Griddle
Kitchen Hand Tools & Cutlery
Dreamfarm: Sharple
Evriholder Products, LLC: Bag Preservers
Gourmet Easy: Fine and Coarse Garlic Press
Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC: GEFU Four Way Grater VCUT with adjustable slice
Pro4uk Ltd: POPit Jar Opener
Kitchenware
Dreamfarm: Fluicer
Dreamfarm: Ograte
OXO: OXO Good Grips 8-Piece Refrigerator Organization Set
Progressive International Corp.: Prepworks Valencia EZ Juice
That Inventions: ChillTHAT Platter
Luggage, Travel Goods + Accessories
DripLock: DripLock
FLYYPOD: FLYYPOD® SLEEP POD
Matador: Globerider45 Travel Pack
Pang Wangle: Bug Repellent Tranquil Blanket with Insect Shield® Repellent Technology
Sherpani: Soleil AT
Pet Products
Dexas International, Ltd.: Snack & Distract Licking Mat
License-Way: SimplyCare Litterbox
Neater Pet Brands: FurDozer X6 Pet Hair Remover
Paikka: PAIKKA Cool Bowl
Trinity: TRINITY 20 Litter Box Enclosure End Table w Drawer
Smart Home Products
Chefman: CHEF iQ Smart Thermometer™
CookingPal Ltd.: Pronto and Alto by CookingPal
Growgreen Limited: aspara® Stylist Lite Smart Grower – Art Series
Hamilton Housewares P. Ltd: Milton Smart Range
Withings: Body Comp
Sustainable Products
Brabantia USA: Sort & Go Stackable Bin
LARQ, Inc.: LARQ Bottle Filtered
Loopy Products: Sustainable Coffee Mug – Made with Waste from Coffee Manufacturing
Magisso North America: KONNA Fly Trap
The FRESHGLOW Co.: FRESHPAPER Pick-A-Size Produce Saver Sheets
Tabletop
Freshlink Product Development, LLC dba PREPARA: ZIP LIP SALT PIG
madesmart: Dipware Appetizer Tray
Sempli: Monti-Mini Decanter + Monti-Rosso
United Sales & Marketing Inc.: Re-Gen Ontario collectio
VIVA Scandinavia: The Peaks Glass Set of 4
The judging panel for the annual IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) included housewares buyers from retailers including Ace Hardware, Albertsons, Artichoke, The Container Store, The Cook’s Warehouse, Dreamscape, Event Network, Giant Eagle, HTI Buying Group, In the Kitchen, JCPenney, Kitchen Shop, Lekka Retail Concepts, Leon & Lulu, National Building Museum, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Pampered Chef, Quality Products, Sign of the Bear, Toque Blanche and Yestis. Other judges included consumer editors, bloggers and many distinguished industry designers.
View the finalists in each category here TheInspiredHomeShow.com/awards/gia-product/
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2023 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register.
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Tuesday Morning Files for Ch 11 Bankruptcy
Tuesday Morning Corp., a leading off-price retailer of home goods and décor, is pursuing a financial and operational reorganization to enable the company to reduce its outstanding liabilities, obtain significant and necessary capital, and ultimately transform into a nimbler retailer that serves heritage markets in a profitable manner.
To pursue its reorganization, Tuesday Morning has filed voluntary petitions for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. The company has also obtained a commitment from Invictus Global Management, LLC to provide $51.5 million of debtor-in-possession financing to support ongoing operations during the proceedings. The DIP financing is subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
“After considering how best to address Tuesday Morning’s exceedingly burdensome debt, we have determined that the best path to reorganizing and transforming the Company begins with a Chapter 11 filing,” said CEO and Director Andrew Berger. “Fortunately, we have the support of a committed capital provider in Invictus and a clear vision for transforming into a focused retailer that serves its core, heritage markets in a profitable manner.
“We look forward to taking steps that enable us to emerge as a stronger retailer that draws on a legacy of offering a unique off-price value proposition to our loyal customer base. We appreciate all the support of our employees, customers, creditors and other partners as we seek to sustain commercial operations with minimal disruptions.”
“We look forward to playing an important role in reorganizing and transforming Tuesday Morning,” said Invictus partner Amit Patel. “As a Texas-based investment firm with strong roots in the state, we have long admired Tuesday Morning’s strong connection to customers seeking unique home goods at competitive prices. Andrew and his leadership team have our full support as they guide the company through this process and lay a foundation for a brighter future.”
During the restructuring process, Tuesday Morning plans to focus on optimizing its store footprint and focusing on its core and heritage markets. The company intends to close stores in low-traffic regions while allocating the proper resources to remaining stores in high-traffic regions. The company believes this targeted approach to winding down unprofitable and underperforming stores will position Tuesday Morning to emerge from bankruptcy with a profitable, cash-generating store fleet that serves its most engaged and loyal customers.
In addition, Tuesday Morning plans to realize significant cost reductions and new efficiencies across its distribution channels as a result of focusing on a narrower set of high-performing stores. The company expects to pivot to a third-party logistics, or 3PL, model and transition to a more cost-effective inventory acquisition strategy for remaining stores.
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Tractor Supply Noted for Diversity, Inclusivity
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been recognized by two separate entities as a diverse and inclusive workplace. For the second consecutive year, the company exceeded the threshold for inclusion on the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, while Newsweek featured Tractor Supply on its inaugural list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.
“Our deeply rooted Mission and Values are the foundation of who we are as an organization. They dictate that Tractor Supply prioritize a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment that values diversity of thought and perspective,” said Melissa Kersey, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Tractor Supply. “We are honored that by adhering to our long-held standards, we continue to be among the top tier globally for gender equality and are recognized as a place where diversity is valued and appreciated.”
Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity was determined through an independent study conducted in cooperation with Plant-A Insights Group. The study featured three phases, including a survey of HR leaders to determine key drivers for current and future employee satisfaction, a collection of over 350,000 company reviews from employees of U.S.-based companies with more than 1,000 employees, and a massive desk research project to identify the diversity ratio of management, the presence of a diversity and ESG report, and other DEI factors.
Tractor Supply’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, led by President and CEO Hal Lawton, oversees various diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives which center on Team Members, customers, suppliers, communities and creating a welcoming environment for all.
Newsweek’s winning companies span six main economic sectors and 34 industries. For the complete list of companies, visit https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-greatest-workplaces-2023-diversity.
The 2023 Bloomberg GEI is a modified market capitalization-weighted index developed to gauge the performance of public companies dedicated to reporting gender-related data. This reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: leadership & talent pipeline, equal pay & gender pay parity, inclusive culture, anti-sexual harassment policies and external brand.
2023 marked the eighth reporting cycle of the GEI and the second consecutive year Tractor Supply has been included. While 620 global companies submitted their gender-related data, an increase of 11 percent year over year, only 484 met the threshold for inclusion. The index spans companies in 45 countries and regions, 11 sectors and 54 industries.
Tractor Supply’s workplace is currently 49 percent female and its Board of Directors is 40 percent female.
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Tramontina to Showcase Churrasco BBQ Utensil Line at Houston Rodeo
Tramontina, the Brazilian manufacturer of premium housewares including the Churrasco BBQ utensil line, is excited to announce that it is an Official Sponsor – Retail Partner, of the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the largest rodeo and livestock exhibition in the world.
“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides the perfect stage for our Churrasco line of premium BBQ utensils,” said Marcelo Borges, CEO of Tramontina USA. “We’re excited about our participation this year and look forward to sharing our culture of Brazilian Churrasco with the rodeo community!”
Tramontina will be showcasing Churrasco, its premium BBQ utensil line, at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The main goal is to increase awareness of the brand that is inspired by the Brazilian Churrasco and tailored for every type of barbecue.
The Churrasco product line provides premium tools to get barbecued meat, vegetables, and seafood from the grill to the plate. The lineup of utensils includes cutting boards, shredding claws, tongs, carving forks, cutlery and more.
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo attracts millions of visitors from around the world. In 2020, over $27 million in scholarships and other educational programs were awarded. The 2023 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 19.
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Frankfurt Consumer Goods Fairs Set Benchmark
The leading international consumer goods fairs Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld have joined forces for the first time from Feb. 3-4 to 7, to inspire as the global hub for upcoming lifestyle trends. They reflect the increasing merging of lifestyles and focus on the top theme of sustainability. 4,561 exhibitors occupied the entire Frankfurt exhibition center on 352,950 gross square meters and impressed 154,000 retailers from all over the world with their innovations. Participants from more than 170 nations celebrated the personal encounter.
For five days, the fully booked exhibition halls were buzzing with reunions and an energetic ordering mood for the consumer goods fairs. A total of 154,000 buyers came to Frankfurt to experience trends live and to order for their collections, with which they stimulate the consumer mood.
“With an overwhelming participation and tremendous internationality, we have made an incredible comeback for the global consumer goods world after two years of pandemic. Frankfurt has strengthened its leading position and is the comprehensive inspiration, ordering and networking event. Our new concept One-Stop-Shop is working,” says Detlef Braun, member of the executive board.
Buyers benefited from a variety of fresh business impulses: at Ambiente Dining, Living and Giving were expanded by the new Working section with a view to modern working worlds. Christmasworld inspired the sector with seasonal eye-catchers and festive decorations with a wow effect for the most beautiful and best-selling time of the year. With numerous creative offerings and interactive workshops, Creativeworld celebrated the ongoing DIY boom like no other trade fair. The greatest possible efficiency is the focus for all participants.
“The new trade fair format consisting of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld is very coherent and perfectly tailored to the needs of the trade, as the ranges in the home and living segments are also increasingly merging. The mood among our members was consistently positive and it was confirmed once again that our industry needs the trade fair marketplace as a platform for networking, ordering and experiencing the products,” says Christian Haeser, managing director of Handelsverband Wohnen und Büro e.V.
The Central Association of the Hardware Trade (Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V.) also agrees with this tenor: “Full halls, super atmosphere, lots of new products, great discussions – the restart of the trade fair after the pandemic has been a success. The specialist retail trade in the housewares/glass porcelain ceramics sector is pleased and grateful to be able to return to the world’s most important consumer goods fair, Ambiente, in its presence after three years. Christmasworld and Creativeworld open up further exciting segments, and a wide range of ideas, which are essential in a challenging market to inspire customers,” says General Manager Thomas Dammann.
The high level of internationality exceeded all expectations: 70 percent of visitors came from abroad. In addition to Germany, the strongest participating nations included Italy, France, the Netherlands, the USA, Great Britain, Spain, Turkey, Switzerland, Greece and Poland.
“It’s gigantic and the visitor frequency super international – even far more than expected and far more than in 2020 before the pandemic. We are overrun, nobody expected that and we are very happy. The combination of Christmasworld, Ambiente and Creativeworld is proving to be a very fortunate solution for exhibitors and trade buyers alike, and one that should definitely be maintained,” stresses Lars Adler, chairman of the board EVL (European Lifestyle Association).
Until Feb. 17, exhibitors and visitors can continue to network via the online platform and follow selected trade show highlights. This enables optimal post-fair business and offers the chance to make important business contacts even afterwards.
During the year, the online exhibitor search, the order and content platform for Home & Living nmedia.hub, the knowledge platform Conzoom Solutions, the Ambiente Blog and the social media channels of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld are also available for networking, placing orders and gaining knowledge.
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Dozens of Brands Flock to Casual Market Atlanta
Nearly 50 top casual furniture and outdoor living showrooms are opening at AmericasMart Atlanta in anticipation of the launch of the International Casual Furnishings Association’s Casual Market Atlanta in Summer 2023. As an added benefit, these brands are expanding business opportunities in related categories by opening in time for the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market (Jan. 10-16).
“Excitement for a new chapter for the casual furnishings industry is building and we are delighted to welcome these leading brands to their new home at AmericasMart Atlanta,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “Heritage brands, industry leaders and innovators in outdoor furniture, accessories and more are coming together to create an all-new buying experience in Atlanta.”
AmericasMart’s new casual furniture collection is presented on Floors 2-5 in Building 1. In addition to the new showrooms opening in time for Atlanta Market, some 36 also will be open daily beginning in January 2023. In addition to purpose-built showrooms, the collection features amenities including a food service area and ICFA member lounge on Floor 2. During the July Casual Market Atlanta, a complementary trade show area will be presented on Floor 7.
These showrooms are opening at AmericasMart in January 2023 (* denotes Open Year Round):
- Agio USA (high-end outdoor furniture)
- Alfresco Home (casual furniture, garden planters and patio accents)
- Bambrella USA* (aluminum and bamboo market and patio umbrellas)
- Barlow Tyrie* (British teakwood outdoor furniture)
- Berlin Gardens (handcrafted outdoor resin furniture)
- Brown Jordan* (luxury outdoor furniture)
- Brown Jordan Inc.* (representing the Brown Jordan, Castelle, Charter, Tropitone, Texacraft, and Winston brands)
- R. Plastics Products (recycled plastic lumber outdoor furniture)
- Castelle* (modern outdoor furniture)
- Casual Cushion Corp. (outdoor cushions and umbrellas)
- Ebel, Inc.* (outdoor furniture and fire tables)
- Elaine Smith* (indoor/outdoor pillows)
- Frankford Umbrellas* (commercial and residential shade products)
- Gensun Casual Living* (outdoor furniture and kitchens)
- Hanamint Corporation (luxury outdoor furniture)
- Homecrest Outdoor Living* (outdoor furniture and fire tables)
- Illuminated Trees Inc. (pre-lit faux botanical trees)
- Inspired Visions by Peak Season (patio furniture and outdoor pillows and cushions)
- Jensen Outdoor* (sustainable wood outdoor furniture)
- Jordan Manufacturing (patio cushions, patio umbrellas, and outdoor furniture)
- Kettler Life Outdoor Living* (high-end modern outdoor furniture)
- Kingsley Bate* (teak, stainless steel and all-weather wicker outdoor furniture)
- Kingston Casual* (outdoor furniture)
- Lane Venture* (luxury outdoor furniture)
- Les Jardins* (solar outdoor lighting)
- Lloyd Flanders* (natural fiber wicker, woven vinyl and teak outdoor furniture)
- Mallin Furniture* (casual outdoor furniture)
- MAMAGREEN* (casual furniture manufactured using a majority recycled or recyclable materials)
- Mode Patio Living* (outdoor furniture)
- NorthCape Home (resin wicker, aluminum, sling, teak and upholstered outdoor furniture)
- Outdoor Interiors (sustainable eucalyptus and teak hardwood outdoor furniture incorporating all-weather wicker, nautical rope, concrete composite, fabrics and natural stone)
- Outdura by Sattler (acrylic fabrics woven in the USA)
- W. Lee Company* (handcrafted outdoor furniture)
- Patio Renaissance (outdoor furniture)
- Plank & Hide (outdoor lifestyle and indoor entertainment furniture)
- POLYWOOD* (outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic materials)
- Ratana* (outdoor home furnishings and accessories)
- Seaside Casual* (casual furniture made from Envirowood, an all-weather marine grade recycled HDPE polymer)
- Summer Classics* (modern outdoor furniture)
- Summerset Casual (outdoor furniture)
- Sunvilla Corporation* (outdoor furniture, warming products and beach chairs and umbrellas)
- Telescope Casual Furniture* (wicker, aluminum and resin outdoor furniture)
- Three Birds Casual* (teak outdoor furniture)
- Treasure Garden* (handcrafted umbrellas)
- Tropitone* (commercial and residential outdoor furniture)
- TUUCI* (shade products)
- Veranda Classics (outdoor furniture)
- Winston* (luxury outdoor furniture and fire pits)
- Woodard Furniture* (luxury outdoor furniture)
Although the collection officially opens in July 2023 as part of ICFA’s Casual Market Atlanta, the new showrooms will be open in time for IMC’s Winter Atlanta Market – running Jan. 10-16, at AmericasMart – providing valuable cross-market exposure for casual buyers and sellers.
During Atlanta Market – each January and July – casual furniture buyers can source whole home product from thousands of complementary home décor brands on Floors 8 through 15 in Building 1. Those looking to expand in gift and seasonal easily can access the most expansive gift offerings in the nation. Key outdoor living destinations include The Gardens merchandise neighborhood with 70+ giftable garden brands and the five-floor Seasonal/ Gift neighborhood housing nation’s largest permanent collection of holiday and seasonal brands. Held semi-annually at AmericasMart, Atlanta Market attracts retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. Registration is open now for the next Atlanta Market, Jan. 10-16. For more information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
Between Markets on weekdays, buyers can source from the 36 new casual furniture showrooms plus 350+ Open Year Round home décor, gift and apparel showrooms. Amenities including a dedicated designer workspace, designer concierge service, complimentary parking and programming and events also are offered. A full list of AmericasMart exhibitors is at AmericasMart.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory.
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2023 Global Innovation Award Winners Named
Excellence in housewares retailing is an important focus at The Inspired Home Show 2023 in Chicago next month as the world’s most innovative and creative home and housewares retailers are honored at the annual IHA 2023 Global Innovation Awards (gia) program.
The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), the global sponsors and organizers of the gia program, have announced the national gia winners for 2022-2023: 27 outstanding home and housewares retailers from 26 countries around the globe, including winners from totally new gia countries Azerbaijan and Kenya. View the national winners here.
The gia program was created by IHA and The Inspired Home Show to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world. Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been more than 500 gia retail award winners, from over 50 countries on six continents.
The 2022-2023 national gia winners are:
Argentina: Tiendas Landmark, tiendaslandmark.com.ar
Australia: Minimax, minimax.com.au
Austria: Cuisinarum, cuisinarum.at
Azerbaijan: Royal Home
Belgium: Hopono, hopono-shop.com
Brazil: deezign, deezign.com.br
Canada: Cookery, cookery-store.ca
Colombia: Ambiente Living, ambienteliving.com
Denmark: KJEPS Bolighus, kjeps.dk
France: TOC, toc.fr
Germany: Pecht Shoppingwelt, pecht.de
India: Home Centre, homecentre.in
Ireland: Jono’s House & Home
Italy: Arte & Forma, arte-forma.it
Japan: JR NAGOYA TAKASHIMAYA, jr-takashimaya.co.jp
Kenya: Vituzote.com Kenya, vituzote.com
Netherlands: Vanderveen’s Department Store – Assen, vanderveen.nl
Norway: Illums Bolighus, illumsbolighus.no
Poland: Eurofirany, eurofirany.com.pl
Portugal: El Corte Ingles, elcorteingles.pt
Spain: El Corte Ingles, elcorteingles.es
Switzerland: Vanoli AG, vanoli.com
Turkey: KORKMAZ, korkmaz.com.tr
United Kingdom: Morleys Group, elyswimbledon.co.uk
Uruguay: LA IBERICA, laiberica.com.uy
USA
– Giftware Retailers: A. Dodson’s, adodsons.com
– Housewares Retailers: Faraday’s Kitchen Store, faradayskitchenstore.com
The gia competition is structured on a two-tier level, national and global, to honor independent and multiple location home and housewares retailers for excellence in several business categories:
- Overall mission statement, vision and strategy
- Store design and layout
- Visual merchandising, displays and window displays
- Marketing, advertising and promotions
- Customer service and staff training
- Innovation
Each national gia winner is invited to The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, where the global gia jury, consisting of three experts representing Asia, Europe and the Americas, plus a rotating group of co-sponsoring trade publication editors from around the world, will select up to five gia Global Honorees and the winners of the Martin M. Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising and the gia Digital Commerce Award for Excellence in Online Retailing.
On Saturday, March 4, the national winners will be honored at a festive awards dinner where the gia Global Honorees and winners of the Martin M. Pegler and gia Digital Commerce Award will be announced. In addition, the national winners are featured at the Show, with banners and a special display in the Grand Concourse Walkway at McCormick Place.
gia is more than an awards program. Representing retailing excellence around the world, it is part of a larger education initiative that includes seminars by retail experts, columns in international housewares publications and educational sessions at events in sponsors’ home countries. As part of gia’s educational offering, on Monday, March 6, three of the gia expert jurors will present a special session in the Show’s Innovation Theater:
- New Opportunities to Connect with Customers. Retail is not dead…mediocre retail is dead. How to create successful customer experiences. Customers have NOT cancelled retail. What customers are looking for today. The gia expert jurors Wolfgang Gruschwitz, Scott Kohno and Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen report from their experiences and share new ideas around the world of retail concepts.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2023 Show, and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
For more information about the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) program, the co-sponsors or participating in 2023-2024, contact Piritta Törrö at piritta.torro@inspiredconnection.fi. Additional information on the gia program is also available online at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Awards/gia-Retailing.
For a preview of The Inspired Home Show, read the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!
At Home, Famed Florist Willow Crossley Team Up
At Home has launched its first category-focused collaboration with Willow Crossley, a world-renowned event and wedding florist with clients including the royal family, Dior, Chanel and Tory Burch. The exclusive collection will feature 400 items with an emphasis in faux florals, but also includes candles, outdoor and garden décor, vases, decorative pillows and glassware, starting at $4.99.
The exclusive At Home x Willow Crossley collection highlights her expertise for floral design,” said Chad Stauffer, president and chief merchandising & product officer for At Home. “Willow’s passion shines through the details, focusing on bloom color and lifelike stems and leaves. This collection spotlights stunning wedding and everyday florals with coordinating vases and accessories to elevate any occasion, all with our unbeatable value and quality.”
Crossley is a high-profile floral stylist and author based in the Cotswolds whose inspirations have delighted admirers around the world.
“For me, a space isn’t complete without flowers,” said Crossley. “From celebrity weddings to dinner with friends, it’s the biggest joy designing floral arrangements that surprise and delight. My new and exclusive collection for At Home is full of wild, natural faux-floral stems and bouquets with incredibly lifelike detail, perfect for every day or your big day.”
The At Home x Willow Crossley collection is available online and in stores.
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IHA Student Design Competition Winners Named
Elegant products that simplify consumers’ lives captured the top prizes in the International Housewares Association’s 30th annual Student Design Competition, the industry’s preeminent student design contest which this year celebrates three decades of innovation for the house and home. This year’s winners include a breast pump washing basin for moms on the go; a yarn storage system for crafters; a produce keeper and ripener; a plant watering system; a tactile safety system for the visually impaired; and a coffee grounds storage and recycling system.
The IHA Student Design Competition, sponsored this year by Procter & Gamble, challenges college students to redesign a current housewares product to meet the needs of the future or to create a concept for a new product. Winning projects are selected for their innovation, understanding of production and marketing principles and quality of entry materials.
Since 1993, more than 6,500 entries have been submitted to the rigorous IHA Student Design Competition, which honors excellent design as well as communications skills. Winners have launched successful careers in the housewares and design industries and have returned to judge other student contestants.
The winning industrial design students and their products will be on display during The Inspired Home Show 2023, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The winners and their products can be viewed on the Show’s website.
Katherine Gaylord, a junior at University of Notre Dame, captured first place and $3,500 for Stack, a breast pump drying rack for the breast pump pieces. It helps nursing mothers who pump at work or in public restrooms to safely, easily and discreetly wash, dry and store breast pump equipment.
“Stack is a clear winner because Katherine saw the many complications that mothers face with breast milk pumping and developed an all-integrated product,” said competition judge Amanda Bolton of Procter & Gamble. “Her design is visually beautiful, calming, inviting and a great example of human-centered innovation.”
Second and Third Place Winners
Two students will be honored with second place awards of $2,300 each: Alicja Ramotowski, a senior from University of Notre Dame, for SPIN, a home yarn dispenser and storage solution,and Austin Leibgott, a junior from Appalachian State University for Alma, a produce keeper and ripener.
SPIN utilizes an angled trajectory to make the dispensing process of yarn as seamless as possible and works with a variety of differently spun yarns. Additionally, the user can place needles and unfinished projects into the spool of yarn as a simultaneous storage and display piece.
Developed in response to the enormous amount of food waste across the globe, Alma keeps produce fresh while simultaneously being eco-friendly by reducing consumption and lowering consumers’ carbon footprint. Alma refrigerates produce without the use of electricity and expedites the ripening process so fresh produce can be enjoyed when desired.
Three students will share third place and each will receive a $1,000 prize: Planted, by Aiden C. Schutte, junior at Western Michigan University, helps inexperienced or time-crunched plant owners maintain healthy plants and a desired aesthetic in the home. Water gets to the soil by penetrating through a hole at the bottom of the planter, which allows the plant to drink as much as it needs without overwatering.
Chi, by Charlotte Brittain, senior at the Cleveland Institute of Art, is a tactile safety system for the visually impaired, providing invisible hazard awareness. The system of wearable sensory devices consists of a visual sensor, vibrating feedback units, a digital data hub and charging home. Chi helps the visually impaired identify overhead hazards that cannot be detected by the traditional white cane. This cutting-edge technology also shows promise in the advancement of assistive technology.
GROUND, from Augustine Curran-Muñoz, a Purdue University senior, is acoffee grounds storage system that promotes recycling of used grounds by storing and heat-treating them for future fertilizer use. GROUND heat-treats the coffee grounds passively in a dedicated storage capsule and compresses the grounds when ready into compact fertilizer pucks, saving greatly on storage space.
Six Honorable Mentions Awarded
Six projects merited an honorable mention in the IHA Student Design Competition and their designers and will receive $250 each:
- Ian Allard, junior at Kendall College of Art and Design, for circL – assisted composter.
- Haleigh Esene, senior at University of Houston, for Knot, a re-designed kettlebell.
- Sydney Florine, senior at University of Notre Dame, for tube, a bird feeder for senior-citizens.
- Yuanxiang E Huang, junior at Western Washington University, for Sol, a sunrise alarm.
- Anna Lorino, junior at Western Michigan University, for SafeSteam, a steam iron for people with visual impairments.
- Ray McVicker, junior at Western Washington University, for Glo Charcoal Grill.
Judges Include Five Previous Design Competition Winners
This year’s winners were selected by an esteemed panel of 14 judges, including five past Student Design Competition winners whose honors led to successful industrial design careers. 2015 winner Evan Cincotta, head of design, Susteau, New York; Chris Cunningham, Cunningham Design, Chicago; 1995 winner Robert Giacolo, new product development program manager, Transcendia, Naperville, Ill.; Carly Hagins, associate professor, Product Design, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo; 2010 winner Teddy Lu, creative director, VEO Chicago, Chicago; 2018 winner Anastasia Miller, senior industrial designer, Doris Dev, Brooklyn, NY; 1996 winner Jennifer Nemec, principal & founder, Ideation Studio, Chicago; David Richter-O’Connell, assistant professor, Industrial Design, University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie; Kimberlee Wilkens, director, BDes in Industrial Design and assistant professor, Industrial Design, University of Illinois at Chicago; James Rudolph, co-founder and program manager, Rudolph Design Studio, St. Joseph, Mich.; Michael Patton, design manager, Home & Wellness, Newell Brands, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Yashodhan Dhuru, senior design director, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio; Kyra Wilsonhouck, design director, Procter & Gamble; Amanda Bolton, senior innovation designer, Procter & Gamble.
The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s global home + housewares marketplace, will be held March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex. For more information about the 2023 Show and to register for a Show badge, please visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com/register.
For coverage of The Inspired Home Show, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
RH Peterson Shows Fire Magic Line at KBIS
The extensive line of luxury Fire Magic outdoor gas grills and accessories, manufactured by RH Peterson Co., is showcased at this year’s KBIS show in Las Vegas, Jan. 31 – Feb. 2. The Fire Magic booth – W5308, KBIS West Hall – will feature high-performance Fire Magic gas grills, as well as complementary cooling and storage products, and accessories to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen. Each product is crafted in the U.S. to provide exceptional design options for architects, designers, and builders, and enhance the outdoor cooking experience for luxury homeowners.
For more than 80 years, Fire Magic has set the bar for high-performance outdoor cooking with its line of luxury grills. Featuring the highest BTUs per square inch, Fire Magic grills can sear meat with exceptional speed, ease, and control. These luxury grills also provide the industry’s largest cooking area, measured by the internal grilling surface where food actually cooks. Specially designed stainless-steel Flavor Grids minimize flareups by distributing heat evenly across specific cooking zones. Patented (No. D857,453) Diamond Sear Cooking Grids are constructed from 304 stainless steel bars with smooth flat tops optimally shaped to transfer heat from burners to grill surface for faster and more even cooking.
The top-of-the-line Echelon grills perfectly meld form and function. Designed with sleek lines and a unique contoured exterior, Echelon grills make a visual statement in any outdoor kitchen. State-of-the-art features such as hot surface ignition for push-button lighting ease and an optional Magic View window, make the Echelon Diamond Series the ultimate luxury grill.
Convenient features and aesthetic details built into the Echelon line heighten the grilling experience. Blue backlit knobs make for easy use in all lighting conditions and add high-tech flair. A built-in charcoal smoker basket infuses smoky flavor into grilled foods. The optional Magic View window allows outdoor chefs to monitor the cooking process without opening the grill and releasing heat.
In addition to the industry’s best-made, highest-quality grills, Fire Magic’s extensive collection of cooking, cooling, ventilation, warming drawers, and storage solutions include:
- Complementary cooking products, all made to superior Fire Magic standards:
- Gourmet Griddle – With an expansive 30” x 18” cooking area, this heavy-duty stainless still griddle is perfect for foods requiring a flat cooking surface
- Pizza Oven – A premium pizza oven that also roasts, bakes, sears, and broils
- Side Cookers – An assortment of side burners, power burners, and searing stations that enhance the outdoor cooking experience
- Cooling accessories:
- Refrigerator – 5.1 cubic feet of storage, with an internal digital thermometer to keep beverages and condiments cold and within easy reach
- Ice Maker – Capable of making 63 pounds of ice every 24 hours
- Beverage Butler – A versatile combination of sink, hot and cold mixer faucet, and insulated ice chest for easy preparation of food and beverages
Fire Magic continues to improve and expand its line of premium outdoor cooking products. A new line of electric grills will soon be available to deliver a luxury cooking experience and exceptional flavor. High-value grills such as the Aurora line deliver price and performance options. Integrated islands featuring Fire Magic grills and accessories are available. There are even luxury-level portable grilling products.
The Fire Magic line is available from select dealers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in some international markets. CAD files and 3D model are available for use in design layouts. Find a nearby dealer here: Dealer Locator
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GE Appliances Launches Induction Cooktops
GE Appliances, a Haier company, continues to roll out new technology to accommodate evolving consumer demands. Its new line-up of induction cooktops builds on the benefits that owners would expect from induction technology with added connected features that make cooking on induction simpler and more precise than ever before.
One standout innovation unique to GE Appliances is Precision Temperature Control. Using a smart pan (pan rebate included with purchase on most models), this technology allows owners to decide the degree of their burner for optimal consistency and performance – from 100 to 500 degrees – instead of settling for high, medium or low. Using the SmartHQ app, owners can access different food types, such as pancakes, or cooking methods, such as sear, and their pan will automatically adjust to the precise degree for the perfect doneness each time.
The cooktops also feature Guided Cooking, which allows owners to use thousands of video guided recipes that prompt the home cook each step of the way with the next action and syncs to the cooktop for precise temperature control. Connect the smart pan to the cooktop and the burners will adjust time and temperature based on the step of the recipe.
“We are excited to expand our line-up of induction cooktops, which we believe is the future of cooking. Consumer interest and demand for the technology is growing, and our best-in-class connected features like Precision Temperature and Guided Cooking across Monogram, CAFÉ and GE Profile brands are raising the stakes,” said Rachael Schwartz, executive director of digital and built-in cooking products for GE Appliances.
Induction cooking technology utilizes electromagnetic currents which directly heat the cookware, instead of first heating the cooktop surface. This results in faster, more efficient heating and an easier to clean surface. The cooktops also offer maximum responsiveness with 11 to 19 heat settings that allow burners to adjust quickly, going from a boil to a simmer in no time.
All these technological advances come packaged in sleek, and modern designs in 30” and 36” widths. The cooktop line-up also features a smooth glass surface that is easy to clean and Glide Touch Controls that gives owners full control through effortless touch.
The induction units are also joined by 14 new radiant cooktops for a total of 28 new electric cooktops across four brands all launching this year. Each of these products will be manufactured by GE Appliances at its wholly owned subsidiary Roper Corporation in LaFayette, Ga. where a $118 million investment strategy was announced in December of 2021. The investment allows GEA to grow its cooking appliances business by expanding capacity and developing new cooking products with the addition of 600 new jobs by the end of 2024.
The induction units are also joined by 14 new radiant cooktops for a total of 28 new electric cooktops across four brands all available now. Induction cooktops start at $1,999 at retailers nationwide.
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IMC Adds Market Scanning Feature to RepZio
IMC has launched a much-anticipated feature to the RepZio sales app that incorporates market badge scanning, creating a direct connection between market activity and RepZio customer data. The new exhibitor-friendly feature debuted at IMC’s Las Vegas Market, running through Thursday, Feb. 2, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“This RepZio enhancement is part of IMC’s larger plan to reframe our digital strategy to more closely align physical markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas with digital tools that deliver return on investment for our buyer and seller customers,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “This seller-focused solution is a great complement to a new buyer-facing @Market mobile app now in development for launch in Summer 2023.”
RepZio, a patented B2B sales application for wholesale sellers, was acquired by IMC two years ago, and the company continues to support and enhance the solution based on specific wholesale customer needs.
“IMC is committed to providing solutions that drive value for our customers, and this addition of new badge scanning capabilities is a direct result of customer requests,” said Max Fraser, IMC SVP, Chief Technology Officer. “When RepZio was acquired by IMC in 2020 it was already a proven tool and we have continued to make enhancements to best serve the needs of loyal and dedicated ‘super users’ as well as new sellers.”
RepZio is a sales management software – accessible both online and offline – that allows brands and sales representatives instantly to browse products and inventory levels, create presentations and place orders. Additionally, in-app reports share information about best and most active customers, as well as top-selling products by geographic location.
Usable both at market, in the office or on the road, the mobile application includes an integrated product barcode generator and scanning capabilities, accessible with any Bluetooth scanner or built-in camera. Other legacy features include the ability to accept credit card payments and to generate complete and accurate sales history with the touch of a button. A web-based application also provides desktop access.
Amity Home president Ben Chhabra credits RepZio with “helping our business increase efficiency, improve customer satisfaction and grow revenue,” and anticipates that “RepZio’s streamlined ordering process will take our business to the next level.” Amity Home exhibits with IMC in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas.
Chhabra explained, “RepZio allows our customers and reps to easily browse products and create and submit orders. The integration with our back office saves us valuable time and reduces errors. It also provides valuable data and analytics on customer orders, helping us to make informed decisions about inventory and sales. Through the new capability to scan market badges and synch them directly to RepZio, we hope to save time on manual entry of customer information and eliminate the need for expensive third-party apps to scan badges and generate leads.”
Fraser commented, “Badge scanning capabilities are a game-changer for busy exhibitors who need accurate, up-to-date information while at market. This sales automation solution is easy-to-access and reduces friction by quickly linking a buyer to an existing account or creating a new account – with just the touch of a button.”
Melrose, a long-time RepZio user and showroom tenant at both AmericasMart Atlanta and World Market Center Las Vegas, values the system’s efficiency and ease of use. “RepZio simplifies our ordering process. Training takes only minutes and it’s very intuitive. It’s one of the most cost-effective applications out there,” said Brad Gullion, marketing and purchasing executive. “The badge scanning capabilities will allow everyone in the showroom to scan badges. We will be able to get more leads and customer information.”
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Breaking: Nasdaq Warns Bed Bath & Beyond of Delayed Quarterly Report
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has received a notice dated Jan 12 from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC stating that the company is not in compliance with the requirements for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because the company has not yet filed its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period that ended Nov. 26, 2022, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, according to a press release. The notice states that the company has 60 calendar days from the date of the notice, or March 13, 2023, to submit a plan to regain compliance with the listing rule.
If Nasdaq accepts the company’s plan to regain compliance, then Nasdaq may grant the company up to 180 calendar days from the prescribed due date of the quarterly report, or July 10, 2023, to file the report to regain compliance.
The company continues to work diligently to finalize its quarterly report and plans to file it as promptly as possible to regain compliance with the listing rule, according to the press release.
On Jan. 19, the day the company released this news, which it was required to, Bed Bath & Beyond closed at $3.79, down 0.15 (-3.81%).
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IHA’s Miller: Get Ready to Be ‘Inspired’
The International Housewares Association has released this letter from President Derek Miller on The Inspired Home Show 2023, being held March 4-7:
We’re less than two months away from the opening of The Inspired Home Show 2023 and are pleased to be welcoming the home + housewares industry to Chicago for four days of networking, education and of course product discovery! By the time the Show opens, more than 1,600 exhibitors coming from over 40 countries will have their products on display.
The 2023 Show will be by far the largest gathering of home + housewares brands and retailers since 2019. In fact, the top 10 U.S. retailers have all registered to attend, which attests to the high-quality of buyer that will be shopping the aisles. These large retailers will be complimented by thousands of mid-sized and specialty buyers as well as a strong international presence, making the Show the best opportunity to reach the entire market.
Off of the Show floor, opportunities to discover new and innovative products exist at the gia Global Innovation Awards Display and in the New Product Showcases, found in each hall. The Show opens on Saturday morning with two product-focused events – the New Exhibitor Preview, which highlights those brands and products making their debut in Chicago, and Trending Today, which features companies that offer products that help consumers entertain at home.
Networking is another key benefit of attending with several special events being planned. Independent retailers will be welcomed to Chicago on Friday evening with the Independents Reception. At the close of the Show day on Sunday, the Networking After Dark reception will bring the industry together in a fun and relaxed manner, and Monday evening features the Housewares Cares Gala presented by the Housewares Charity Foundation to honor industry leaders while raising money for charitable causes.
Numerous educational sessions are being planned, which will include Keynotes and specialty sessions that focus on current product trends and relevant business topics. There will be something new to learn and discover every day that you are in attendance!
Full information about the Show can be found on our website at www.theinspiredhomeshow.com. Please pay special attention to the top navigation bar where you can easily access information on Expos, Attractions, Events and Education as well as content specific to Attendees and Exhibitors. And to learn more about exhibitors, visit Connect 365 at https://app.theinspiredhomeshow.com/Connect365.
If you’ve not yet registered for your entrance badge, please visit www.theinspiredhomeshow.com/register to make sure you have your pass to experience everything that The Inspired Home Show 2023 has to offer!
We look forward to seeing you in Chicago, March 4-7!
Best
Derek Miller
President & CEO
International Housewares Association
For coverage of The Inspired Home Show 2023, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
New Products on Display at Atlanta Market
As Atlanta Market closes, here’s a glimpse of some of the new products that were showcased:
JURA (B2 8-869B) – For the latest in coffee brewing technology and innovation. The new E4 is a full-sized coffee machine focused on brewing café quality coffee and espresso – always freshly ground, not capsuled – plus it can deliver hot water on demand for Americano or tea. The new E6 for the best-loved specialty coffees at the touch of a button thanks to its Easy Cappuccino function. Stop by for a complimentary coffee. (Samples are limited).
Capresso (B2 8-869B) Reimagines some of its most popular products in a new contemporary color choice: White. The CoffeeTEAM GS coffeemaker that grinds beans right before brewing – the Infinity Plus Conical Burr Grinder that grinds coffee beans to specification – and the H2O Glass Rapid-Boil Water Kettle for tea, French-press coffee and more.
CDN (Kasperzak & Assoc. B2 8-876, B2 8-8120A, B2 8-881B) – Accurate temperature readings achieve the best culinary results – new Lollipop Thermometer. Plus, the Coffee Scale and Timer measures small quantities of coffee, tea, spices and more with unusual precision, to one tenth of a gram (0.1 g) – ideal for pour-over coffee aficionados – for bakers who know the benefit of exact measurements – and more.
Ankarsrum – (Synergy Sales Associates B2 8-837) – The aspirational choice in stand mixers adds a new color, Harmony Beige. The new Stainless Steel Beater Bowl, a new accessory for producing sky-high meringues, crispy-chewy macarons, luxurious frostings, or perfectly creamed butter and sugar for the tastiest cookies. (Samples are limited).
Fissler – (Kitchen 2 Table B2 8-891A) – Premium cookware, Made in Germany. Chef Lars Liebisch will demonstrate the difference exceptional cookware can make through Friday, Jan. 13. Liebisch will showcase a wide range of Fissler’s award-winning Made in Germany cookware, from the new innovations of Ceratal® Comfort Ceramic Fry Pans to healthy cooking made easy with Vitavit Premium Pressure Cookers – The Healthy Cooker.
EuroChef USA to Import Lofra Kitchen Appliances
Lofra Italy has partnered with with EuroChef USA as the exclusive US importer of the brand’s Italian-designed and manufactured kitchen appliances. Lofra, one of the most prestigious and well-recognized brands in the world, has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956. Designed and manufactured in the hills around the city of Padua, each Lofra appliance is carefully designed and built with the high-quality standards of a “Made in Italy” brand.
“Lofra is the perfect fit for our Italian-brand family with its superior design, innovative technology, and functionality,” explains Melissa Haber, vice president of EuroChef USA. “The brand meets the needs of any customer that is seeking unique design and impeccable performance for their kitchen appliances.” Three exquisite collections of Lofra ranges will be initially offered to the U.S. market, each with their own distinct design and aesthetics that will satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated customer.
Lofra has been manufacturing high-quality home appliances since 1956.Located on the hills of Padua, Italy, Lofra has grown to become the market leader of freestanding cookers and built-in appliances. The brand is a global consumer reference point for the kitchen industry and is the pride of the Italian manufacturing industry. For additional information about Lofra visitwww.lofra.us.
Since 2001, EuroChef USA has been the national distributor of Italian-made professional-style major appliances. The brand is the national distributor and exclusive importer of the Verona, and now the Lofra, brand of Italian-made professional style major appliances. EuroChef’s brands offer a full line of ranges, ovens, ventilation and cooktops nationally through a network of regional distributors and specialty appliance retailers.
For more about Lofra, check out the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
Atlanta Market Names ‘Best Booth’ Winners
Atlanta Market has named 16 temporary exhibitors as “Best Booth” winners for its Winter 2023 edition, running through Jan. 16 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Visual design inspiration is a major draw for Atlanta Market,” noted Dorothy Belshaw, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief customer officer. “The Best Booth winners exemplify the new ideas and practices driving innovation in merchandising.”
The Winter 2023 Best Booth winners are:
- Aid Through Trade – Global Designs B3F2 1409
- Big Heart Tea – Gourmet B2 F2 622
- Carvalho Couture – Boutique B3 F4 2610
- Christmas Tradition – Seasonal Gift B2 F4 213
- Creekside Antiques & Design – Antiques B3
- Driftless Studios – Made in America B3F2 1812
- Flutter Gallery – Handmade Designs B3F2 502
- Golden Gems – On Trend Gifts B3 F5 2700
- Handbag Handcuff – Cash and Carry B2 F3 321
- Lifestraw – Tabletop & Entertaining B2 F2 501
- Lucie Kaas – High Design B2 F1 602
- Lucy Darling – Modern Child B3F3 1708
- Musee – Body & Soul B3F3 2300
- One Dot World – Home Accents B1 F8 704
- Rite in the Rain – General Gift B3 F5 1006
- Somar Creations – LUXE B3F2 1300
Best Booth winners were chosen for their visual design excellence from some 1,100+ temporary exhibitors in 36 categories across 10 exhibition halls. A full list of temporary exhibitors is at AtlantaMarket.com/exhibitor/Temporaries.
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IMC to Debut Shoppe Object at High Point
Just one year after the acquisition of Shoppe Object, New York’s premier trade event for curated home and gift, International Market Centers will launch another edition of the successful buying event during High Point Market. Some 100+ hand-selected brands representing Shoppe Object’s signature mix of elevated, artisanal, design-driven product will be presented Oct. 14-17, on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square in a dynamic, reimagined exhibit space.
“IMC’s expansion of Shoppe Object at High Point in October is particularly exciting after several years of focus on market recovery. It signals renewed focus on strategic growth and expansion for IMC in 2023,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “The High Point presentation of Shoppe Object will be as equally engaging as Shoppe Object’s New York Market, but with a focus on furnishings and décor. The launch of Shoppe Object at High Point Market delivers an additive business opportunity for buyers and sellers alike, giving the very best designers and home furnishings retailers even more reason to shop the furniture capital of the world.”
The new High Point edition will reflect Shoppe Object’s distinct, community-driven energy and ethos, with a singular emphasis on home product to best serve High Point’s retail and interior design audience. The product mix, which will be current and elevated, will be object-focused with an emphasis on design-led and maker-generated items.
“It’s a timely endeavor,” says Jesse James, Shoppe Object’s founder and show director. “We’ve found that many of the brands in the Shoppe Object community are specifically seeking opportunities to expand their exposure to interior designers and architects, and there is no better place to do that than in High Point.
“Shoppe Object’s fresh new edit and elevated experience is a complement to IMC’s well-established temporary exhibit destinations at InterHall and Suites at Market Square,” adds James. “IMC presents the only temporary exhibits at High Point Market and the addition of Shoppe Object brands further expands discovery opportunities for design-driven designers and retailers.”
Additionally, High Point Market’s spring and fall editions nicely complement the winter and summer timing of the New York buying events, providing Shoppe Object home brands with year-round exposure and sales opportunities.
Shoppe Object debuts in High Point Market Oct. 14-17, at Historic Market Square. Brands can request information about applying to exhibit at www.shoppeobject.com/exhibit-page.
High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, with more than 2,000 manufacturers in 11.5 million square feet of showroom and exhibit space in multiple buildings in downtown High Point, N.C. Each Market attracts tens of thousands of retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and others in the home furnishings industry. International Market Centers owns 17 prime High Point Market showroom buildings, which contain 70 percent of the exhibitors, including the majority of the top 500 manufacturers. DesignOnHPMKT by IMC is the official voice for IMC’s High Point Market programming and at-market activities representing a wealth of industry knowledge and connections.
Shoppe Object is New York’s leading semi-annual home and gift show. With a curated roster of visionary brands and makers presented in an elevated setting, the show is the ultimate resource for premier merchants and influential editors. Born of a vanguard spirit to celebrate and service the progressive retail and design community, Shoppe Object is a gathering of fellowship, an expression of idea, and a physical manifestation of a shared dedication to, and reverence for, the beautiful, the inspired and the well-made.
International Market Centers serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. With more than 20 million square feet of premium wholesale showroom space in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta, IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce. With the launch of Juniper, a fully integrated omnichannel B2B commerce solution and multiline B2B e-commerce marketplace empowering buyers and sellers to better manage and grow their business at markets and year-round, IMC now provides the only omnichannel sales and marketing platform that seamlessly connects physical and digital wholesale commerce. For more information, visit IMCenters.com.
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Atlanta Market ‘People’s Choice’ Winners Named
Atlanta Market participants have selected four products as “People’s Choice” winners for the Winter 2023 Market. The Green Geometric Acrylic Cocktail Pick Set by Mod Paper Lounge Company, Kew Garden Tea Caddies by Ahmad Tea London, Newport Console by Bassett Mirror Company and Opal Quiz Bathtub by Acquabella received the most votes leading up to the buying event running through Jan. 16 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“From delightful entertaining accessories, to heritage brand tea, to bathtubs crafted from innovative materials and design-driven accent furniture, the Winter 2023 Market Snapshot winners represent the discovery opportunities that are a hallmark of Atlanta Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, International Market Centers chief customer officer. “We congratulate the winners and finalists, which represent some of the best of the full lifestyle offerings of Atlanta Market.”
The Winter 2023 Atlanta Market Snapshot winners are:
Green Geometric Acrylic Cocktail Pick Set – Mod Paper Lounge Company
Mid-century modern-inspired green acrylic cocktail pick set. Set of 6 luxury acrylic picks. Approximately 4.5 inches. Made in Barrington, IL, USA.
AmericasMart Building 3, Floor 5 5-1100
Tea London
Loose leaf tea available in four blends: Majestic Breakfast, Splendid Ceylon, Elegant Earl Grey and Garden Afternoon. “Beyond the Leaf” collaboration combines four generations of tea knowledge with the beauty and heritage of the Kew Gardens botanical gardens in London. Caddies feature 100g of loose leaf tea.
AmericasMart Building 2, Floor 2 2-725
Opal Quiz Bathtub – Acquabella
Freestanding bathtub in “Quiz,” a set of three textures united by a geometric design. First tub offered in the US market crafted from Akron, a compound of polyurethane and mineral fillers compacted in mass to achieve a solid finish. Available in Black, Brown, Dark Grey, Light Grey and Snow White. Format: 71X31 inches; height: 21.5 inches.
Stover Sales AmericasMart Building 1, Floor 15 15-D11
Newport Console – Bassett Mirror Company
Console crafted from ash veneer in a sun-bleached finish applied over the thick, tapered legs that are exposed through a marble tabletop. Part of the Newport Collection which features pieces in a Coastal Modernism style. Dimensions: 60x16x30 inches..
AmericasMart Building, 1 Floor 11 11-F11
Winners were chosen by popular vote from 40 finalists, which also include: Accent Décor, Aluminate Life, Assouline, Caracole, Cotier Brand, Coton Colors, Denik, Elle Cree, Flora Bunda, Global Views, GOT BAG, Hot Girls Pearls, Iron Collective, Jeffan International, Jo-Liza International, Kalalou, Kingsley Bate, Lili Allesandra, Lily Juliet, Lovegrass Designs, Luxe B Pampas Grass, Mixy, MoDe Patio Living, Momma Pots, Mud Pie, Natural Inspirations, Punchkins, Sea and Grass, Seaside Casual, Served, Shebobo, Studio A Home, Sullivans, Tisch New York, Umbra and Zafferano.
Market Snapshot showcases products from across Atlanta Market’s home décor and gift collections on social media, in buyer communications, in an on-campus display and on the market website. Product images and links to the finalist’s online directory listings are available online at AtlantaMarket.com/News-and-Trends/Market-Snapshot.
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Gift for Life Kicks off 2023 Fundraising at Winter Las Vegas Market
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charity, and International Market Centers are kicking off 2023 fundraising at the Winter Las Vegas Market, Jan. 28 to Feb. 2 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Proceeds raised by participating brands, sales agencies and retailers will aid World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief around the globe.
“As we start a new year, we are reminded that crisis-related hunger persists throughout the world,” said Cole Daugherty, Gift for Life Chair. “We’re delighted to host our first fundraiser of the year in partnership with the Las Vegas Market. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for World Central Kitchen with this event.”
Matthew Katzenson, Gift for Life board member and principal of the Fine Lines sales agency, is spearheading the January fundraiser. In addition to Fine Lines, other participants confirmed to date are: Hachette Buying Group, K Hall Studio, Meri Meri, Poppy Popcorn, Nest: New Era Sales Team, Road Runners, Rock Scissor Paper. Soulku and Toyology. IMC, owner/operator of Las Vegas Market, also has pledged a $2,500 donation toward the goal.
“IMC is honored to maintain its long-standing support for Gift for Life by hosting this first fundraiser of the year,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “With its appeal to the gift and home industry alike, Las Vegas Market is well-positioned to support an organization that is helping to feed the hungry.”
Las Vegas Market exhibitors are raising money in a variety of ways including donations of a portion of at-Market sales, pledging $1 per order or flat-fee contributions. To donate, visit https://donate.wck.org/LVWinter23.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. In 2020, with COVID-19 straining traditional food security safety nets like school feeding programs, city services and food banks, WCK pivoted to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that needed support and launched the Restaurants for the People program to scale nationwide.
Fast forward to 2022 and the escalating crisis in Ukraine and at home. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the front lines making sure there is always a warm meal, an encouraging word, and a helping hand. World Central Kitchen has provided tens of millions of fresh, nourishing meals for communities around the world. Donations will be used to support emergency food relief efforts and resilience programs.
Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben of Appleman Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal.
Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on COVID-related hunger relief. In 2023, the all-volunteer organization will continue to support programs that address hunger relief.
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Ad Populum Acquires Enesco Gift & Home Decor Company
Newly formed Ad Populum, LLC, a holding company majority owned by Joel Weinshanker, announces the acquisition of Enesco, a global gift and home décor company. The acquisition adds to Ad Populum’s growing portfolio of brands that includes the National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), Wizkids, Kidrobot, Rubies Costumes, Graceland and more.
The Enesco purchase provides Ad Populum distribution access to over 8,000 better gift & collectibles shops as well as a portfolio of award-winning artists. The collectible toy market has evolved tremendously over the last few years with expected growth to be over $20 billion by 2032. The interest in pop culture collectibles among adults is having a noticeable impact on the retail market.
“Adults like to display and share their fandom with family and friends in their homes and offices. Pop culture collectibles provide nostalgic memories and sources of inspiration throughout adulthood. With these trends, it makes sense for us to expand our business to continue reaching more adults,” said Weinshanker.
“Joel has repeatedly proven his ability to manage storied brands in the consumer pop culture space in a way that continuously delivers amazing products for customers. We are excited to see Enesco added to and benefit from the Ad Populum portfolio,” added Matthew Spiro, managing director at Atalaya and Ad Populum board member.
Ad Populum serves to align corporate strategy across all subsidiary operating companies, grow each through shared economies of scale, and find and foster new opportunities for all the entities across different market segments. Ad Populum brings together Weinshanker’s deep knowledge and extensive experience in licensed consumer products and themed entertainment, with an investment by funds managed by Atalaya Capital Management LP, a New York based investment manager with $10 billion in assets under management, and Atalaya’s strategic guidance and market insights.
Ad Populum’s brands are legendary – NECA, the industry leader in pop culture action figures and collectibles, Wizkids, a top producer of miniatures and award winning table top games worldwide, Kidrobot, a globally recognized, premier creator of limited edition art toys, plush and lifestyle accessories, Rubies, the #1 costumes company in the world, Joseph Enterprises, the creators of American icons such as the Chia Pet and Clapper, Graceland, Rock n Roll’s top destination and #1 music attraction in the world, and now Enesco, which brings with it Department 56, top purveyor of holiday décor.
Across its roster of brands, Ad Populum is #1 in manufacturing pop culture goods and experiences, targeting everyone from Boomers to Gen Z.
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Universal Electronics Unveils Smart Home Innovations
Universal Electronics Inc., a global leader in wireless universal control solutions for home entertainment and smart home devices, debuted its latest innovations and solutions transforming device and ecosystem control and support experiences at the Consumer Electronics Show. The company showcased how it intelligently connects, controls and supports millions of entertainment and smart home households globally.
QuickSet Cloud provides a scalable platform for simplifying onboarding and control across entertainment and smart home devices and has been adopted by many of the world’s leading brands. With a run rate of over 288 billion transactions annually, this platform has helped customers discover over 1.6 billion devices during 2022. During this period, QuickSet’s discovery and setup capabilities are estimated to have saved TV operators and their installation partners over 4 million hours of programming time by automating the device discovery and set-up process and increasing the automated discovery and set-up success rate of new devices connected to Smart TVs by an estimated 80 percent.
QuickSet is an integral component of major TV and TV operator systems and is the primary solution for easy discovery, setup and control for millions of entertainment and smart home devices. Today, QuickSet smart home services are the technology behind the Home Dashboard of LG TVs and provide a complete and simplified control experience for millions of households. The platform has continuously expanded with new capabilities including enhanced communication protocols, such as Matter, IP, Zigbee 3.0, Zigbee RF4CE, CEC and infrared.
QuickSet is a Matter Certified Software Platform. Matter, announced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, is a new industry-unifying standard that enables smart devices to work together seamlessly. QuickSet, with the addition of Matter, will benefit from greater interoperability. Additionally, QuickSet 6.0 will bridge non-Matter devices into the Matter ecosystem and enable automation across the whole home, covering existing and newly installed devices.
The company showed its enhanced interoperability features on UEI’s white-label products such as the new UEI TIDE thermostats and its smart home gateway, Nevo Butler. In addition, the company announced the expansion of its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity silicon and module line-up with the new bare metal UE51 QuickSet Widget.
As more and more connected products are introduced and expected to work together, the challenge of onboarding, troubleshooting, and supporting all these devices inside the different ecosystems increases. To address this, the company has expanded its device and system knowledge base beyond just control and introduced several services to help consumers.
As part of the company’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible support experience, the company has launched , a turnkey white-label companion app and SDK for onboarding, troubleshooting and controlling its devices. Available as a bundled service on many UEI products, including the new UEI ETERNA remotes and UEI TIDE thermostats, this service helps customers quickly install and set up their devices.
UEI Virtual Agent, an innovative self-service support solution, simplifies device onboarding by allowing customers to seamlessly hand-off the process from a large screen (SmartTV) to a smaller one (mobile phone). With QuickSet integration, UEI Virtual Agent provides automated steps for onboarding, feature discovery and troubleshooting capabilities and is available both as a web-based application and a TV app for integration into existing infrastructures. UEI Virtual Agent, when bundled with a set of UEI NetReady services for remote diagnostics and customer support, will further enhance the support experience for millions of currently deployed products in the home.
“Our software product teams have developed next-generation software services that make connectivity work seamlessly with many platforms and standards in the consumer device industry. We are proud to showcase groundbreaking solutions for consumers and customers that eliminate the headaches associated with everyday connectivity issues,” said Arsham Hatambeiki, SVP of Product and Technology.
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Atlanta Market Gears Up for Winter Show
Atlanta Market is set to inspire and invigorate the national retail and design community at its Winter 2023 staging. Fresh product offered by 300+ new and expanded resources among some 2,100+ permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits, three new product categories, 20+ market events and celebrations and participation from 15 industry associations invites exploration at the Jan. 10-16, 2023 buying event at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Buyers and suppliers in the mood for a refresh and restart will find everything they need at Atlanta Market this winter,” said Bob Maricich, International Market Centers CEO. “New categories open new business opportunities, engaging programming encourages new ideas and the ability to connect with peers from across the nation will provide the impetus to consider what’s next in 2023.”
The Winter 2023 launch of new product destinations further diversifies Atlanta Market’s expansive gift offerings and complementary home furnishings presentation of 8,000+ lines in 1,000+ permanent showrooms and 1,100+ temporary exhibits.
Leading updates in Home is the soft-launch of the new Casual/Outdoor industry destination. Some 50+ heritage brands, industry leaders and innovators in outdoor furniture, accessories and more introduce the collection. An additional six showroom updates further strengthen Atlanta Market’s 350+ home décor showrooms presenting indoor and outdoor furnishings, décor, lighting, rugs and textiles on 12 floors in Building 1.
In Gift, updates are found throughout the general gift offerings as well as specialty categories including seasonal and gourmet, tabletop and housewares. Some 23 showroom updates bring more apparel, accessories, décor, toys, decorating elements, holiday décor, dinnerware, glassware and serveware to the expansive gift offerings of Atlanta Market: some 700+ gift resources on 19 floors in Buildings 1, 2 and 3.
Atlanta Market’s temporary exhibits are optimized in Winter 2023 with the launch of two new categories and a series of strategic relocations. Two new categories – LUXE and General Gift LUXE – expand Atlanta Market’s signature luxury neighborhoods to nine. Relocation of two home décor temporary categories – Fine Linens & Home Textiles and Home Accents & Home – create new synergies with the adjacent HOME showroom collection in Building 1. The new location of the Cash & Carry Jewelry and Cash & Carry LUXE categories allows for seamless exploration with order-writing Boutique, Boutique LUXE, Gentleman’s Boutique, Jewelry, Fashion Accessories & Apparel categories. In total, Atlanta Market presents some 1,100+ temporary exhibitors in 36 categories in 10 exhibit halls.
Atlanta Market presents some 20+ events over five days including live cooking demonstrations, keynote events and seminars plus parties, amenities and more. Highlighting programming is the launch of FIRST LOOK East, an expansion of IMC’s proprietary trend education, that explores two localized and one national trend through products offered at Atlanta Market. For Winter 2023, FIRST LOOK East is explored through an at-Market seminar, tour and vignette.
Industry-leading education fills AmericasMart’s three buildings. In Building 3, three keynote presentations allow buyers to hear from retail and design tastemakers on a series of topics including storytelling in retail, emerging design trends and brand building. The JURA Demonstration Kitchen in the heart of the gourmet, housewares and tabletop collection in Building 2 heats up in Winter 2023 with four live demonstrations that explore the cuisines of Italy, the Caribbean and France plus a practical tips and tricks for assembling a stunning Charcuterie platter. More educational programming offered in the Building 1 seminar space covers color trends, social media and business operations.
Buyers looking for guidance in exploring Atlanta Market’s expansive offerings have the opportunity to hone-in on specific categories. Guided tours cover Casual/Outdoor Furnishings, Home and the temporary exhibits. Additionally, a series of market orientation sessions help new buyers better understand the AmericasMart campus.
Hallmark market celebrations bring the industry together. The “Market Kickoff Party” celebrates a new year of markets with live entertainment. The “Designer Workspace Soiree” invites attendees to celebrate the new home of AmericasMart’s gathering and resource space for the design community. Buyers also will enjoy interactive elements throughout Atlanta Market like Instagrammable moments, a vignette of Market Snapshot finalists, FIRST look vignettes and engaging amenities. A full list of Winter Atlanta Market events is at AtlantaMarket.com/Attend/Events.
IMC supports buyers’ travel to Atlanta Market with shuttle services and free and fixed-rate parking. Free shuttles run to and from 20 Atlanta-area hotels and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) as well as from AmericasMart campus to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Additionally, Atlanta Market offers free buyer parking at two garages within walking distance of the AmericasMart campus and fixed rates at 12 additional locations. More information is at AtlantaMarket.com/Attend/Travel.
Industry associations and buying groups are expanding their engagements with Atlanta Market as they return after a pandemic-related hiatuses. GC Buying Group assembles some 80+ vendors and 160+ buyers assembling for the GCX: Start the Year Conference with education, a vendor showcase and multiple networking events hosted exclusively at Atlanta Market. Four other organizations have a presence on the trade show floor: Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Atlanta Market, Museum Store Association’s (MSA) The Gallery Collection, Georgia Grown and Fair Trade Federation.
Ten groups host gathering spaces, vendor forums and meetings: American Specialty Toy Retailing (ASTRA), Hallmark, HTI, MAI Retailers, North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA), Palmer Retail Network Purchasing Power Plus (PPP), Southwest Buying Group (SWBG), The Good Toy Group (TGTG) and Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU). Additionally, IMC will gather selected group leaders for conversations and networking during Atlanta Market.
For the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market, showrooms are open Tuesday, Jan. 10 – Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Order Until Eight is Thursday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 13, in selected showrooms); and temporary exhibits are open Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ANTIQUES Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Friday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
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NRF Showcases Small Businesses at Big Show
The National Retail Federation will introduce a new Consumer Product Showcase at NRF 2023: Retail’s Big Show. The program provides a forum for small businesses to feature their consumer-facing products for national merchandisers. The majority (84 percent) of products showcased will be from minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, disability-owned or LGBTQ+-owned companies.
“Retailers are continuously looking to diversify their suppliers and portfolio of product offerings to their customers,” said NRF Senior Vice President of Conferences Susan Newman. “NRF’s Consumer Product Showcase will facilitate these invaluable connections, providing the opportunity for dynamic products from suppliers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and brands to shine on a national stage.”
NRF’s Consumer Product Showcase aims to help retailers diversify their suppliers and connect with innovative products in categories such as food and beverage, fashion/apparel, beauty and home, kitchen and pet. More than 50 small businesses from 22 U.S. states and seven countries are confirmed to participate in the inaugural showcase.
The new initiative will take place Jan. 15-16 at NRF 2023 in the Special Events Hall on Level 1 of the Javits Convention Center. Title sponsors of the showcase include American Express, Amazon, Buy With Prime and SAP. Supporting companies include Bank of America and Blue Yonder.
This year will also include a “Favorite Product” competition, offering retailers attending Retail’s Big Show the opportunity to vote for their favorite product. The company whose product receives the most votes will win a $15,000 cash prize, with the runner-up receiving $10,000.
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Market Snapshot Voting Open for Atlanta Market
“People’s Choice” voting is now open for the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market edition of Market Snapshot, International Market Centers’ showcase of exciting, new, innovative and trendsetting products from its home and gift exhibitors. Buyers are invited to select favorites among 40 products via online voting at AtlantaMarket.com/MarketSnapshot. Winners will be announced on the opening day of the Jan. 10-16 Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“The first Market Snapshot finalists of 2023 showcase the vibrancy of the trendsetting new gift, décor, furnishings and lifestyle product found at Atlanta Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer officer. “Notable among the finalists are brands from Atlanta Market’s newest collections, the Casual Furniture showrooms and the LUXE and General Gift LUXE temporary exhibits providing fresh inspiration for buyers.”
The 40 finalists – featured in both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits at the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market – were showcased on Atlanta Market’s social media channels (@AmericasMartATL on Facebook and Instagram) for eight weeks leading up to the buying event. At-market they will be featured in a vignette in Building 1, Floor 1.
The Atlanta Market Winter 2023 Market Snapshot finalists are:
- Accent Décor – Barisan Wall Planter (B1 18-E18)
- Acquabella – Opal Quiz Bathtub (Stover Sales B1 15-D11)
- Ahmad Tea London – Kew Garden Tea Caddies (B2 Fl 2-725)
- Aluminate Life – Release Essential Oil Collection (B3-2404)
- Assouline – Classics Collection (B2 1-100)
- Bassett Mirror Company – Newport Console (B1 11-F11)
- Caracole – Well Appointed Chair (B1 14-C8)
- Cotier Brand – Convokin Napkins (B3 5-2606)
- Coton Colors – Fundamentals Collection (B2 6-601)
- Denik – Full Alphabet Notebook Collection (Road Runners B2 15-1500)
- Elle Cree – Fly Agaric Mushroom Paint-by-Numbers Kit (B3 2-1913)
- Flora Bunda – Contemporary Speckle Blush Watering Can (B1 19-E21 and JuniperMarket.com)
- Global Views – Ashley Childers Cade Stool (B1 14-C15)
- GOT BAG – Rose Pearl Rolltop Backpack (B3 5-2609)
- Hot Girls Pearls – Chicklet Bracelet Collection (B3 4-403)
- Iron Collective – Iron Canal Black Teakwood + Sandalwood + Tobacco Flower Candle (B1 8- 611)
- Jeffan International – Vintage Travel Posters (B1 13-E12)
- Jo-Liza International – Palermo Bench (B2 1-217 and JuniperMarket.com)
- Kalalou – Ceramic Mushroom Mug (B2 10-1018)
- Kingsley Bate – Lucia Dining Chair (B1 4-B8)
- Lili Allesandra – Peru Pillow Collection (CODARUS B1 15-A1)
- Lily Juliet – Popsicle Servers (B2 1-207)
- Lovegrass Designs – Cows Come Home Dinner Plates (B2 2-411 and JuniperMarket.com)
- Luxe B Pampas Grass – Pampas Grass and Dried Flower Bouquet (JuniperMarket.com)
- Mixy – Sundance Cocktail Kit (Diverse Marketing B2 14-1418)
- Mod Paper Lounge Company – Green Geometric Acrylic Cocktail Pick Set (B3 5-1100 and JuniperMarket.com)
- MoDe Patio Living – Skyy Collection (4-C9)
- Momma Pots – Gemstone Collection (B2 1-523)
- Mud Pie – Sand Toy Totes (B2 6-680)
- Natural Inspirations – Cyprès Fragrance Collection (B3 3-2412)
- Punchkins – Bubbles Over Troubles Plush Champagne Bottle (B3 5-2809)
- Sea and Grass – Kids Collection Rainbow Backpack (B3 4-2414)
- Seaside Casual – La Lampe Light Tray (B1 3-D7)
- Served – Insulated Pitchers (Synergy Sales Associates B2 8-837)
- Shebobo – 50’s Straw Bucket Bag (B3 4-1604)
- Studio A Home – Cabriolet Tall Cabinet (B1 14-C1)
- Sullivans – Beaded Wooden Candleholders (B1 18-A1 and JuniperMarket.com)
- Tisch New York – Tray, Extra Large Round, Lines (Yellow Multi) (B2 2-100C)
- Umbra – Montage Shelf (B2 1-103)
- Zafferano – Poldina Pro Micro Lamps (B2 1-203)
Atlanta Market is the industry’s premier gift, décor and lifestyle market. Housing the nation’s largest gift product mix complemented by a broad selection of home décor and casual furniture, it features more than 8,000 brands across all categories. Held semi-annually at AmericasMart Atlanta, Atlanta Market attracts retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries.
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Sweden’s Ankarsrum Creates US Affiliate
Ankarsrum, maker of the Assistent Original stand mixer, has created its first international affiliate, Ankarsrum Inc. Since 2013, Ankarsrum has been developing its U.S. business in partnership with BBI Wholesale / Bread Beckers Inc. as U.S. distributor. The company has created a U.S. affiliate to intensify its business in light of strong sales momentum and its unique positioning as the aspirational choice in stand mixers.
Ashley McCord, who has managed the U.S. distributorship, will head up Ankarsrum Inc. as the new vice president of marketing & sales. McCord will report to Marcus Grimerö, CEO of Ankarsrum Kitchen AB.
“This is a big step for Ankarsrum as a company. Opening affiliates is a new and important way to create even more focus on increasing our brand awareness and sales in high potential markets with proven track records, which is why we want to thank the team at BBI Wholesale / Bread Beckers for their cooperation and excellent work. Thanks to them and our many retail partners, we are now in a position to take our business to the next level,” said Grimerö.
Ankarsrum has also announced plans to create a second affiliate operation in Germany also starting in the first quarter.
Made in Sweden, the Assistent Original has a unique design that simulates kneading by hand, with a rotating bowl instead of something rotating in a bowl. This yields superior results for home-baked bread, cakes, cookies and more. A wide assortment of accessories is available to expand its functionality, including pasta rollers, a citrus juicer, blender, slicers/shredders, nut grinder, meat grinders, a grain/spice/coffee mill and more. The line also stands out for its timeless retro design and rainbow of color choices.
Ankarsrum Inc. will be based in Canton, Ga. Contact: info-us@ankarsrum.com.
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Bemis to Showcase New Products at CES
Bemis Manufacturing Company will exhibit its newest and best bathroom and kitchen solutions at CES 2023, taking place Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas. This display will also include the most popular offerings from Bemis subsidiary, Bio Bidet by Bemis.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a bidet boom in the United States, and recent survey data from Bio Bidet by Bemis shows the majority of bidet owners have embraced the bidet phenomenon and want to spread the love. Sixty-two percent say that owning a bidet has inspired them to gift a bidet to others, and many are so enthusiastic about the bidet experience that they are ready to upgrade.
Bemis’ Bio Bidet products are paving the way for a sustainable future by substantially decreasing the usage of toilet paper amongst customers. Bemis also incorporates sustainable efforts into its manufacturing process and will be showcasing a range of toilet seats onsite made from recycled materials.
Bemis’ latest tech offerings are designed to bring a luxurious, convenient smart home experience to consumers. The products onsite at CES will include:
- The Grove Motion Activated Bathroom Faucet, complete with LED temperature display.
- The Discovery DLS, a luxury heated bidet seat with temperature controls, automatic open and close, and UV sterilization.
- The touchless Discovery DLX Smart Bidet Toilet, featuring ‘kick control’ and hands-free technology that allows the user to lift the lid, seat, and flush the toilet, without ever touching the unit.
- Its line of motion-activated Flow Kitchen Faucets, including SmartLatch Retraction Technology.
- A hands-on display with four functional Grove faucets, four functional Flow kitchen faucets, and five functional bidet units.
Visitors who stop by the booth can participate in a product giveaway, entering the chance to win one of four electric bidet seats, worth $300 each, and a grand prize smart bidet toilet, worth $2,699.
Bemis’ showcase will be located at booth #53752 in the Venetian Expo as part of the smart home category.
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Mierco Fine European Linens Sets Shows
Mierco Fine European Linens will be presenting its new designs at upcoming winter trade shows. Mierco is a designer, importer and wholesaler of European linens to retailers of gifts, linens, wine, olive oils, gourmet foods, restaurants, lavender and herb shops and farms, kitchen and hardware – plus museum shops and retailers of fine French, Italian Scandinavian and European gifts.
Mierco will exhibit at:
Atlanta Jan.11-15 Bldg. 2, Floor2, Booth 303
USLGA Conference Jan 25-28
Las Vegas Jan.29-Feb.1 Expo Hall Booth E-920
NYNow Feb.5-8 Javits Booth 536
World Tea Expo Las Vegas Convention Center – March – Booth 1257
Find elegant European quality woven jacquard tea towels in dozens of classic designs and on-trend colorways. All at the best prices on the market for quality European tea towels.
Also find Provence printed tabletop (cotton and treated), embroidered French lavender sachets, beautiful Provence Lavender/Olive vignette, Provence-themed woven totes, and more European goodies we find along the way.
Mierco Tea Towels also function as table-toppers, café curtains, wine bottle-wrappers – or for adding a quick splash of vibrant color to your kitchen or table.
And fine tea towels are great gifts, particularly hostess gifts.
Dry your dishes? If you must – but there are far better ways to use these fabulous fabrics!
Also find French Provence kitchen and printed tablecloths, lovely French-lavender embroidered sachets, snuggly shawls and throws, Euro-themed woven totes and collections from Sweden and Italy.
Click here to view the new Mierco Catalog PDF.
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Boska Achieves Certified B Corp Status
For six years, Boska’s focus has been on changing processes across the company: no private labels, no trendy colors, but using natural materials such as stone, steel and wood. Boska is working on plastic-free packaging and aiming to move from CO₂ neutral to net zero, based on 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals, which means Boska is working as a business for good.
Boska officially has been designated a certified B Corp company. This B Corp certification lets brands show that people, the environment and society are key values in the way they do business.
This mindset runs throughout the whole company, both when it comes to professional cheese tools and Boska Food Tools, which consist of three Food Tool groups. For innovative products, Bosko takes into consideration its promises of quality, design, affordability and smart user-friendliness. We also consider how our products can contribute to the party on the table.
Bringing that party to the table is Bosko’s mission: providing the world with the best kitchen tools for a Party for Life. Its slogan, “Food Tools for Life,” which relates to its promise of lifetime guarantee. With 49 percent of its products having a lifetime guarantee and with 100 percent timeless design, Bosko believes it is on the right track.
“But there’s still plenty that needs to be done, both by us as a company and in terms of inspiring others to make our world a better place,” according to the company. “To use business as a force for good.“
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Harry and Meghan Netflix House for Sale
The Montecito, Calif., mansion where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle filmed much of their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, is on the market at $33.5 million. The home is featured this week at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
Fit for royalty, the Mediterranean-style, six-bedroom home with 13,599 square feet includes ocean and mountain views, multiple terraces, and a regal great room chandelier and arched windows – where Meghan was extensively filmed for the show’s interviews. The home was built in 2006.
The home’s exterior includes two acres of lush grounds with romantic walkways and year-round flowers, soaring palm trees and accent vines, a vegetable garden, citrus orchards, and even a chicken coop for fresh eggs. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, bar, gym, game room and a theater. A picturesque guest house is perfect for any king or royal relative who might drop by for the beautiful Southern California weather.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Montecito in 2020 where they lived for a few months at Tyler Perry’s home before buying their own $14.7 million mansion. The six-part Harry & Meghan docuseries follows the couple from the early days of their courtship up to their well-publicized resignation from the royal family and move from England, and is setting television viewership records.
Montecito has long been a favorite escape for the wealthy, including John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s honeymoon in 1953, and increasingly drawing Hollywood types such as Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ariana Grande.
The home is listed with Ryan Malmsten of Santa Barbara Brokers. Photos by Jim Bartsh.
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Americans Love Holiday Shopping, Poll Shows
Americans love the thrill of the hunt, which rings true for 2022 holiday shopping, according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of BJ’s Wholesale Club. The survey found that 65 percent of shoppers compare looking for the right gifts to hunting for treasure, with 52 percent claiming the hunt is just as fun as purchasing gift items for the season.
BJ’s 10 Days of HoliDeals has everything holiday treasure hunters need for their last-minute checklists including savings of up to 50 percent off toys, tech, small appliances and more, with incredible savings on hundreds of items in-club through Dec. 24. Members can also order online at BJs.com and select in-club pickup to save even more time this holiday season.
“There’s an undeniable amount of excitement that is associated with holiday shopping,” said Rachael Vegas, chief merchandising officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “It goes beyond just getting a great deal. People seem to really enjoy the process of selecting a special gift for everyone on their list. There’s a sense of accomplishment that our members have once they find the item they’ve been searching for, and we are happy to deliver that ‘treasure hunt’ experience, at an excellent value to our members.”
The survey found that gaming consoles (31 percent) and video games (29 percent) topped the list of most difficult to find 2022 holiday shopping items among respondents.
Headquartered in Marlborough, Mass., BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States focused on delivering significant value to its members. The company provides a curated assortment of grocery, general merchandise, gasoline and ancillary services to offer a differentiated shopping experience that is further enhanced by its omnichannel capabilities. Since pioneering the warehouse club model in New England in 1984, the company operates 235 clubs and 164 BJ’s Gas locations in 18 states.
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Hygiene Awareness Boosts Vacuum Cleaners Market
The global household type vacuum cleaners market is expected to grow from $40.07 billion in 2021 to $44.63 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.4 percent, according to a new report from Research and Markets. The market is expected to reach $62.83 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 8.9 percent.
Upright vacuum cleaners have a large carpet suction area and a high capacity. The various operation modes of vacuum cleaners include a self-drive, remote control that is used as floor vacuum cleaner, window vacuum cleaner and pool vacuum cleaner. The products are sold through offline and online modes.
Asia Pacific was the largest region in the household vacuum cleaner market in 2021. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the household vacuum cleaner market. The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The rise in awareness for hygiene contributed to the growth of the household vacuum cleaners market in the forecast period. There has been an increase in pathogens and infectious diseases. This has led to an increasing awareness on the importance of maintaining hygiene in care, nursing and residential areas, which in turn has driven the market for household vacuum cleaners.
According to a poll conducted by Hygiene Company SCA in the United Kingdom, 47 percent of people spend more than five hours a week on domestic cleaning tasks. Increase in awareness for hygiene coupled with the rise in disposable income is driving the market.
Rising awareness about the adverse effects of high energy consumption, and the carbon footprint associated with the usage of vacuum cleaners is expected to restrain the market in the forecast period. Several factors such as increasing internet penetration led to an increase in awareness about the consumption of energy, rising cost of energy and adverse effects associated with the usage of several household appliances such as vacuum cleaners.
Household vacuum cleaner manufacturers are increasingly producing energy-efficient products to reduce carbon footprint and enable energy savings for the consumers. The rise of energy-efficient appliances can be attributed to the stringent government regulations on electric home appliances and advances in technology. Energy efficient vacuum cleaners are designed to utilize minimum energy to complete the required task. More than 80 countries have standards and labels for energy efficient appliances.
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Happy Holidays From Kitchenware News!
Gen Z, Young Millennials Alter Consumer Behavior
IDC’s Consumer Pulse, a survey of consumer behavior in seven countries, has revealed some dramatic shifts occurring in how different generational cohorts earn income, spend their money, and leverage technology to do both. Stark differences between Gen Z/Younger Millennials and older consumers promise to transform the tech landscape over the next decade.
A staggering 48 percent of all households surveyed reported engaging in at least one source of tech-enabled income generation in 2022, led by content creation, peer-to-peer commerce, and rideshare driving. This trend is driven by Gen Z- and Millennial-led households, where 60 percent of Consumer Pulse respondents said they derived such income in the last year.
“It may be surprising that nearly half of households report online income-generating activities,” said David Myhrer, research vice president, Consumer Strategies at IDC. “It’s important to remember that this includes selling things on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, picking up the occasional shift on Lyft or Uber, and posting content on sites such as YouTube. There is now a diverse set of opportunities for consumers to generate new sources of income, and they’re embracing them.”
All told, combined worldwide spending on independently created content, items purchased via peer-to-peer commerce, and ridesharing services will grow to a total of $294 billion by 2026, according to IDC’s Consumer Market Model, which forecasts strong and continued growth of spending on consumer-derived content, goods, and services. For example, the CMM forecasts that by 2026 consumers will add $15 billion worldwide in new spending in support of their fellow consumers’ independent content creation. Peer-to-peer marketplaces will also see strong growth, accelerating from $33 billion to $117 billion from 2021 to 2026. Finally, rideshare driving will drive $85 billion in new spending worldwide between now and 2026.
“Gen Z and younger Millennials will dominate future spending in a wide range of CMM categories,” said Kelly Brown, senior research analyst for IDC’s Consumer Market Model. “These groups are not following the same playbook as their predecessors, and they are actively seeking new alternatives to both earning and spending income.”
How consumers spend that extra income is rapidly changing, too. The Consumer Pulse shows that online transactions (50 percent) overtook in-person purchases (43 percent) in 2022, inverting the pre-COVID mix. There are some interesting shifts occurring inside that stat, too. “When it comes to online grocery shopping, we see a growth in the share of home delivery from 25 percent to 35 percent,” Myhrer says. “What’s most interesting is that the growth is driven by Gen Z, Younger Millennials, and in this instance…surprise… Boomers.”
Related to the shift toward online shopping, the CMM projects that 64 percent of online transactions will be conducted on mobile devices by 2026. An “online first” mentality is present among three fourths of Millennials and has already spread to two thirds of Gen X, Myhrer says. “This is just one example of how the habits of these younger consumers are driving seismic change.”
IDC’s Future Consumer team will be presenting its latest findings across a wide range of consumer-centric topics at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas.
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NRF Foundation Names Scholarship Finalists
The NRF Foundation has announced the five undergraduate finalists of the Next Generation Scholarship, the organization’s premier scholarship competition. First created in 2014, the scholarship is for students of various and diverse academic backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, previous retail experience and a passion for making an impact.
“The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize the top five finalists of the Next Generation scholarship,” foundation Executive Director Bill Thorne said. “These individuals have demonstrated incredible passion, ingenuity and creativity throughout the competition.”
Presented by SAS, the program will see the top recipient receiving a $25,000 tuition scholarship; the other four finalists will each receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship. The winner will be announced on stage at the NRF Foundation Honors on Jan. 15 in New York City.
The finalists are:
- Clay Lute (LIM College)
- Megan Marr (LIM College)
- Olivia Meyer (Kent State University)
- Hiral Patadia (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising)
- Lauren Schmahl (Indiana University)
The finalists were chosen from 10 semifinalists based on video interviews with NRF staff. The final round of the competition will include interviews with the foundation board of directors to determine the top recipient.
An earlier part of the competition included a summer case study created in collaboration with Nordstrom and two interviews with assigned retailers. Since 2014, more than $900,000 in funds have been awarded through the Next Generation Scholarship.
The 2023 NRF Foundation Honors will take place on Jan. 15 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square and will be co-hosted by Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO and NRF Foundation Board Chairman Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and NRF Board Chairman John Furner.
Visit nrffoundation.org/accelerate/scholarships for more information about NRF Foundation scholarships.
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IMC Expands Market Programming, Participation
International Market Centers (IMC) is expanding industry partner programming and market participation this winter at its Atlanta Market (Jan. 10-16 at AmericasMart Atlanta) and Las Vegas Market (Jan. 29- Feb. 2 at World Market Center Las Vegas).
“Industry associations and buying groups are keen to get back to markets for the Winter 2023 buying season,” noted Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer officer. “As groups return after a pandemic-related hiatus, we are reimagining their presences at Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market. Augmented meetings and gatherings are opportunities for these groups to interact with the greater buying and selling community to showcase their immense value to the furniture, décor and gift industry.”
Groups are using Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market as major educational opportunities for members as well as all market attendees.
GC Buying Group hosts its GCX: Start the Year Conference exclusively at Atlanta Market when 80+ vendors and 160+ buyers assemble for education, a vendor showcase and multiple networking events including the GC Gala at Capital City Club and the Culinary Futures Scholarship Fundraiser in partnership with Les Dames d’Escoffier. Additionally, GC Buying Group will host the GCX Pop-Up in the Demonstration Kitchen in Building 2, Floor 8 where potential members can learn more about the organization.
Las Vegas Market expands its industry partner educational offerings with new programming by the by Interior Design Society adding to existing partnerships with American Society of Interior Designers, Business of Design and the Home Furnishings Association. New in Winter 2023, IDS National presents a seminar about personal branding and a group mentoring session. The ASID California Central/Nevada Chapter leads a market tour of industry partners and a student tour.
Business of Design Advocate-in-Chief Kimberley Seldon teaches a session about maintaining clear boundaries and offers live coaching sessions. HFA returns to Las Vegas Market to present 11 programs offering practical education in marketing and operations for furniture retailers. Additionally, representatives from ASID, Museum Store Association, the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group will serve as “Market Pros” sharing favorite product finds and market moments in takeovers of Las Vegas Market’s social media accounts.
Buying groups are tapping to showcase member brands to new retailer and designers.
At Atlanta Market, four organizations have a presence on the show floor. Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Atlanta Market Village presents ten up-and-coming brands. Museum Store Association’s The Gallery Collection showcases 20+ members. Georgia Grown presents food products made in Georgia in a pavilion of nearly 20 brands in Gourmet. Fair Trade Federation will identify 12 participating brands throughout the temporary exhibits.
At Las Vegas Market, industry organizations are active in the Gift & Home Temporary Exhibits in the Expo. Fair Trade Federation will showcase a collection of members within the Handmade Section, doubling the amount of member exhibitors, including a micro booth of three companies who will be making their Las Vegas Market debut. Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Las Vegas Market Village presents three up-and-coming brands. GC Buying Group will have a booth in the Gourmet category for members to network and retailers to learn more about membership. Some seven buying groups – American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, Fair Trade Federation, GC Buying Group, Museum Store Association, North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, Spa Industry Association and Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group – will host a “Sip and Shop” in the temporary exhibits to introduce retailer and brand members.
In addition to open events, IMC is staging multiple member-only meetings, vendor forums and private gatherings for groups.
New in Atlanta for Winter 2023 are gathering spaces for American Specialty Toy Retailing and The Good Toy Group. Three member meetings returning after a hiatus are North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association, Purchasing Power Plus and Wild Birds Unlimited. Additionally, Hallmark, HTI, MAI Retailers and Palmer Retail Network host vendor forums and meetings and Southwest Buying Group hosts a member meeting.
In Las Vegas, Museum Store Association and Zoo, Aquarium & Garden Buyers Group host board meetings. American Specialty Toy Retailing presents a gathering space.
IMC is cultivating conversations between leaders of buying groups and associations through in-person gatherings at Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market. Launched virtually during COVID-19 pandemic Market disruption and now in-person, these gatherings are a unique opportunity for leaders to network, discuss member marketing and growth opportunities and gain key insights from Market organizers.
For news of interest to the houseware and giftware industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. See previews of Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market in the January issue of Kitchenware News!
LG to Unveil Smart Air Conditioner at CES
LG Electronics is ready to unveil its latest ARTCOOL Gallery air conditioner at CES 2023. Boasting a 27-inch LCD screen and LG’s upgradable options, the new model can display personalized content to match any season or to instantly refresh the room using LG ThinQ app.
It also delivers energy-efficient cooling and heating with LG’s DUAL Inverter Compressor and three-way indirect airflow, provides a more hygienic performance with AI Dry, and offers a variety of user-friendly features including an intuitive mobile app.
Presenting exclusive content on a bright LCD screen bordered by a simple, yet sophisticated frame, the ARTCOOL Gallery gives one the impression they are looking at a framed work of art rather than an advanced LG air conditioner. Using ThinQ app, users can select from a growing range of gorgeous, static and animated images – or choose from favorite family photos – and display something new whenever they feel like a change. The new model can be easily managed using the included smart remote or via a mobile app that lets users choose settings and functions, and monitor the appliance’s status in real-time, from any location.
Equipped with the company’s DUAL Inverter Compressor, the new ARTCOOL Gallery delivers energy-efficient cooling, using up to 70 percent less power than a conventional residential air conditioner. The new model’s three-way airflow provides indirect airflows suitable for the space. LG’s latest ARTCOOL Gallery also helps create an indoor environment that is as peaceful as it is comfortable, operating at noise levels as low as 20 decibels, and closing its “hidden” bottom vane in sleep mode so as not to disturb or disrupt users’ rest.
ARTCOOL Gallery provides pleasantly fresh airflow thanks to LG’s AI Dry feature. Automatically setting the optimal drying time based on operation time and mode selection, AI Dry effectively removes any moisture that has formed inside the air conditioner. Additionally, the new model has a bottom grill that can be easily detached and cleaned and a cover that helps make installation easier.
“Offering outstanding performance and artistic themes fit for all tastes and seasons, our latest ARTCOOL Gallery air conditioner delivers year-around comfort and elegance,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “With the unique combination of personalized content and cutting-edge technologies, LG’s innovative, new air solution is designed to help provide consumers with a better life at home.”
Visitors to LG’s booth (#15501, Las Vegas Convention Center) at CES 2023 from Jan. 5-8 can see all of the company’s latest innovations, including the new ARTCOOL Gallery air conditioner.
Pick up an issue of Consumer Electronics Daily News at CES 2023.
Consumer Kitchen Knife Market Expected to Reach $714.35M by 2026
The consumer kitchen knife market share is expected to increase to $714.35 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a compound annual growth rate of 6.58 percent, according to Technavio.
Technavio categorizes the global consumer kitchen knife market as a part of the global housewares and specialities market. Our research report extensively covers external factors influencing the parent market growth potential in the coming years, which will determine the levels of growth of the consumer kitchen knife market during the forecast period.
The introduction of consumer kitchen knives with new features is notably driving the consumer kitchen knife market growth, although factors such as high competition from unorganized players may impede the market growth. Technavio researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year and the key drivers, trends and challenges.
The introduction of consumer kitchen knives with new features is one of the key drivers supporting the consumer kitchen knife market growth.
Nowadays, consumer kitchen knives are specifically designed considering the knife weight, the grip of the knife handle, and the sharpness of the knife blades. These are also designed in a way that facilitates easy cleaning, with no scope for food particles to adhere to the knives.
The changing lifestyles of consumers have increased the need for improved kitchen knives that can make routine kitchen tasks easier.
Vendors have analyzed the mechanics behind the movement of hand muscles and the strength required while using kitchen knives for chopping and slicing to manufacture consumer kitchen knives with the correct weight and are offering the same.
Hence, the introduction of consumer kitchen knives with diverse features will attract more consumers, which, in turn, will boost the growth of the global consumer kitchen knife market during the forecast period.
The introduction of consumer ceramic knives is one of the key consumer kitchen knife market trends fueling the market growth. A ceramic is formed through crystallization under extreme temperature and high-pressure conditions. Therefore, ceramic is a dense material that is 50 times harder than steel and second in terms of hardness to diamonds.
A ceramic knife is designed with a ceramic blade that is made from zirconium dioxide. Since these knives are 100 percent stainless, they are not damaged by substances like acids and caustics.
As ceramic knives are lightweight, they can be perfectly balanced and thus reduce hand fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks. Owing to their superior properties, vendors have started offering ceramic kitchen knives.
Such an increasing offering of ceramic knives will propel the consumer kitchen knife market growth during the forecast period.
High competition from unorganized players is one of the key factors challenging the consumer kitchen knife market growth. Unorganized players offer products that are similar in design and look to those of the branded products offered in the market. Since the features of such products are not the same as that of branded products, unorganized players sell their products at a much lower price.
Unorganized retail stores, which are also referred to as mom-and-pop stores, are dominant and capture most of the market in developing countries such as India, Taiwan, and China.
Most unorganized players attract consumers with their low-priced, albeit low-quality offerings. The main advantage for these players is the low operating cost and investment required, which directly creates an impact on the pricing of the products.
Hence, the high competition from unorganized players will hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Thirty-six percent of the market’s growth will originate from APAC during the forecast period. China and Japan are the key markets for the consumer kitchen knife market in APAC. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in other regions.
The low penetration of substitutes such as food processors and kitchen shears will facilitate the consumer kitchen knife market growth in APAC over the forecast period.
In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 negatively impacted the growth of the consumer kitchen knife market in the region, owing to the imposition of lockdown measures. However, the lifting of lockdown restrictions in the first half of 2021 due to the initiation of large-scale vaccination drives in the region positively impacted the growth of the market.
Moreover, due to prolonged stays at home, consumers look at cooking often as a leisure activity, which has increased the demand for consumer kitchen knives. Thus, such factors will boost the growth of the regional consumer kitchen knife market during the forecast period.
The consumer kitchen knife market share growth by the non-electric segment will be significant during the forecast period. Non-electric consumer kitchen knives are conventional knives that are used at home for various kitchen activities such as chopping, dicing, and slicing fruits, vegetables, and meat.
The prices of these knives vary based on categories. They are made with steel blades and wooden or plastic handles, which are ergonomically designed for perfect grip. Such factors of non-electric knives will drive the consumer kitchen knife market growth during the forecast period.
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3D Cloud Names Petersen Chief Product Officer
3D Cloud by Marxent, the 3D experience platform for furniture and home improvement, has appointed Kris Petersen as the company’s chief product officer. Petersen is charged with shaping 3D Cloud into the unified 3D design and visualization standard for home furnishings, office furniture, kitchen, bath, storage, and decking.
An accomplished entrepreneurial executive with over 20 years of experience leading web-based B2C and B2B SaaS platform products, most recently with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning, Petersen has a consistent track record of driving growth and operational excellence in product-led organizations.
“I’ve always had a passion for home improvement and have experienced first-hand the challenges of customizing and configuring multi-product projects. I’ve used every deck builder, kitchen designer, and room planner there is,” said Petersen. “It is very clear that traditional 3D space planning software and custom online design tools are going to give way to browser and cloud-based solutions like 3D Cloud that can serve all users with a single app,” he said.
3D Cloud is the only 3D product configuration, design, and visualization platform that offers a hybrid, web-based approach to serve all retail stakeholders with a single application. It is simple enough for homeowners or sales associates to use without any training or catalog knowledge yet sophisticated enough to meet the needs of home improvement pros and in-house designers.
“When homeowners, pros, store associates, and interior designers use the same 3D planning app, retailers uplevel the customer experience and eliminate significant pain points,” Petersen said. “Leading retailers across the globe are already utilizing the 3D Cloud platform to streamline the customer experience. We are well on the way to becoming the international 3D product configuration, design, and visualization standard for home furnishings, office furniture, and DIY.”
“Retailers are looking for sticky applications that provide self-service options and build loyalty while also trying to carry less inventory. Hybrid 3D configuration empowers consumers with a self-service option while improving lead quality and preventing costly ordering errors,” said Beck Besecker, 3D Cloud by Marxent’s CEO and co-founder. “Kris understands that 3D Cloud is more than a 3D visualization platform. It’s a frictionless, powerful new engagement system that allows retailers to engage shoppers early in the customer journey and drive to close.”
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InventHelp Inventor Develops Level Cake Pan
An invention submitted to InventHelp provides an improved design for a level cake pan. In doing so, it enables the user to create level cakes each and every time.
“I wanted to create an improved pan to make sure cakes bake level,” said the inventor, who was not identified, from Lucasville, Ohio, “so I invented Level – Bakes. My design would eliminate wastage of cakes that are thick/unlevel in the center.”
As a result, it offers an alternative to using traditional cake pans and tools to make a cake level and it could save time and energy in the kitchen. The invention features an effective cake pan design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households, bakeries and restaurants. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design for the level cake pan was submitted to the Cincinnati sales office of InventHelp. It is available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 21-CCT-4737, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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Ballard Designs Offers Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Ballard Designs is sharing some new inspiration for holiday gifts, decor and all the celebration days beyond. An inviting and comfortable home offers ultimate enjoyment for years to come and Ballard Designs gift shopping unveils help for shoppers wanting just that.
Comfort, Coasters & Caffein all made the recent NY Times list of most wanted gifts. Ballard Designs is now offering designer-centric takes on the first two . . . and a few more.
For 2023 newlyweds
- Getting engaged over the Holidays? Couples getting married in the coming year will have a lot to celebrate. Ballard décor celebrates them in style with Bunny Williams Bubbly Glasses.
“At Ballard Designs, we believe it’s the little details that all come together to create a cozy home,” says Ballard Designs president, Karen Mooney. “Gifting a treasured piece for your home is one of my favorite ways to surprise loved ones for the holidays. Our stylish collection of eclectic offerings guarantees you’ll find the perfect present for anyone and everyone.”
For the home chef
- Prep time in the kitchen is always easier with a cookbook stand, and Ballard offers the Petite Acrylic Cookbook Easel that any home chef will love when whipping up a favorite recipe.
For the host with the most
- Personalized Crochet Edge Napkins gift an elevated dining table. New selections offered at Ballard include Cornflower, Indigo or Tan trim to match the homeowner’s aesthetic.
For the fashionista
- Is there someone on the list that is always dressed to impress – decked out from head to toe with accessories? They’ll beautifully display their jewelry collection with Ballard Designs’ jewelry organizers Sophia Jewelry Dish or Necklace Stand.
For the family
- Ballard also shares a warm, neutral alternative to traditional green and red holiday décor with a Burlap Tassel Christmas Stocking – an option for the whole family this year and a keepsake holiday tradition for years to come.
Find additional images and ideas at www.ballarddesigns.com/gifts for gifting inspiration any season.
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Super-Sized Super Saturday in Sight
More than 158 million consumers are expected to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas this year, according to the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This figure is approximately 10 million more than last year’s expected number of Super Saturday shoppers and the highest number since NRF first started tracking this data in 2016.
“Consumers have been shopping in record numbers this year, purchasing holiday items for friends and loved ones,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With Super Saturday falling eight days before Christmas, retailers are prepared to help shoppers fulfill their last-minute purchases that will make this holiday season memorable.”
Of the 158.5 million anticipated Super Saturday shoppers, 44.1 million (28 percent) plan to shop only in stores, 42.2 million (27 percent) plan to shop only online, and 72.2 million (46 percent) plan to shop both in stores and online.
In line with recent years, as of early December, holiday shoppers said they had completed about half (53%) of their purchases. They plan to finish their holiday purchases online (47 percent), at department stores (37 percent), at discount stores (27 percent), at clothing/accessories stores (24 percent) and at grocery stores (19 percent).
The top gifts consumers have bought so far include clothing (50 percent), toys (34 percent), gift cards (28 percent), books and other media (26 percent), and food or candy (23 percent).
This year, 28 percent of holiday shoppers plan to give a gift of experience such as tickets to a concert or sporting event, a gym membership, spa service or art class. This is up from 23 percent last year and is the highest since NRF began asking consumers this question in 2015.
Additionally, 70 percent say their shopping plans include buying after Dec. 25. This is on par with pre-pandemic levels for post-Christmas shopping.
“Strong shopping is expected after Christmas as holiday shoppers aim to take advantage of retailers’ sales and promotions,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “In the week following Christmas Day, we expect to see consumers maximize holiday sales and promotions, use gift cards and return or exchange unwanted gifts.”
Meanwhile, the way consumers prefer to pay for holiday purchases is shifting. About half (52 percent) of consumers say they are using alternative payments or digital wallets. This is up from 44 percent last year and compares with only 39 percent in 2019. The most common alternative payment is PayPal (32 percent), followed by Apple Pay (14 percent) and CashApp (12 percent). About three-quarters (76 percent) of those aged 18 to 24 say they have used an alternative payment method or digital wallet so far this holiday shopping season.
NRF defines the holiday season as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 and has forecast that retail sales will grow between 6 percent and 8 percent over 2021 to between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion.
The survey of 7,857 consumers was conducted Dec. 1 through Dec. 7 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points.
See more about the 2022 holiday season at the NRF Winter Holiday Headquarters.
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Hurt for the Holidays: Keep Off Santa’s Injured List
‘Tis the season to be jolly, but could Americans be neglecting their personal safety? Among those who celebrate the holiday season, 30 percent admit to injuring themselves while participating in holiday-related activities, and nearly 1 in 4 of those injuries were serious enough to seek medical attention. Cuts from opening or wrapping packages or gifts, slipping and falling outdoors, and cooking-related injuries are the most-cited holiday hazards.
Of the 30 percent of celebrators who admit to injuring themselves during holiday activities, Gen Zers are the most injury-prone, howith 40 percent unable to claim their holidays were without harm. Americans with young children followed closely behind at 39 percent.
Holiday hazards and injuries:
- 13 percent say they cut themselves while wrapping or opening gifts
- 11 percent report hurting themselves from slipping or tripping outdoors
- 6 percent also say they’ve slipped or tripped over holiday-related objects indoors
- 10 percent cite cooking-related injuries
- Women (13 percent) are more likely to be injured while cooking vs men (7 percent)
- 6 percent have experienced candle burns
- 5 percent report being injured from lifting heavy objects
Injuries are bound to happen, but alcohol may add fuel to the fire with 12 percent of celebrators reporting they were intoxicated at the time of their injury. 18 percent of respondents admitted to setting up their Christmas tree while under the influence.
On the topic of trees, Americans may be slowly losing interest in real trees in favor of artificial trees. For the 2022 holiday season, only 20 percent plan on buying a real tree. This is a slight decline from last year when 21 percent planned on a live tree, and 24 percent opted for the real thing in 2020. However, 9 percent say they plan to have one of each (a 1 percent jump from last year), and another 9 percent were undecided at the time of the survey.
Nothing spreads holiday cheer like holiday lights – when used responsibly of course. However, 78 percent of Americans who’ve put up holiday lights admit to leaving them on overnight – up from 70 percent according to ValuePenguin’s survey in 2021.
When considering holiday safety, don’t forget about family pets. Almost half of pet owners (47 percent) report their pets have messed up or destroyed holiday decorations. This number jumps to 53 percent among parents with young children, and 58 percent among GenZ pet owners. Lessons are learned over time, as the older generation is the least likely demographic (32 percent) to have pets wreak havoc on holiday decor.
InventHelp Client Develops Self-Sustaining Dehumidifier for Bath, Kitchen
A Boynton Beach, Fla., inventor has developed a self-sustaining, remote controlled dehumidifier.
“I wanted to create an automatic means of maintaining the humidity level in a kitchen or bathroom,” said the inventor, who was not identified by InventHelp. “My design would offer ambient air humidity control to eliminate moisture and mold growth.”
The patent-pending invention provides an improved dehumidifier for under bathroom and/or kitchen sinks. In doing so, it helps to maintain lower levels of ambient air humidity. As a result, it helps to reduce the growth of mold and mildew and it enhances safety and convenience.
The invention features an automatic design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households and businesses.
The original design was submitted to the Fort Lauderdale sales office of InventHelp. It is available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 21-FJK-206, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
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Floor & Decor Promotes Langley as EVP, CFO
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. has promoted Bryan Langley to serve as its executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Langley, formerly senior vice president, finance, succeeds Trevor Lang, who was promoted to president. Langley will lead the finance organization and related financial functions, including the accounting and controllership, financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, tax, internal audit, business intelligence and treasury departments.
Langley brings a strong understanding of the Floor & Decor’s business, finances, and operations. Since joining the company in 2014, Langley has served in various positions of increasing responsibility in corporate strategy, financial planning, and accounting. Prior to 2014, Langley held various finance and risk management roles at Delta Air Lines, Inc. Langley began his career in public accounting, holding positions in transactions services and auditing at KPMG LLP. Langley is a graduate of University of Georgia with both a BBA in accounting and a master of accountancy. Langley is also a certified public accountant.
“Bryan’s financial acumen, institutional knowledge, and contributions to our strategic vision make him uniquely qualified to become our next CFO,” said Tom Taylor, Floor & Decor chief executive officer. “During his eight-year career at the company, Bryan has become a trusted leader and embodies our commitment to serving our customers and driving long-term value. I look forward to working together as we continue to execute our strategies.”
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Holiday Shoppers Plan to Spend Less
Amid concerns over inflation and a potential recession, just over half (51 percent) of shoppers in the United States plan to spend less this holiday season compared to last year, according to SurveyMonkey research from Momentive.
Ahead of the holiday season, more than 3,000 U.S. adults were surveyed to better understand how Americans are planning to change their holiday spending habits this year, if at all. With continued economic turbulence and supply chain delays, many reported planning on cutting back spending compared to years prior. In fact, consumers planning to spend less money this holiday season said the rising cost of food (64 percent), energy (49 percent), and housing (39 percent) are to blame. In addition, the majority of U.S. adults (68 percent) stated that they are very concerned about inflation, with 23 percent being somewhat concerned.
While some shoppers plan on cutting back costs, others are fully prepared to go into debt this year. Almost a quarter (24 percent) of parents with children under 18 years old expect to go into debt this holiday season; their top shopping categories are clothing, toys & games, home goods, and technology. Parents specifically are more likely than those without children under 18 to use “buy now, pay later” options (38 percent vs. 26 percent).
Overall, the majority of U.S. adults are very or somewhat worried about being able to purchase the items they want for the upcoming holiday season (66 percent). Whether their concern is due to supply chain issues (55 percent) or inflation (91 percent) – or both – there is no doubt that holiday shopping in the United States will be impacted this year, and retailers are going to see the effects. Seventeen percent of consumers do not plan on holiday shopping at all this year, an increase from 14 percent in 2021. Additionally, fewer people who plan to holiday shop have started earlier this year in October (17 percent compared with 22 percent in 2021), with many waiting to start between Thanksgiving, Black Friday and early December (27 percent compared with 21 percent in 2021) instead.
“It’s make-or-break time for many retailers and Americans are feeling the squeeze of rising costs,” said Jon Cohen, chief research officer at Momentive. “Between sky-high inflation, fears of a potential recession, and soaring housing costs, it’s no wonder shoppers are feeling cautious and many are holding their wallets more closely this holiday season. It’s also a grim reality that some holiday shoppers are considering taking on even more debt to buy gifts.”
Methodology: This study was conducted between Oct. 5-12, 2022 among a national sample of 3,183 US adults 18+. Respondents for this survey were selected from the more than 2 million people who take surveys on the platform each day. The modelled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. Data were weighted for age, race, sex, education, and geography using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States.
Atlanta Market Optimizes Temporary Exhibits
Category expansion and strategic reorganizations optimize Atlanta Market’s temporary exhibits – the largest in the nation with some 1,100+ brands in 39 categories in 10 exhibit halls – for the Winter 2023 staging.
“The industry’s most comprehensive temporary exhibits are growing again in Winter 2023,” said Scott Eckman, IMC executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “Two new luxury categories, relocation of key collections and expanded showcases by top industry organizations create a dynamic marketplace primed for discovery.”
Atlanta Market highlights high-end, fine products in Winter 2023 with the addition of two new categories – LUXE and General Gift LUXE – expanding its signature luxury neighborhoods to nine. LUXE is a juried collection of high-end artisan handmade, global and museum goods. General Gift LUXE is a juried collection of high-end resort, stationery, collegiate merchandise, pet products and more.
Additionally, two more LUXE categories have their Winter Market debuts: Boutique LUXE – a juried collection of luxury accessories and apparel products – and Cash & Carry LUXE – a juried collection of high-quality jewelry and fashion accessories for immediate delivery. Five more LUXE categories are Body & Soul LUXE, Gourmet LUXE, HIGH DESIGN LUXE, Tabletop LUXE and Outdoor Living LUXE.
“Atlanta Market’s luxury offerings are a differentiator,” added Eckman. “LUXE and General Gift LUXE round out our high-end offerings allow us to offer a full-spectrum of product to discerning retailers.”
Two home décor temporary categories – Fine Linens & Home Textiles and Home Accents & Home Furnishings – relocate to Building 1, Floor 8 placing them directly below AmericasMart’s six floors of home showrooms. The 60+ temporary exhibitors join 300+ showrooms to present a comprehensive collection of accent furniture, accessories, linens, lighting, pillows, textiles, wall art and more.
Expansion of GC Buying Group’s GCX Expo necessitates a relocation to a larger space in Building 2, Floor 4. This showcase of nearly 100 top gourmet foods and tool brands offers more resources to GC Buying Group members (including retailers who join on-site) at its second staging at Atlanta Market. The GCX Expo shares the floor with three categories: Outdoor Living, Outdoor Living LUXE and Seasonal/Gift.
“The expansive nature of the Atlanta Market temporary exhibits is simultaneously exhilarating and daunting,” said Eckman. “Updating category locations and layouts make our extensive offerings even easier to shop and navigate to encourage exploration.”
Top industry organizations grow their Atlanta Market participation for the Winter 2023 staging. In addition to the GC Buying Group expansion, Fair Trade Federation launches a new pavilion of 12 brands that are committed holistic fair trade (the entire business is socially and environmentally responsible).
Additional organizations return to Atlanta Market to connect their member brands with the market’s expansive buyer universe. Greeting Card Association’s *Noted at Atlanta Market Village presents 10 up-and-coming brands showing greeting cards, custom invitations and imprintables, gift wrap, journals, planners, notebooks and more. Museum Store Association’s (MSA) The Gallery Collection presents 30 members with apparel and jewelry, books, educational products, games, garden, home décor, paper, reproductions, toys, souvenir/promotional merchandise and more. Georgia Grown presents food products made in Georgia in a pavilion of nearly 20 brands in Gourmet.
Celebrating Booth Design Excellence
A new award programming celebrating visual display ingenuity launches at the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market. All temporary exhibitors are eligible to win a “Best Booth” award which recognizes the most creatively and effectively merchandised booths at the market. All booths will be judged with winners identified on the opening day of the Atlanta Market temporaries, Jan. 11. In addition to bragging rights, winners are eligible to win booth credits and more.
For more details about Atlanta Market, get the January issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
Holiday Shopping: Record 196.7M Americans Shopped Over Weekend
A record 196.7 million Americans shopped in stores and online during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The total number of shoppers grew by nearly 17 million from 2021 and is the highest figure since NRF first started tracking this data in 2017.
“The Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend is a tradition treasured by many American families,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “As inflationary pressures persist, consumers have responded by stretching their dollars in any way possible. Retailers have responded accordingly, offering shoppers a season of buying convenience, matching sales and promotions across online and in-store channels to accommodate their customers at each interaction.
“It is important to note that while some may claim that retail sales gains are the result of higher prices, they must acknowledge the historic growth in consumers who are shopping in-store and online during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend and into Cyber Monday. It is consumer demand that is driving growth.”
According to the survey, more than three-quarters (76 percent) of consumers say they shopped over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, up from 70 percent in 2021. The numbers shattered NRF’s initial expectations by more than 30 million.
Retailers saw a sizable uptick of in-store shoppers. More than 122.7 million people visited bricks-and-mortar stores over the weekend, up 17 percent from 2021. The number of online shoppers also grew, albeit at a slower pace. This year saw 130.2 million online shoppers, a 2 percent increase over 2021.
Black Friday continues to reign as the most favored day for in-store shopping. Approximately 72.9 million consumers opted for a more traditional in-person shopping experience, up from 66.5 million in 2021. The Saturday after Thanksgiving followed suit, with 63.4 million in-store shoppers, up from 51 million last year. A majority (77 percent) of Saturday shoppers indicated they shopped specifically for Small Business Saturday.
Black Friday was also the most popular day for online shopping, continuing a trend that started in 2019. Roughly 87.2 million consumers shopped online during Black Friday this year, in line with 2021. Similar to last year, 77 million people shopped online on Cyber Monday. A record 59 percent of online Cyber Monday shoppers used their mobile device, up from 52 percent in 2021.
The top destinations for Thanksgiving weekend shoppers were online (42 percent), department stores (42 percent), grocery stores and supermarkets (40 percent), clothing and accessories stores (36 percent) and discount stores (32 percent).
Consumers spent an average of $325.44 on holiday-related purchases over the course of the weekend, up from $301.27 in 2021. Of that amount, most ($229.21) was directed specifically toward gifts.
The vast majority of Thanksgiving weekend shoppers (90 percent) felt the deals were the same or better than last year.
“While Thanksgiving is no longer the starting point for holiday shopping, the five-day shopping period still plays an important role in the overall holiday season,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “On average, consumers say they are almost halfway (47 percent) done with their holiday shopping at this point in time, leaving plenty of room for additional purchases in the remaining weeks of the year.”
The top gifts purchased were clothing and accessories (bought by 50 percent of those surveyed), toys (31 percent), gift cards (27 percent), books/video games/other media (24 percent), food and candy (23 percent) and electronics (23 percent).
While early deals and sales did entice some to shop before mid-November, many still save the bulk of their shopping for November and December. More than half (56 percent) of shoppers said they took advantage of early holiday sales or promotions before Thanksgiving this year. One-quarter (24 percent) did so before Nov. 16 and another 36 percent shopped in the week leading up to Thanksgiving (Nov. 16-23).
NRF defines the holiday season as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 and has forecast that retail sales will grow between 6 percent and 8 percent over 2021 to between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion.
The survey of 3,326 adult consumers was conducted Nov. 23-27 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points.
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IMC Expands 2023 Calendar to 35 Markets
International Market Centers expands its calendar in 2023 to 35 apparel, furniture, gift, home décor and lifestyle markets presented in Atlanta; High Point, N.C.; Las Vegas; and New York.
“New acquisitions and partnerships expanded IMC’s impact in 2022, and we are proud to present an even more robust calendar of markets and buying opportunities in 2023,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “With the addition of nine markets, coast-to-coast, there will be 35 opportunities to source across all IMC categories.”
Notably, in the gift and home industry in 2022, IMC acquired Shoppe Object, a home and lifestyle market produced semi-annually in New York City, and launched Spring and Fall mid-season buying events at World Market Center Las Vegas.
Beginning in 2023, a new partnership with the International Casual Furnishings Association will launch the Atlanta Casual Market at AmericasMart Atlanta in July and a new Outdoor Design Week in September. Casual Market Atlanta will fill four floors of AmericasMart’s Building 1 with permanent, purpose-built showrooms for nearly 50 leading outdoor living brands, and space on Floor 7 for some 90+ temporary outdoor living brands.
IMC owns and operates four campuses across three cities: AmericasMart Atlanta and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center in Atlanta; World Market Center Las Vegas and the EXPO at World Market Center Las Vegas; and 17 properties in High Point, N.C.
IMC’s 2023 calendar includes:
Jan. 10-16: Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits Jan. 11-15). AtlantaMarket.com
Jan. 29-Feb, 2: Las Vegas Market at World Market Center Las Vegas and the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas (temporary exhibits Jan. 29-Feb. 1). LasVegasMarket.com
Feb 5-7: Shoppe Object at Pier 36, New York. ShoppeObject.com
March 1-3: Spring Market at AmericasMart Atlanta. AmericasMart.com
March 22-24: Spring Sample. Sale at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). ADACAtlanta.com
March 27-28: Spring Buying Event at World Market Center Las Vegas. www.lasvegasmarket.com/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
April 18-20: DESIGN ADAC at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). ADACAtlanta.com
April 22-26: High Point Market at IMC’s 17 properties in High Point. IMCHighPointMarket.com
May 8-10: Spring Cash & Carry at AmericasMart Atlanta. AmericasMart.com
May 21-23: Spring Sample Sale at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas. LasVegasMarket.com/year-round/lvdc
May 21-25: LightFair at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York. www.Lightfair.com
July 10-13: Casual Market Atlanta at AmericasMart Atlanta. CasualMarketAtlanta.com
July 11-17: Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta (temporary exhibits July 12-16). AtlantaMarket.com
July 30-Aug. 3: Las Vegas Market at World Market Center Las Vegas and the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas (temporary exhibits July 30-Aug. 2). LasVegasMarket.com
Aug. 13-15: Shoppe Object at Pier 36, New York. ShoppeObject.com
Aug. 23-25: Fall Sample Sale at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. ADACAtlanta.com
Sept. 18-20: Fall Market at AmericasMart Atlanta. AmericasMart.com
Sept. 18-20: Outdoor Design Week at AmericasMart Atlanta. CasualMarketAtlanta.com
Sept. 19-21: DISCOVER ADAC at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. ADACAtlanta.com
Oct. 4-5: Fall Buying Event at World Market Center Las Vegas www.LasVegasMarket.com/Year-Round/Off-Market-Events
Oct. 14-18: High Point Market at IMC’s 17 properties in High Point. IMCHighPointMarket.com
Nov. 6-8: Fall Cash & Carry at AmericasMart Atlanta. AmericasMart.com
November (Dates TBD): Fall Sample Sale at the Las Vegas Design Center World Market Center Las Vegas. LasVegasMarket.com/year-round/lvdc
In addition to the markets, AmericasMart, the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center and the Las Vegas Design Center are open daily to the trade and offer in-person programming throughout the year.
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Seminar Covers Design Industry Budgeting
Las Vegas Design Center presents its final “First Friday” educational seminar of 2022 in a session titled “Let’s Get it Right: Maximize 2022 and Prepare for 2023,” covering best practices with budgets in the design industry, Dec. 2, from 10-11 a.m., at the LVDC, World Market Center Las Vegas in Building A room A240.
“Closing out the year financially and with a developed economic plan for 2023 are imperative goals as businesses work to strengthen their futures,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “Designers are invited and encouraged to join us for our Dec. 2 session and learn important techniques to stay current with their financial business practices.”
In the one-hour program, Lisa Jones, partner with Campbell Jones Cohen CPAs, will dive into the business side of the design industry and reveal best practices, programs and opportunities to maximize write-offs and deductions as companies look to close out the tax year.
Jones became a shareholder of Campbell Jones Cohen CPAs in 1999 after having been a valuable part of the firm since 1994. She has over 25 years of experience in the areas of audit and tax and works with clients in a wide variety of industries, including non-profit organizations as well as other CPA firms performing peer reviews. She graduated from Flagler College with a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration in 1994 and has been a licensed CPA in Nevada since 1996. Jones is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Registration, which is free, is required at https://LVDCFirstFridayDecember2022.eventbrite.com.
LVDC’s “First Friday” series will resume Friday, Feb. 3, with details to come.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
US Consumers Plan Holiday Shopping at Small Businesses, GoTo Survey Shows
At a time when the majority of consumers are concerned with rising inflation and economic uncertainty, a holiday shopping survey by business communications and IT support platform GoTo shows that 3 out of 4 Americans still plan to spend with small businesses. An impressive 41 percent are even willing to pay more to shop small than they would at a larger retailer.
GoTo’s recent survey of 1,175 U.S. consumers found that Americans are willing to prioritize holiday shopping small despite 61 percent saying they were more concerned about their finances than a year ago. Among the key findings, the survey revealed that over half of consumers (54 percent) say they make an effort to shop locally at small businesses over large retailers and 28 percent say they shopped more at small businesses in the last year. The survey also showed that reliable customer support has the largest impact (46 percent) on consumers’ decision to shop small.
“At a time when people are watching how and where they spend their money, it is encouraging to see this overwhelming support for small businesses. At GoTo, we are dedicated to supporting these growing businesses and the essential connections they need with their customers,” said Jamie Domenici, GoTo’s chief marketing officer. “Small businesses can build on this opportunity by ensuring they have the technology and resources needed to reach their customers however they want to connect.”
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Lowe’s Expands Premium Appliance Offerings With Miele Products
Lowe’s, the No. 1 appliance retailer in the U.S., is expanding its assortment of premium appliances through a new exclusive home center partnership with Miele, the largest family-owned German premium appliance manufacturer. Lowe’s will offer an assortment of Miele dishwashers and laundry appliances in 149 Lowe’s stores and online at Lowes.com.
“Our partnership with Miele reaffirms Lowe’s commitment to ensuring that we have new, high-quality offerings across all price points,” said Bill Boltz, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising. “We’re excited to offer Miele’s products that are known globally as high-end premium appliances. Whether they are replacing appliances or completing their kitchen and laundry spaces, this will allow our design-focused customers who work with builders, designers and architects to bring their vision to life.”
“As the leading premium appliance brand, partnering with Lowe’s marks a very exciting opportunity for all consumers,” said Dr. Axel Kniehl, executive director marketing and sales and member of the board, Miele Group. “Miele embodies the philosophy of ‘Immer Besser,’ our brand promise meaning ‘Forever Better,’ and therefore always striving to be the benchmark in our industry when it comes to quality, sustainability, performance, design and ultimate customer delight through all our products and services. As we continue to grow, working with a collaborative partner like Lowe’s allows us to create an extension of our valued and successful dealer network, making Miele appliances even more accessible to customers who want to shop for premium, innovative and sustainable products with a reputation for quality like Miele.”
Lowe’s customers can expect maximum convenience with the Miele@homeapp, which allows them to operate their machines from anywhere at any time.
Lowe’s will carry three Miele dishwashers – all of which incorporate the same excellent cleaning power and are designed to fit the unique needs of the consumer.
For more details, read the January issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
Hamilton Beach Brands CFO Resigns
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company announced that Michelle O. Mosier, senior vice president and chief financial officer, has accepted the chief financial executive role at another public company and has resigned effective Jan. 13.
Gregory H. Trepp, president and chief executive officer, said, “I would like to thank Michelle for her leadership, dedication and many important contributions to the company. As a key member of our executive management team, Michelle has played an integral role in positioning Hamilton Beach for growth as we continue to make progress with our strategic initiatives. An additional part of Michelle’s strong legacy is the outstanding Finance team she has built. We wish Michelle the very best as she embarks on a new opportunity.”
Mosier said, “It’s been a privilege to be part of an outstanding organization and I thank the entire Hamilton Beach team for their support. I’m pleased with our many accomplishments and leave with confidence that Hamilton Beach is well positioned for continued growth and success.”
Mosier has overall responsibility for the company’s finance, accounting, internal and external financial reporting, treasury, tax, risk management and investor relations. The company will begin a search for Mosier’s successor immediately.
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LG Electronics Earns 28 CES Innovation Awards
LG Electronics has been recognized for the technological and design excellence of its latest lifestyle solutions, earning more than two dozen , including three coveted Best of Innovation Awards for LG OLED in the computer peripherals, gaming and video display categories.
Bestowed every year by the Consumer Technology Association – the organization behind CES, the world’s largest annual consumer electronics tradeshow – the CES Innovation Award program recognizes innovative consumer products and services across a multitude of device and technology categories.
Of the 28 honors LG Electronics has been recognized for the technological and design excellence of its latest lifestyle solutions, earning more than two dozen CES 2023 Innovation Awards will receive at CES 2023, 10 went to LG OLED TVs, marking the 11th consecutive year that the company’s self-lit TVs have received CES Innovation Awards. LG OLED TVs, known to offer a variety of viewing experiences to consumers with its diverse innovative form factors, are prized by consumers worldwide for their exceptional picture quality, which delivers vibrant, accurate colors, deep blacks and infinite contrast.
The 88-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K TV was recognized in three categories, while inspiring ultra-large 97-inch OLED and LG OLED Flex, a groundbreaking TV boasting the world’s first bendable 42-inch OLED screen, were double honorees.
LG home appliances named CES 2023 Innovation Award winners include the LG PuriCare Aero Furniture, a new concept in air purification. Also honored is the premium LG CordZero All-in-One Tower with Steam Mop.
Among other winning products are the LG WashTower™ Compact, LG UltraGear™ OLED gaming monitor and LG XBOOM 360 bluetooth speaker system.
The full list of LG’s CES 2023 Innovation Award recipients will be announced at CES 2023 (Jan. 5-8).
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Bed Bath & Beyond Promotes Lindblom as Chief Technology Officer
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Scott Lindblom chief technology & digital officer, effective immediately. Lindblom has served as the company’s chief technology officer since September 2020, and will now be responsible for managing the digital channel. Lindblom will report directly to Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. President and CEO Sue Gove.
“We are proud to leverage our organization’s strong talent and elevate Scott, an accomplished leader who possesses significant digital transformation and IT solutions expertise. Scott has experience modernizing technology capabilities for leading retailers and an intimate understanding of our business’ requirements and customers,” said Gove. “Scott’s proven skill-set will add meaningfully to our executive team as he continues to add value to our enterprise technology transformation, working to streamline our IT infrastructure and advance our digital capabilities.”
Lindblom will oversee further development of an omni-always shopping experience for customers, including directing and shaping the end-to-end customer experience in partnership with marketing and brand leaders, end-user platform optimization and customer contact management and support. Lindblom will continue to drive the technology transformation plan in support of operational excellence, creating an engaging, differentiated experience for customers. His team’s priorities include leveraging data, analytics, and agile technology development to create efficiencies, enhance system performance, and drive innovation across the organization.
Prior to joining Bed Bath & Beyond in 2020, Lindblom was executive vice president and chief information officer at Michael’s, where he transformed the IT function of the business into a high performing value creation department that enhanced and streamlined the shopping experience for customers, while creating significant revenue impact, he was group vice president of IT at ROSS Stores, leading a national team to implement a micro-merchandising planning solution that helped to increase operating income and improve the customer experience. Lindblom also held senior roles within supply chain management and IT at Best Buy.
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Spencer Honored on Microwave Oven Day
On National Microwave Oven Day, Dec. 6, the National Inventors Hall of Fame will celebrate the legacy Inductee Percy L. Spencer, inventor of the high-efficiency magnetron. Spencer discovered a more efficient way to manufacture magnetrons while working for the Raytheon Co. This discovery led to significant advances in radar and his most popular invention, the microwave oven.
In 1941, magnetrons were being produced at a rate of 17 per day, according to the NIHF. Spencer set out to create a simpler magnetron that could be mass produced. The result was a magnetron that replaced precision copper bars with lamina and replaced soldered internal wires with a simple solid ring. These improvements and others allowed for the faster production of 2,600 magnetrons per day. In 1945, Spencer created a device to cook food using microwave radiation.
Raytheon saw the possibilities of this, and after acquiring Amana Refrigeration in 1965, was able to sell microwave ovens on a large scale. The first microwave oven was called the Radarange, and today, there are over 200 million in use throughout the world.
Spencer, born in Howland, Maine, was orphaned at a young age. Although he never graduated from grammar school, he became senior vice president and a member of the board of directors at Raytheon, receiving 150 patents during his career. Because of his accomplishments, Spencer was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the U.S. Navy and has a building named after him at Raytheon.
Spencer was inducted in 1999. He died in 1970 at the age of 76.
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IHA Sets Out Welcome Mat to Travel Goods Association at The Inspired Home Show
The International Housewares Association and the Travel Goods Association have announced a collaboration that will bring TGA’s 2023 live event to The Inspired Home Show 2023, March 4-7 in Chicago.
The Inspired Home Show will dedicate a new category – Travel Gear + Luggage – to luggage, travel goods and accessory brands manufactured by members of TGA. This area will be located in the Clean + Contain Expo, adjacent to the Discover|Design Expo in the North Building of McCormick Place. This presence will take the place of TGA’s 2023 event, previously scheduled for April 2-3 in Las Vegas.
“After nearly three years without a Travel Goods Show, our vendors – and our buyers – are incredibly excited to get back to face-to-face engagements,” said Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA president. “By holding our annual event as part of The Inspired Home Show in 2023, we will be able to engage not only with major travel goods buyers, but also expand our reach into new retailers of every shape and size that the Chicago Show attracts.”
“As The Inspired Home Show continues to solidify its position as the premier face-to-face event for the home, expansion into travel goods and accessories is a logical enhancement of our Show floor offering,” said Derek Miller, IHA president and CEO. “Bringing the Travel Goods Association to Chicago enhances the scope of opportunity for our retail attendees by aligning with a category that has long been adjacent to the home department, and in fact continues to fall within the home buying team’s responsibilities across many major retailers.”
In addition to TGA’s dedicated area on the Show floor, IHA will add a 15th category to the annual gia Excellence in Product Design Competition for this group. Five finalists for the new Luggage, Travel Goods & accessories category will be selected and announced in January 2023. The winner will be unveiled during the annual gia Dinner and Awards Gala on Saturday, March 4 in Chicago.
All attendees of The Inspired Home Show will have access to Travel Gear + Luggage. Admission to The Inspired Home Show is complimentary in advance of the Show for demonstrated retail buyers from around the world.
Read more about the Travel Gear + Luggage show in the January issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
Atlanta Market Expands Home, Decor Resources
New resources in accent furnishings, one-of-a kind, vintage, textiles, pillows and more expand 350+ design-driven whole-home showroom offerings at Atlanta Market in Winter 2023. Complementing the resource growth – some six home decor showroom updates join the previously announced nearly 50 casual furniture showroom openings – is a series of buyer tours focused on product discovery and trends at the January 10-16, 2023, buying event.
“Exciting updates to the AmericasMart home décor offerings make Atlanta Market a top destination for designers and retailers this Winter,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “New, trend-driven product abounds with updates from home décor leaders adding to significant new resources in our all-new casual furniture and outdoor living collection.”
Winter 2023 home decor updates bring new resources to the more than 300 showrooms presenting lighting, accent furniture, rugs, wall décor and linens and nearly 50 new showrooms presenting casual furniture on 12 floors in AmericasMart Building 1.
Buyers sourcing in Atlanta Market’s home and décor offerings have more to explore in Winter 2023 with the launch of a new casual furniture and outdoor living destination. The Casual/Outdoor Furnishings collection’s location on Floors 2-5 of AmericasMart Building 1 encourages home buyers to discover new resources in the lucrative outdoor living sector.
New buyers and veterans looking for new resources can explore Atlanta Market’s home décor offerings in a series of guided tours at the Winter 2023 Market. The New Buyer Tour: CASUAL in Casual/Outdoor Furnishings collection is on Tuesday, January 10 at 9 a.m. The home furnishings temporary exhibits are a stop on the New Buyer Tour: TEMPORARIES on Wednesday, January 11 at 9 a.m. New Buyer Tour: HOME is an overview of AmericasMart’s home furnishings resources on Thursday, January 12 at 9 a.m. Trending home décor product is featured in the New Buyer Tour: TRENDS on Friday, January 13 at 9 a.m. These tours are part of five days of designer-focused programming set for Atlanta Market. A full list of programming is forthcoming.
Read more in the January issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Transpac Acquires Season’s Designs
Transpac, a leading supplier of seasonal and everyday gift and home décor company with close to three decades of global sourcing and manufacturing experience, has acquired Season’s Designs. Transpac has bought all Season’s Designs product offerings other than the Sports Licensed portion of the business. Season’s Designs compliments Transpac’s already strong market presence by expanding their key product categories, such as light up décor and stunning glass ornaments, while adding Christmas Trees and over-sized outdoor décor categories that are new to Transpac.
Season’s Designs will integrate into the Transpac organization leveraging the same sales representatives and Transpac’s strong infrastructure and market presence. Mike Davis, owner of Season’s Designs, will become part of the Transpac organization with his new role as Vice President of Product Development and Importing and will continue to assist in managing the overall success of the Season’s Designs brand.
“We are tremendously excited about the acquisition of Season’s Designs,” says Laurie Gilner, president and CEO of Transpac. “Season’s Designs has over 20-years of history of delighting retailers and consumers with wonderful seasonal products. We are very excited to expand our portfolio of products with such a well-respected company. We have looked for some time for the right partner and could not be more excited to have this new offering as a part of our organization along with the excellent sourcing and product development expertise that Mike brings to the company.”
Transpac expects a smooth transition and it will be business as usual for Season’s Designs. Season’s Designs will remain in the current location in Atlanta (Building 1 – 19th Floor, Suites B1-B3-B5-B7) and will be exploring opportunities for future market growth.
“Transpac offers Season’s Designs the opportunity to expand our product line to other seasons along with financial, operational, and leadership excellence that Season’s Designs can flourish under,” Davis said. “It also offers us national exposure with a strong network of outstanding sales representatives. We look forward to bringing even more innovative and unique product to market that we have long been known for. These are exciting times for Season’s Designs and our loyal customers.”
Gift for Life Raises Record Donations
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charity, marked its 30th anniversary by raising more money than ever for charitable causes. The total of $160,495 raised was through 15 fundraising campaigns held during 2022 including several new initiatives. Since its founding in 1992, the all-volunteer organization has motivated the gift and home industry to donate more than $6 million in connection with at-market events, cause marketing initiatives and direct donations.
“This year was record setting in several ways,” said Peter Schauben, Gift for Life founder. “We raised more money, we held more fundraising events and we launched new initiatives in order to help more people. It’s immensely gratifying that representatives from all areas of our industry – brands, buyers, sales agencies, market makers, media and industry suppliers – have stepped up to support our efforts so whole-heartedly.”
The record-setting 2022 fundraising benefitted Gift For Life’s current pandemic-inspired focus on crisis-related hunger relief as well its legacy mission connected to HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, education and advocacy. The majority of funds was raised for World Central Kitchen through more than a dozen fundraisers. In addition, a record $48,091 was raised by the 2022 Gift For Life/NY NOW AIDS Walk New York team.
Two additional fundraising initiatives – Crystal Media’s 10th Anniversary campaign and H.E.L.P. by T. Jazelle’s “Give Back Collection” custom-designed bracelet – will extend into 2023.
In the meantime, donations in honor of Gift for Life’s 30th Anniversary will be accepted through year-end at https://donate.wck.org/GFL30.
Read more about Gift for Life in the January issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Trager Promotes Execs to COO, Chief Sales Officer
Traeger, Inc. has promoted Jim Hardy to chief operating officer and Cole VandenAkker has been promoted to chief sales officer. Both will continue to report directly to CEO Jeremy Andrus.
“I am thrilled to announce the promotions of Jim and Cole. Today’s announcement is well-deserved recognition of their many contributions to the business,” Andrus said. “Since joining Traeger, Jim has been strongly committed to achieving operational excellence and has successfully led our supply chain function in a time of significant macroeconomic volatility. Cole has been a key driver of Traeger’s growth in the last several years and has a strong track record of success and dedication to the Company.
“Both Jim and Cole have demonstrated that their leadership and strategic expertise are of immense value to the Traeger organization, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we fulfill our vision to bring people together to create a more flavorful world.”
Jim Hardy has served as chief supply chain officer of Traeger since March 2021. He has over 35 years of operations experience, and previously served as chief operating officer of Fanatics, Inc. and executive vice president Global Operations of Under Armour, Inc.
Cole VandenAkker has served as Traeger’s EVP of Global Sales since May 2020 and oversaw all national aales prior to that appointment. Before joining Traeger in August 2014, Mr. VandenAkker headed corporate development for Backcountry.com and worked in Leucadia National Corporation’s Asset Management Group.
Traeger Grills, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is the creator and category leader of the wood pellet grill, an outdoor cooking system that ignites all-natural hardwoods to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue. Our grills are versatile and easy to use, empowering cooks of all skill sets to create delicious meals with a wood-fired flavor that cannot be replicated with gas, charcoal, or electric grills. Grills are at the core of Traeger’s platform and are complemented by Traeger wood pellets, rubs, sauces, and accessories.
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Bed Bath & Beyond Mourns Gustavo Arnal’s Death
Gustavo Arnal, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Bed Bath & Beyond, fell to his death from a New York skyscraper Sept. 2, which the company confirmed Sept. 4 with a press release:
The entire Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. organization is profoundly saddened by this shocking loss.
“I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Gustavo’s family. Gustavo will be remembered by all he worked with for his leadership, talent and stewardship of our Company. I am proud to have been his colleague, and he will be truly missed by all of us at Bed Bath & Beyond and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him,” said Harriet Edelman, independent chair of the Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Board of Directors. “Our focus is on supporting his family and his team and our thoughts are with them during this sad and difficult time. Please join us in respecting the family’s privacy.”
Arnal joined Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. in May 2020 following a distinguished global career in finance at Avon, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Procter & Gamble. At Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., Arnal was instrumental in guiding the organization throughout the coronavirus pandemic, transforming the Company’s financial foundation and building a strong and talented team. He was also an esteemed colleague in the financial community.
Though Gustavo Arnal’s LinkedIn page was taken down, tributes flowed in from colleagues and executives in the housewares industry.
“Although I never met Gustavo Arnal I have been shaken all day since hearing the news of his passing,” write Steve Greenspon, founder and CEO of Honey Can Do International. “My heart goes out to his loved ones.
“My company has been a longtime partner with Bed Bath and Beyond, so I follow their news closely and know many of their past of present executives. It has been publicly reported that he took his own life. By all accounts, he was a compassionate and personable individual.”
Greenspon included a message for those with suicidal thoughts to call or text NAMI at 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org.
“I worked in Gustavo’s close team for a couple of years while at P&G in Cincinnati,” wrote Eduardo Mercado, senior finance manager for US Advertising Yield and Pricing. “Incredibly sad news, as he was a figure that left a profound mark in me professionally. Makes you ponder the true value of work/life balance. Condolences to his family.”
Corporate wellness consultant Dr. Daryl Appleton noted, as did many others, that September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
“I am once again taken with the ongoing importance of discussing the dangers of severe stress in the workplace,” Appleton posted.
‘In a world of ‘quiet quits,’ workplace dissatisfaction and ‘the great resignation,’ it is absolutely more important than ever to reimagine workplace wellness. The line has shifted from wellbeing the sole responsibility of the individual and has bleed into the responsibilities of the organization.
+ Operationally define workplace boundaries, culture and wellness baselines and infuse these definitions into job descriptions and work practices.”
Appleton recommends:
- Providing c-suite specific workshops on evaluating best practices for work based on individual preferences and help identify ways for executives to work smarter and not harder.
- Updating training for managers on how to actually manage employees utilizing skills in conflict management, healthy communication and effective leadership.
- Getting rid of (dumb) wellness programs that are outdated and ineffective. Save reinvest it into something better.
- Strengthening and updating a network of resources in-house and externally for employees to utilize for the mental/ physical health personal as well as professional development.
Happy Labor Day Weekend From Kitchenware News & Housewares Review
All of us wish you a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend and hope you find time to time to relax, like our furry friend here.
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events.
We appreciate your interest in and readership of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review, your source for news in the housewares industry.
Regards,
AJ Flick (she/her)
Senior Editor
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Williams-Sonoma Brands Launch Halloween Goods
Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, launched Halloween season across the company’s entire portfolio of brands. Williams Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Mark & Graham have all moved up the launch of Halloween goods including festive tabletop, glassware, barware, entertaining, décor and costume collections to accommodate the early increase in demand for seasonal items as customers show interest in starting the celebration of Halloween earlier than ever before.
“Our in-house design teams – across all brands – have created a Halloween assortment that offers our customers unmatched quality and imaginative details that make you want to celebrate at the first sight of fall,” said Williams-Sonoma, Inc. President and CEO, Laura Alber. “Our customers know they can come to us for everything they need to create magical memories this Halloween season, whether they are celebrating at home by cooking, baking, decorating, hosting a party or dressing up in costumes as a family.”
Customers shopping and searching the Williams Sonoma website and retail stores, will find the brand’s largest Halloween collection to date. To help customers celebrate in style, Williams Sonoma expanded the brand’s most popular Halloween collections by offering 25% more product than previous years. New additions to the brand’s popular collaboration with PEANUTS feature Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown on items ranging from food and tabletop pieces to baking tools and glassware.
Collectors of William Sonoma’s in-house designed seasonal tabletop collections, will find new items for festive celebrations that perfectly complement new Halloween-inspired cocktail mixes, perishable food items and confections. In addition to new line extensions of popular collections, the Williams Sonoma brand also has exciting new Halloween product collaborations with Flour Shop, Butter Love & Hard Work, Pottery Barn Kids, Georgetown Cupcakes, Dash and more. The full Williams Sonoma Halloween assortment of tabletop, food, baking and tools, and décor can be found both in stores and online at Williams-Sonoma.com/Halloween.
Global design company West Elm has also launched an expanded Halloween assortment with even more design innovation to help customers celebrate the season in style. From slithering Metal Snake covered wine glasses to Terracotta Skull Candle Holders, the West Elm Halloween goods assortment has everything customers will need to curate a home that screams spooky-chic. Festive Halloween dinnerware and Trick-or-Treat Pillow Sets add a sweet edge to the collection. Customers are invited to shop the full assortment at westelm.com and can join the conversation on social with @westelm.
Pottery Barn has expanded their Halloween assortment with everything needed to get into the holiday spirit, from enchanted lanterns and outdoor lit décor, to skeleton drinkware and bar tools. For customers looking for a festive tabletop, Pottery Barn launched spirited dinnerware featuring friendly ghosts and pretty pumpkins for the ultimate Halloween spread. There’s also a range of new playful pillows, from cozy pumpkins in seasonal fall colors, to a ghost and bat shaped pillow in soft sherpa. The brand also launched additions to the PEANUTS collection with new tabletop and outdoor décor that brings the beloved comic-strip nostalgia to every home. Customers can visit Pottery Barn’s Halloween Shop for the full offering.
Pottery Barn Kids launched a Halloween assortment with trend-forward new styles and product innovations in costumes, treat bags, accessories, bedding, décor, and tabletop offered in the brand’s Halloween shop. From family costumes available in newborn through adult sizes, to festive bedding, Pottery Barn Kids is a one-stop-shop for any Halloween celebration. Customers looking for costumes will find Pottery Barn Kids offers options ranging from kid-favorite characters to spooky classics in a variety of styles. Finished with garment quality stitching, the costumes feature magical details that stand out, such as light-up LED capabilities and glow-in-the-dark icons. The brand’s in-house design atelier thoughtfully creates each piece with quality and style in mind. To match the costumes, customers can also add Pottery Barn Kids’ coordinating accessories and treat bags that can be personalized in a range of font and color options for a complete look. Pottery Barn Teen designed Halloween Bat string lights to add spooky detail to any space, and festive themed pajamas to get into the Halloween spirit. Customers can shop the Pottery Barn Kids Halloween and Pottery Barn Teen assortment by visiting PotteryBarnKids.com and PBTeen.com, and join the conversation on social media @potterybarnkids and @potterybarnteen.
For additional options in personalized Halloween celebrations, Mark & Graham is debuting the brand’s most extensive Halloween goods collection to date, offering items in key categories which include entertainment, home décor, games, accessories, and pet apparel. All items can be personalized with festive phrases, monograms, as well as bat and pumpkin icons. This year’s Mark & Graham Halloween goods collection ranges from a new Ghost Cheese Board to a customer favorite Candy Corn Dog Sweater. Additionally, the brand created a curated shop featuring inspiring ideas for product personalization with phrases like, “Here for the Boos,” “Eat, Drink & Be Scary” and “Witch’s Brew” on some of the other most popular entertainment items for Halloween parties.
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Bed Bath & Beyond Completes New Financing
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has completed its previously disclosed financing agreements.
The company has secured more than $500 million of new financing, including its newly expanded $1.13 billion asset-backed revolving credit facility and a new $375 million “first-in-last-out” facility. The refinancing of the ABL facility was led by J.P. Morgan, with Sixth Street Partners serving as the lender and agent for the company’s FILO facility. The enhanced liquidity is expected to be utilized to support immediate strategic priorities to drive traffic and sales and gain back customer relevance, including rebalancing the assortment and inventory position.
“Together with Sixth Street, J.P. Morgan and our banking partners, this new financing will bolster our liquidity and strengthen our balance sheet,” said Sue Gove, director and interim CEO. “We are pleased to announce this critical step in moving Bed Bath & Beyond in a positive direction by strengthening our financial positioning. We are committed to utilizing our resources to better serve our customers, drive growth, and recapture market share to deliver returns for all stakeholders.”
The financing was announced Aug. 31, along with other measures the company is taking after two bad quarters. Other measures include work reductions by about 20 percent across corporate and supply chain and accelerating growth of buybuy Baby.
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Meyer Debuts Circulon SteelShield ‘Drummer’ TV Ad
In support of its state-of-the-art Circulon SteelShield Technology Cookware, Meyer Corporation, U.S. debuted its groundbreaking Circulon SteelShield “Drummer” national television advertisement on Sept. 1.
The “Drummer” 30-second television ad spotlights the collection’s extremely durable hybrid nonstick and stainless steel cooking surface in an entirely new and unique way for the brand and the overall cookware category. Rather than taking the traditional approach of putting the cookware through its paces in a home kitchen setting, the “Drummer” ad playfully conveys the cookware’s durability message by showcasing a professional drum set made entirely from SteelShield pans.
The ad begins with talented Bay Area, Calif., drummer Jae Stix – who learned how to play drums with pots and pans when she was a child – taking her seat and beginning to strike the cookware using the stainless steel kitchen tools (cooking spoon and slotted spatula) that come with Circulon SteelShield cookware sets. Her ebullient and evocative drumming creates an entertaining music video with layers of sounds and mixing that’s captivating musically and visually. The ad concludes with the tagline “Circulon is built to perform. For life.”
Circulon’s fall season ad campaign will appear on more than 30 high profile television and digital media outlets, such as including CNN, Food Network, Cooking Channel, FX, HGTV, TLC, Discovery Channel and TNT, with an estimated reach of 84 million impressions.
Available at retail stores nationwide and at www.Circulon.com, Circulon SteelShield Cookware features the durability of steel with a hybrid surface that’s easier to clean than traditional stainless steel.
Circulon is a premier brand offered by California-based Meyer Corporation, one of the largest cookware companies in America. In addition to Circulon, brands sold by Meyer include Anolon, Farberware, KitchenAid, Rachael Ray, Ayesha Curry, Hestan, Ruffoni, BonJour, and LocknLock.
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BBQGuys Opens Latest Design Center
BBQGuys, a leading online retailer for grills and outdoor living products, has opened its latest BBQGuys Design Center in Alpharetta, Ga. The newly opened space is tailored for commercial and residential building partners and home owners alike who are looking to design a dream outdoor space. The 6,000-sf showroom features outdoor kitchen islands, along with the grills and outdoor lifestyle brands.
“We are very excited to bring our 20-plus years of industry experience and outdoor living expertise to Alpharetta with an in-person design center, allowing partners and consumers to interact with and design in a new and more personal way,” said CEO Russ Wheeler. “This BBQGuys Design Center has been cultivated to not only make the design process easier but a lot more fun for everyone involved.” The BBQGuys Design Center will provide wide exposure to the endless possibilities of amazing outdoor living. As experts in the outdoor living space, BBQGuys can inspire and assist everyone from the novice griller to the seasoned pro.
With more than 15 manufacturers on display, the design center showcases industry-leading outdoor kitchen equipment, grills, and smokers as well as fire pits, outdoor furniture, and cooking accessories. Blaze, the premium grill brand with timelessly elegant designs, purposeful engineering, the strongest materials, and a generous lifetime warranty, is also prominently featured.
“We welcome everyone to stop in and speak with our knowledgeable staff about the products on display, and design their dream outdoor kitchen,” said Charlie Bini, chief sales officer. “This design center is located in a unique destination that highlights the very best in all outdoor living products.”
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Snappy Names Ry Sullivan Chief Product Officer
Snappy, a New York-based tech gifting platform, has named Ry Sullivan as chief product officer. Sullivan joins Snappy from Carta, where he spent over five years leading platform product, design, UX and customer operations.
Sullivan will report to co-founder and CEO Hani Goldstein and will lead Snappy’s product team to its next phase of hypergrowth on its mission to be the world’s leading gift-giving platform.
“We truly believe Ry is the right person to take the product helm here at Snappy. He cares deeply about putting customer needs at the heart of our product and embraces our core values at every level,” Goldstein said. ”We’re committed to building a product that continues to spread smiles across the world, and I know Ry’s expertise will be invaluable to our team, customers, and partners as we head into our next phase of growth.”
Sullivan will be responsible for guiding the vision and strategy of product roadmap to drive growth and innovation. The new hire also reflects the company’s desire to create an even bigger impact for their customers so they can spread more delight through their gift-giving platform than ever before.
“It’s a privilege to join Snappy during this time of explosive growth, and I’m looking forward to helping grow our Product, Engineering and UX teams globally,” Sullivan said. “I truly believe Snappy has a real opportunity to build the #1 gifting platform in the world, and I’m honored to be a part of the journey.”
Founded in 2015, Snappy completed a $70M Series C funding round in May of 2021 and was recently named the fastest-growing company in the Northeast for the second year in-a-row by Inc. Magazine with a two-year revenue growth of 5184%. Snappy has become the trusted partner to over 2,500 enterprise customers including Microsoft, Salesforce, Comcast and Uber, and has sent millions of gifts worldwide.
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IMC’s Fall Market Approaches
International Market Centers‘ Fall Market provides home and gift buyers with three days of tailored education, amenities and events alongside 400+ showroom resources, Sept. 19-21 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Fall Market is the perfect time for designers and retailers to come together not only to learn about upcoming trends in design but also to source and shop,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC chief marketing and digital officer. “We are looking forward to another incredible season of education and order writing with the industry at AmericasMart Atlanta.”
Fall Market education will take place as “Lunch and Learn” seminars Monday through Wednesday, with lunch at 11:30 and education at noon, in the Building 1, Floor 14 Seminar Space. The sessions, which will address social media algorithms, design coaching and turning key challenges in your business to wins are brought to Fall Market by JuniperMarket.
An entertaining and interactive game show opens the event schedule on opening day of market. On Monday, Sept. 19 at noon, MC’s first Fall Market Gameshow will be an educational and interactive panel over lunch.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Paula Ersly, head of social strategy at Acadia, will present Social Media: How to Beat the Algorithm. This session will cover strategies to outsmart social media apps and remain in control of the audiences that see and engage with brands online.
On Wednesday, Sept. 21, Gail Doby, business coach and consultant, will present How to Build an Amazing Team in a Competitive Market. The session will address expectations of prospective hires; when, who and why to hire; and mistakes to avoid when hiring. The seminar will conclude with a Q&A session.
Buyers and suppliers can mingle and celebrate with the industry over light bites and crafty cocktails at the Fall Market Celebration, Monday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. in the newly renovated Designer Workspace, located in Building 1, Floor 15.
Buyers can enjoy daily amenities during Fall Market, beginning with cappuccinos and iced coffee by Café Fwi in the Building 2 lobby from 9-11 a.m. Additionally, retailers and designers can relax and network over Bourbon Slushies in The Gardens on Monday from 2-4 p.m., Cookies & Milk in Building 1, Floor 16, on Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. and Petite Fall Desserts in Building 2, Floor 17, on Wednesday from 3-4 p.m.
Fall Market at AmericasMart Atlanta is being held in partnership with DISCOVER ADAC at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center for the fourth consecutive year. The two design-focused markets will offer top-of-the-line product selections from leading home décor, lifestyle, furniture and rug brands, providing attendees access to AmericasMart’s 400+ Open Year Round showrooms as well as ADAC’s 65+ showrooms.
Buyers at the Southeast’s premier dual-venue design destination can draw inspiration from unique “Behind the Windows” vignettes showcasing the exclusive and complementary design resources available across both venues. The two coordinated vignettes will be merchandised and curated by leading Atlanta interior designer, Lia Shin of C+H Interiors. To facilitate cross-campus sourcing and shopping, IMC will operate free shuttles between AmericasMart and ADAC on Sept. 20-21.
Additionally, participants in Fall Market will have access to complimentary parking in the American Cancer Society lot, directly across the street from AmericasMart Atlanta, throughout the duration of the design event.
For updates on the housewares and giftware industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Dairy Queen Debuts Pillow Collection
In anticipation of the new Fall Blizzard Treat Menu, American Dairy Queen Corporation is debuting a festive throw pillow collection, designed and scented to flavor your home. Available in two sets of three pillows inspired by – and scented as – the new Fall Blizzard Treat Menu, the pillow flights add a touch of seasonal inspiration to your space while filling it with the sweet smells of fall, including cinnamon, pumpkin and more.
Perfectly designed for the season, the first pillow flight centers around a soft swirled cinnamon roll-shaped pillow that looks and smells fresh out of the oven in honor of the Cinnamon Roll Centers Blizzard Treat. It’s accompanied by two square accent pillows in shades of cocoa and rich cream for the OREO Hot Cocoa Blizzard Treat, and red and pink for the Very Cherry Chip Blizzard Treat, putting the cherry on top of any space.
The second pillow flight offers fragrant fresh-baked flair with a statement pillow scented and designed like a slice of pumpkin pie for the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat. It’s accented by square pillows that feature a seasonal sprinkle of chocolate, caramel and cream for the SNICKERS Brownie Blizzard Treat and a rich orange, perfectly hued and scented like the REESE’S Take 5 Blizzard Treat.
“Each year, our Fall Blizzard Treat Menu offers the popular flavors of fall, and the new pillow flights bring our fan-favorite treats to life in a fresh way with scents and style,” said Maria Hokanson, executive vice president, marketing at ADQ. “Our fans will be inspired to grab a Blizzard Treat, snuggle up and take in the scents of the season with friends and family.”
Fans can enter for a chance to win* one of the Blizzard Treat-scented pillow flights by heading to @DairyQueen Instagram, Facebook or Twitter between Sept. 7-16 and look for posts dedicated to the Fall Blizzard Treat Menu Pillow Flight. There, they can enter by following @DairyQueen and commenting with their favorite Fall Blizzard Treat Menu flavor and using #DQPillowSweepstakes (limit one comment per post). Full sweepstakes rules can be found at DQ.com.
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Bed Bath & Beyond to Announce Business, Strategic Update
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. will hold a conference call to provide a business and strategic update on Aug. 31 at 8:15 a.m. EDT.
“We recognize the strong interest in our company and our plans to better serve customers, recapture market share, drive growth and profitability, ensure our vendors are supported, and strengthen our balance sheet,” said Sue Gove, director and interim CEO. “We look forward to providing an update on our business next week, including a preview of strategies and changes being implemented across the enterprise to deliver results for all stakeholders.
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.’s strategic update conference call may be accessed by dialing 1-404-400-0571, or if international, 1-866-374-5140, and entering passcode ID number 58295059#. A live audio webcast of the conference call, along with the press release, will also be available on the Investor Relations section of our website at http://bedbathandbeyond.gcs-web.com/investor-relations. The webcast will be available for replay after the call.
In late June, amid a Q1 sales decline of 25 percent, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. made significant changes to its senior leadership to focus on reversing recent results, addressing supply chain and inventory and strengthening its balance sheet. Gove, an independent director on the company’s board of directors and chair of the board’s strategy committee, was named interim CEO, replacing Mark Tritton, who left his role as president and CEO and as a member of the board.
The company named Mara Sirhal as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, replacing Joe Hartsig, who left the company.
In addition, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. also named Laura Crossen as senior vice president of finance and chief accounting officer, and Susie A. Kim as senior vice president of treasury and investor relations.
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Kuhn Rikon USA Relocates HQ to Nashville
To better serve North and South American markets, Kuhn Rikon USA, has relocated its corporate headquarters from Petaluma, Calif., to Nashville, Tenn.
“This new location offers us several advantages including, lower operating costs, lower taxes and a simpler business environment. It’s also central to our U.S. based customers and our warehouse, which is an additional advantage,” said Mark Adkison, president. “The Nashville market is regularly recognized as one of the leading locations in the country for top-quality talent recruitment. This will enable us to bring in the best people to support our continued growth,” he continued.
The team in Nashville will be composed of Adkison; sales director, Sonja Berton; marketing & e-commerce director, Melissa Ledbetter; VP of finance, Karl Russ; and office administrator, Erica Sanchez. The new address is: Kuhn Rikon Corporation, 402 BNA Drive, Suite 112 Nashville, TN 37217, 615-639-1014 or 1-800-662-5882. Questions regarding the transition can be directed to Adkison, Berton or Russ.
Kuhn Rikon is the #1 brand of Swiss cookware and cooks’ tools sold worldwide. The Swiss brand manufacturer inspires the world of cooking with innovative products to prepare, serve and enjoy special moments around the table. Kuhn Rikon is a family-owned company with headquarters in Rikon, Switzerland, with subsidiaries in Great Britain, Spain and the United States. For more information visit www.kuhnrikon.com.
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Conimar Group Acquires Thirstystone
Conimar Group, LLC has acquired Thirstystone, a division of Cambridge Silversmiths Ltd. and an industry leader offering functional tabletop and serveware products.
“We are excited to welcome Thirstystone into the Conimar family of brands. Thirstystone is an ideal complement to the Conimar product lines,” said Terry Crawford, CEO of Conimar. “For more than three decades, Thirstystone has been a premier manufacturer of decorative coasters, a core category for Conimar. The addition of the Thirstystone brand provides a significant opportunity for growth of our existing product offerings, while expanding into new tabletop and serveware categories.”
Conimar Group is a family-owned American company founded in 1976, manufacturing quality tabletop, housewares, giftware, and home decor products at the headquarters in Ocala, Fla., in Springfield, Tenn., and now Gainesville, Texas. Products are marketed worldwide under Highland Home, CounterArt, Cala Home and Chop Chop brands.
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Shoppe Object Summer Show Doubles Attendance
Six months after its acquisition by International Market Centers, Shoppe Object’s summer home and gift market celebrated its biggest show yet with doubled attendance from the previous year – and an increase of 20 percent over the February edition.
Shoppe Object presented an expanded hybrid market of more than 500 brands to top retailers from around the country and abroad, and as the market wrapped, Shoppe Object passed the 50 percent mark in presales for even greater expansion planned for the February 2023 market.
Show founder and creative director Jesse James summed up the growth as a testament to the show’s spirit of community.
“At Shoppe Object, we talk a lot about building community,” James said, “and it’s not just lip service. We have worked tirelessly over the last six months, with the help of our new partners at IMC, to double down on our commitment to quality, discovery and curation, bringing more great brands and retailers together at this summer’s market than ever before.”
A global audience traveled to Shoppe Object’s waterside home at Pier 36 along Manhattan’s East River in mid-August to explore an impressive roster of design-driven brands in diverse categories, including tabletop, home textiles, beauty and wellness, books, stationery, housewares, kids, apparel and accessories.
Attendees from all 50 states and five continents visited Shoppe Object, including larger retailers such as Anthropologie, Arhaus, Barnes & Noble, Bergdorf Goodman, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Crate&Barrel, Design Within Reach, Food52, Garnet Hill, J. Crew, Kohls, Liberty of London, Lord & Taylor, Magnolia Market, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, Saks Fifth Avenue, Urban Outfitters, Wayfair, West Elm and World Market, as well as premier independent retailers from throughout North America.
“Shoppe Object is the can’t-miss show of the season,” said Aja Aktay, senior designer for tabletop, seasonal & functional accessories at Crate&Barrel. “The Crate&Barrel design team attends every year to take in the trends and colors of the season, and scout for up-and-coming makers and illustrators. We are always looking for opportunities to collaborate and connect within the artisan community.”
“It’s the best place to find the most interesting designers right now,” said Christiane Celle, founder of Calypso St. Barth and owner of CLIC with 10 locations in New York and California. “It’s very colorful and happy. I came for the whole three days. I have to say that, honestly, it’s the best show.”
Sales on Shoppe Object’s first-to-market hybrid model includes digital integration on the show floor with Shoppe Online – the show’s year-round B2B e-commerce platform – where sales during the market days were equally robust. During the three-day market, sales on Shoppe Online increased by 35 percent over last season, and the platform’s QR-code technology saw a 30 percent increase over the previous market in activity from the show floor, allowing buyers to easily follow up on favorite brands and products post-market.
Celle, who is a frequent Shoppe Online visitor, is a big fan.
“I love the platform. The way it’s curated – it’s amazing. You can buy Kids, you can buy Library, you can buy Fashion – you can book the sale, close the sale, put in your credit card and it’s done.”
The show has continued to attract new brands each season, targeting an increase of at least 25 percent. First-time exhibitor Felicia Ferrone founded her international company of fine glassware, fferrone, in 2010, which she primarily exhibits at shows in Europe.
“From a commercial perspective,” she said, “this was the best show I have ever done due to the sheer number of highly qualified, high-end retailers who were ready to do business and who really understand and appreciate good design.
“From a design perspective, Shoppe Object truly is curated in its brand selection, which yielded only great products from great companies. As the design director for my own brand, the show gave me so much energy because of the many wonderful designers and makers who inspired me through the great work they exhibited.”
Heading into 2023, Shoppe Object is poised for continued growth at its familiar Pier 36 location, with plans to annex new space that will expand the footprint of their show floor by another 30 percent. The list of brands already contracted to exhibit at the Winter 2023 show includes Areaware, Assouline, Blomus, Caskata, Fog Linen, Mohinders, Phaidon, Saved New York, Studio Carta, and more than 60 brands represented by Aesthetic Movement and Karen Alweil Studio.
As contracts from current exhibitors continue to flow in, the Shoppe Object sales team is preparing to begin the process of contracting new brands beginning Aug. 22.
“Our goal is to continue to show a selection of the best brands in the world, and to continue to expand on our key home and lifestyle categories,” said Renata Bokalo, director of sales. “For the summer show, we sold out more than three months in advance, and for the first time ever we are already close to 50 percent pre-sold for February.
“It’s not just about more brands and more buyers – it’s about attracting the most compelling, inspiring products that will continue to bring the best retailers to our unique and growing market. The show may have just ended, but we are already full speed ahead.”
The next Shoppe Object will take place Feb. 5-7.
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Locked Out Again? Poo! (No, Really … Lucky Line’s Doggie Doo Hider Can Help)
Lucky Line Products, Inc. is excited to introduce the Doggie Doo Key Hider, another great addition to the Key Hider line. The Doggie Doo Key Hider ensures your spare keys are safe and hidden where no one will dare to look.
A great way to guarantee you never get locked out again, they’re made from durable material that resists damage in outdoor weather conditions and the textured surface resembles real doggie doo. (We don’t want to ask the research that went into that. – KN)
The large inner cavity measures 1-1/4 inches wide x 3 inches long x 7/8 inch deep and is large enough to hide multiple keys. The plastic insert on the bottom holds keys securely. The Doggie Doo Key Hider, Item #90501, measures 3-1/2 inches wide x 4 inches long x 1-1/2 inches high. It is sold one per clamshell and is available to order in packs of three.
The Doggie Doo Key Hider is also available to order as a Display Box, Item #90561, which includes 10 pieces per box.
Lucky Line Products, Inc., a San Diego company for more than 50 years, has created innovative solutions to key handling and key organization problems. From key tags to Tough Links to Key Shapes, Lucky Line delivers more than 500 quality products with exceptional service.
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Top Housewares Brands Returning to Inspired Home Show in 2023
Top housewares brands that were unable to participate in The Inspired Home Show 2022 are committing to returning to the Show in 2023, the International Housewares Association announced. More than 100 exhibitors that sat out the 2022 Show have already submitted space applications for the 2023 Show, which is set for March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Among the returning exhibitors to date are:
- Addis Housewares
- Aroma Housewares
- Artland
- ASD Electrical Equipment
- Atlantic Promotions
- Bradshaw Home
- Brod & Taylor
- Cambridge Silversmiths
- Chantal
- Core Home
- Coway Co.
- Cuisinart
- Danica
- Dexas International
- Emson/E. Mishan & Sons
- Enchante Accessories
- Epilady USA
- Epoca International
- Etekcity
- Fit & Fresh
- Formula Brands
- Free-Free (USA)
- Galanz Americas
- Genieco
- Godinger Silver Art
- Handi-Foil
- HDS Trading
- HMS Mfg.
- Holstein Housewares
- Hutzler Mfg.Co.
- Lifetime Brands
- Lipper International
- Made by Gather
- Mr. Bar-B-Q
- MUkitchen
- Nellie’s Clean
- Nespresso USA
- Nordic Ware
- Over and Back
- OXO
- PackIt
- Polder Products
- Pro-Mart Industries
- Productos de Plastico
- Progressive International
- Regal Ware
- SodaStream USA
- Spectrum Brands
- Takeya USA
- Technivorm-Moccamaster
- Thermos
- Tristar Products
- Vivitar Sakar
- Westinghouse Electric
- ZeroWater
“We were one of the brands that sat out of The Inspired Home Show 2022,” said Rob Michelson, president and CCO, Bradshaw Home. “Although COVID concerns made our participation impossible this past year, we are very excited and enthusiastic to get back to the Show in 2023 and rebuild those face-to-face engagements that are critical to our success.”
“As face-to-face events continue to rebound, we are thankful for the support of our exhibitors and the buying community in keeping The Inspired Home Show the premier housewares marketplace,” said Derek Miller, IHA president & CEO. “Our industry is most successful when it comes together, and it’s wonderful to see the support from so many companies and brands. IHA will continue to work to make the 2023 Show as meaningful and productive as possible for the benefit of all attendees.”
The Inspired Home Show 2023 will take place March 4-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Buyer registration is open at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Register. Companies interested in exhibiting at the Show can find more information at TheInspiredHomesShow.com/Exhibit.
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Igloo, NFL Release Football Team Coolers
Igloo, in partnership with the National Football League, revealed the first NFL KoolTunes lineup of Playmate coolers with built-in Bluetooth speakers. Featuring throwback designs for seven fan-favorite teams, this special-edition collection is available now online.
“We’re incredibly pumped to collaborate with the NFL to release the ultimate game day cooler for the 2022 NFL season and beyond,” said Adrienne Berkes, vice president of marketing at Igloo. “Through our fun, team-branded NFL KoolTunes coolers featuring wireless speakers, football superfans can bring the music and the ice-cold drinks to every tailgate while repping their team!”
Igloo’s new collection of NFL KoolTunes features custom throwback artwork for seven fan-favorite teams. The designs pay tribute to each football team’s historic marks and some of the biggest trends in retro NFL athletic wear. The lineup includes a special-edition KoolTunes for the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.
The NFL KoolTunes Playmate cooler, $174.99, features:
- Wireless twin speaker stereo design with premium audio and punchy bass
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless pairing technology
- IP56-rated water- and dust-resistant design
- Up to 10 hours of audio playtime on a single charge
- Rechargeable internal lithium-ion battery
- 14-quart capacity that can fit up to 26 standard 12-ounce cans
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RISE Pavilions Showcase Women-Owned Brands
JuniperMarket’s RISE pavilions created dynamic new synergies between physical and digital markets – resulting in hundreds of new connections and business-building sales – for 18 participating women-owned brands in July. Through the pilot program, a curated selection of brands now live on JuniperMarket by IMC, the industry’s new B2B ecommerce platform, also exhibited in-person as part of showcase presentations at the summer 2022 editions of IMC’s Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market.
“RISE was a perfect way to solidify the link between IMC’s physical and digital markets,” said Bill Furlong, CEO of Juniper by IMC. “The RISE pavilions in Atlanta and Las Vegas served as places of discovery, education, community and commerce for buyers and sellers alike.”
Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market buyers embraced the RISE brands, placing nearly $71,000 in orders from the 18 participating sellers. RISE participants also reported some 450+ connections made at the markets, from leading retailers such as Loop & Tie and Uncommon Goods, as well as member-based organizations such as the Fair Trade Federation and Museum Store Association, setting up a pipeline for additional post-market sales on JuniperMarket.com. The RISE pavilions also offered sellers invaluable exposure to trade and consumer media including Good Morning America and Oprah Daily.
Overwhelmingly, the RISE brands deemed the Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Markets as positive experiences with nearly all of the 18 women-owned brands planning to continue to exhibit. Collectively, brands reported the RISE experience was “life-changing, collaborative, enlightening, encouraging, supportive, community driven, empowering and inspiring.”
Showing at the Markets made real impacts for these small-businesses. Veronika Payne of jewelry brand Ora Ana said, “RISE was so much more than I expected. I not only have cash on hand, which opens opportunities, I also received incredible feedback from industry veterans. RISE has proven to me that I have a viable product and business.” Payne reported making 84 percent of her brand’s annual recurring revenue at the markets over the course of nine days.
Cathy Gomez of 700 Rivers, seller of soaps hand-crafted by Bangladeshi artisans who have escaped human trafficking, added, “The RISE program gave my business a huge boost by supporting our first wholesale market. This is an experience that would not have been financially feasible for my small business otherwise. I came back from the market ready to fulfill orders and to dream bigger!”
Summer 2022 inaugural RISE exhibitors were 700 Rivers, Amy Zhang, ANOVÉ, Ardor Bin, Becalia Botanicals, daph., Duebest, EATABLE, Gleam Eyewear, JJ Paperie & Co, Modern Theory, Naked Bar Soap Co., Ora Ana, Ordinary Habit, Salut, Soil to Studio, Us Two Tea and Verve Culture. The 18 brands – 15 of which are led by women of color – joined JuniperMarket as part of IMC’s acquisition of the Dough ecommerce platform in early 2022.
The brands were selected and mentored in market preparation for RISE by JuniperMarket by IMC Vice President of Social Impact Vanessa Bruce. These RISE brands are live now at JuniperMarket.com, collectively bringing 3,000+ products (personal care, specialty food & beverage, home textiles, jewelry and fashion accessories, gifts, social stationery, housewares and more) to the ecommerce platform.
Launched in January 2021, JuniperMarket is a multi-line B2B ecommerce platform powered by International Market Centers, which allows home décor, gift, furniture and apparel buyers and sellers to connect anytime and anywhere. JuniperMarket features a breadth and depth of gift, home and lifestyle product from many of the most trusted brands in the marketplace. New sellers and new products are added daily to JuniperMarket, keeping offerings fresh year-round, and enabling buyers to diversify assortments and maintain a competitive edge.
“RISE furthers IMC’s mission to support values-based commerce and to bring new perspectives to our community of brands,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC. “We plan to build upon the success of our inaugural efforts by repeating – and expanding – this showcase of women-owned brands at future markets.”
The winter 2023 markets run Jan. 11-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta, and Jan. 29-Feb. 2 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
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QVC, Housewares Charity Foundation Reteam for Feeding America Fundraiser
QVC and the Housewares Charity Foundation have joined forces once again to present Living for Giving, a cross-platform shopping event to support Feeding America. Following a successful campaign in 2021, the second annual Living for Giving features national name brand houseware products at discounted prices and directs 70 percent of the purchase price (excluding shipping and tax) to benefit Feeding America’s efforts to fight hunger through a network of food banks in U.S. communities.
Living for Giving is now live on all QVC TV, digital, streaming and social platforms and runs through Oct. 28.
“Through Living for Giving, we’re presenting our customers a meaningful opportunity to shop national brand home products for a great cause, at reduced prices,” said Suzanne Quigley, director of corporate responsibility and community affairs for Qurate Retail Group. “In collaboration with the Housewares Charity Foundation, the event combines the generosity of our incredible community of vendors with QVC’s extensive vCommerce and digital reach to help raise awareness and funds for Feeding America and their mission to provide hunger-relief across the U.S.”
On Aug. 31, QVC program hosts David Venable and Alberti Popaj will anchor a two-hour live broadcast from 6 to 8 p.m. ET, featuring such notable brands as Mrs. Prindable’s, Rastelli’s, Cuisinart, Ninja, Dash, Geoffrey Zakarian, Just Bagels and more.
“For the second year in a row, the Housewares Charity Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with QVC and Feeding America in this Living for Giving event,” said Barbara Westfield, member, board of directors, the Housewares Charity Foundation. “Our Foundation is committed to helping fight hunger in this country and support those vulnerable to lack of nutrition with millions of meals. Our vendor community is devoted to sharing generously and supporting Living for Giving.”
In 2021, Living for Giving generated more than $670,000 to support Feeding America, which helped to provide more than 6.7 million meals to families in need. For more than 40 years, Feeding America has responded to the needs of people facing hunger in the United States.
The painful reality of hunger is playing out in every community across the country. Each $1 helps to provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.
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Holiday Shopping Expected to Decline
U.S. adults are expecting to reduce their spending on holiday shopping this year, as inflation has attributed to financial concerns for consumers. According to those surveyed by Opinium for Digital River, top of mind are summer vacations and the pending holidays.
- 67 percent of consumers surveyed have reduced their spending on “non-essential” items in the last six months (including vacations and holiday shopping)
- 40 percent are spending less on summer vacations, including 49 percent who are reducing travel expenses
- Over a third (38 percent) expect to spend less at Christmas this year, while another third (32 percent) are planning to spend the same as usual
Although U.S. consumers are actively looking to support their budgets through decreased spending on non-essential items such as vacations and holiday shopping, online purchasing remains high. In fact, 42 percent of U.S. adults shared that they make an online transaction at least once a week.
- 39 percent have shopped online more frequently in the past six months
- 54 percent expect to increase their online shopping tendencies due to convenience
- Despite growth in ecommerce, 45 percent note not being able to see products in-person as a major barrier of online shopping, followed up delivery price (35 percent)
Of those surveyed who were already using Buy Now Pay Later, 64 percent of U.S. online shoppers say they have used this payment method more often in the last six months when buying online. Half (51 percent) used BNPL as a convenient way of paying, followed by squeezed finances (48 percent) and increased product costs (44 percent). In comparison:
- 60 percent of credit card users are using this payment method about the same as usual
- 31 percent of credit card users are using their card more
- Among those using their card more, 44 percent say it is due to convenience, followed by tighter budgets (42 percent) and increased product costs (40 percent)
For every kind of good, whether purchased online or in-person, U.S. shoppers have noted price increases in the last six months. Seventy-one percent of consumers have noticed heightened prices in-person over the last six months, compared to 67 percent who have noticed rising online prices.
- For those who have noted pricing increases online, 47 percent have reduced their online shopping as a result, followed by 35 percent who have tried to find discount codes, and 29 percent who have used comparison sites more frequently
- Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of US online shoppers say they want more help from retailers to deal with rising prices caused by inflation
- Without this, online shopping is expected to lessen in popularity, with 49 percent of consumers agreeing that online purchases would be first to go if they needed to reduce their spending
“We’ve seen how inflation has impacted our economy: consumers told us they are decreasing their spending across the board, most notably on special occasions, including holiday shopping and vacations,” said Ted Rogers, chief revenue officer at Digital River. “However, our research has shown the pace of online spending isn’t expected to slow down despite the squeeze on finances. Brands must ensure they have optimized their digital stores to make the shopping journey as transparent and friction-free as possible, making sure consumers aren’t surprised by any extra costs.”
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Industry Events Combine for Housewares Homecoming
Two critical International Housewares Association educational summits, CHESS: Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession and the International Business Council’s Global Forum, will be held in person this fall along with a new event by the recently formed Housewares Credit Group. Under the banner Housewares Homecoming, the three events will take place together for the first time, uniting industry alumni, veterans and peers for insights and discussions around the most critical topics facing home + housewares suppliers today.
CHESS and the Global Forum will take place Sept. 22-23 at the Westin Hotel in Rosemont, Ill., near O’Hare Airport. The HCG meeting will be held Sept. 21 at IHA’s offices in Rosemont and with a hybrid virtual option.
CHESS is IHA’s strategic and networking event for industry leaders. It is designed for chief officers of all IHA member companies and their top decision-makers and features sessions on critical issues affecting housewares, this year including an economic outlook discussing the markets and mid-term elections, e-commerce brand control, consumer valuation, optimizing physical retail and creating opportunities on Web 3.0.
Other sessions will include the annual Housewares Hot Seat panel featuring housewares supplier chief executives discussing remaining proactive in a reactive marketplace. The panel will include Luke Peters, president & CEO, NewAir, and Jacob Maurer, CEO, The Americas, The Cookware Company. Peter Giannetti, editor-in-chief, HomePage News, will moderate the session. In addition, The NPD Group will offer a post-COVID playbook for retail and the home industry and market research and analytics specialists CivicScience will discuss macro consumer trends affecting home goods.
Phillip Neuhart, senior vice president & director of market and economic research at First Citizen’s Bank Wealth Management, will examine current economic and market conditions and share his outlook. Market-driving topics will include Fed policy, inflation, the labor market, consumer spending, economic growth and the mid-term elections.
CHESS is sponsored by Pattern, CIT, Oracle Netsuite and The Lakewood Group.
The Global Forum is the annual meeting of the IBC, a special interest group of IHA members dedicated to global marketing and sales. Sessions are applicable for both suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives seeking growth in their global business and will feature presentations by global retailers and distributors speaking on their markets and best practices for suppliers selling to their firms. Among the key presentations, Mexican distributor Tendencias y Conceptos will offer insights on the home and housewares market in Mexico.
IHA’s global offices and representatives will present the top opportunities for sales in their markets based on current economic conditions, top retailers and consumer demand. Office and reps attending will represent Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, India, Mexico and the UK. Networking sessions will allow attendees to leverage their peers’ knowledge to troubleshoot challenges faced by home + housewares suppliers selling into global markets. In addition, The NPD Group and CHESS sponsor Pattern will lead discussions on global sales insights.
The Housewares Credit Group is a cooperative effort between IHA and Riemer Plus for IHA member financial executives. Members receive an in-depth look at retailer credit standings to help mitigate risk in their sales portfolios. The event will include a financial analysis led by Reimer Plus of national retailers including At Home, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Tuesday Morning, Wayfair and more; group account discussions including best practices and exchange of account information — all strictly adhering to anti-trust laws; and a presentation on bankruptcy by Brent Weisenberg, senior counsel at Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, explaining everything suppliers need to know before a customer files bankruptcy.
More information and links to registration for each meeting are available on the event webpage.
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AmericasMart, ADAC Present 4th Dual Event
AmericasMart Atlanta and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center are collaborating for the fourth consecutive year to create the Southeast’s premier dual-venue design destination, Sept. 19-22. The two design-focused markets will offer top-of-the-line product selections from leading home décor, lifestyle, furniture and rug brands between Fall Market at AmericasMart, Sept. 19-21, and Discover ADAC at ADAC, Sept. 20-22.
“Together, AmericasMart and ADAC create a design destination offering a full-package of resources, networking and education that allows retailers to easily source the product they need,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers. “Between both locations, Atlanta will be the peak of design trends this September.”
All trade registrants for Fall Market and Discover ADAC will have access to ADAC’s 65+ high design home décor, lifestyle and furniture showrooms in Buckhead and AmericasMart’s 400+ Open Year-Round showrooms displaying nearly 2,000 lines in home décor, lifestyle, gift and apparel in Downtown Atlanta. To facilitate travel between both locations, IMC will provide a free, hourly shuttle between the two campuses on overlapping market days, Tuesday, Sept. 20 and Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Beyond exhibits, Fall Market and Discover ADAC participants can draw inspiration from unique “Behind the Windows” vignettes installed at both design venues. The two coordinated vignettes, which will be merchandised and curated by leading Atlanta interior designer, Lia Shin of C+H Interiors, will showcase the exclusive and complementary design resources available across both campuses.
As an added benefit, attendees will have access to seminars and networking events with some of the top industry leaders in design. A full schedule of sessions will be available in the coming weeks at Americasmart.com/Year-Round/Calendar-of-Events and ADACatlanta.com/discover-adac.
“What I love about our partnership with AmericasMart is that we have become a fall design destination for the Southeast,” said Katie Miner, ADAC general manager. “It’s a wonderful time for designers to shop both campuses and for design enthusiasts to have access to events, designers and more during that week. We’re a one-stop-resource between both campuses to find everything. If you are in the business of design, this is THE time to head to Atlanta.”
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GAMUT Creates Seal of Approval for Adaptive Products
GAMUT Management, the leading consulting and talent management company with and for the population of people with disabilities has created a GAMUT Seal of Approval, a mark to signify authenticity and inclusion of PWDs in the development and marketing of adaptive products, including housewares.
The seal was created to reassure consumers that a stringent set of requirements developed by experts in the disability space have been met. The seal was created based on feedback from members of the population questioning the authenticity of brands entering into the adaptive space.
The announcement coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, amplifying the significance of Disability Pride Month. Because people with disabilities are often left out of the consumer product conversation, they vehemently demand that brands are intentional and can demonstrate that they take a holistic and thorough approach to developing products for PWDs, with PWDs.
The GAMUT Seal of Approval process can be used to evaluate a wide variety of product categories, with an initial focus on clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, beauty and housewares. Companies can apply to earn the Seal for Adaptive products and will go through GAMUT’s rigorous process, which includes a third party evaluation from PWDs, academics, researchers, physical and occupational therapists, experts in the Adaptive space and designers.
The first product that will earn the GAMUT Seal of Approval is an adidas adaptive backpack, which is slated to launch in 2023.
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iDesign Collaborates With Rosanna Pansino for Container Store Collection
Global storage, home décor and organizational products company iDesign has announced a new product line made in collaboration with New York Times bestselling author and YouTube star Rosanna Pansino available exclusively at The Container Store. The Rosanna Pansino Collection by iDesign includes clear storage bins, canisters, mixing bowls, turntables, a cake dome, and more. The products are made of sustainable materials including 100% recycled clear plastic, bio-filled recycled plastic and Paulownia wood.
The collection will feature sleek and stylish Coconut and Clear colorways, with a total of 40 customizable home organization products. Made with 100% recycled plastic, the clear storage containers help reduce plastic waste by an average of 39 water bottles each.
With over 3 billion views and 20 million global followers across her social media platforms, Rosanna is one of the top 5 food influencers in the world. She has one of the most popular cooking channels on YouTube and is one of the highest-paid content creators on the platform. As an award-winning cooking content creator, Rosanna knows how to create a beautifully organized kitchen that is a joy to cook in.
“Home organization is something I’ve always been passionate about. Many people think of the kitchen or closet when it comes to organizing, but every single room of the house can be put together in a way that makes your life easier,” says Rosanna Pansino. “I love how sustainable this new home organization line is, and iDesign is the perfect partner with their laser focus on sustainability being what sets them apart from other houseware product companies. Together, we are finding every way possible to make products of the future.”
The perfect combination of style and function, this collection is a sustainable way to organize any living space – big or small. All storage options are customizable with the ability to mix and match with dividers and inserts.
“At iDesign, we’re proud to create high-quality, innovative products within the housewares industry and this unique collection is a continuation of that effort,” said Aaron Taylor, Senior Vice President of Global eCommerce and Marketing. “Collaborating on this collection made perfect sense given Ro’s cooking expertise and our passion for developing sustainable home organization solutions.”
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ZLine Holds First Anniversary Sale, Celebrating 15 Years
The home renovation market continues to flourish, with more than 55 percent of homeowners planning a renovation or upgrade in 2022. To celebrate a major milestone while helping those interested in purchasing new appliances save money amid inflation, luxury kitchen and bath appliance maker ZLine is marking 15 years of business with its biggest anniversary sale.
Through Aug. 23, consumers can receive up to 60 percent off ZLine best sellers at all authorized retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair and The Range Hood Store.
The sale spans the full line of ranges, range hoods, refrigerators, microwaves, sinks, and more.
“ZLine was founded with a mission – to create appliances that bring luxury, style, functionality and, above all, value to the most important and frequently used spaces in our home,” said Andrew Zuro, founder and president of ZLine . “Now as we enter our 15th year, we’re continuing to make industry-leading appliances and fixtures more accessible to all through our first, all-inclusive anniversary sale. Our hope is that we can help people invest in statement making appliances now, looking to save money while they can – especially in the face of rising costs of living.”
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Big Lots Expands Campus Living Essentials
Big Lots, Inc. has expanded its offerings of campus living essentials for students moving to campuses across the country this fall. The brand has modified its store space to include a “back-to-campus center,” where students and families can find deals on everything needed for their dorm room or apartment, including furniture, décor, bedding, food and snacks, laundry and cleaning products, beauty and personal care items, school supplies and more.
Big Lots’ back-to-campus center includes vignettes that display combinations of furniture, décor, appliances and other essentials students need to furnish their campus home. The campus living items are displayed as collections, including Big Lots exclusives from Real Living and Broyhill that fit a variety of personalities, with gender-neutral options available.
With more than 400 Big Lots retail stores located near college and university campuses, many students can take advantage of multiple same-day and two-day delivery options, including through new partnerships with Shipt and Instacart. Customers can pay online with Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal.
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Pottery Barn Launching Accessible Home Line
Pottery Barn, a brand portfolio member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has launched a line rooted in inclusive design, The Accessible Home, debuting for fall online and in select stores.
Designed to enhance quality of life at home for everyone and serve people living with disabilities, injuries, and the aging in place community, The Accessible Home comprises a range of bath, upholstery, office, dining, bedroom and lighting products rooted in Pottery Barn’s signature values of quality, style and sustainability. The brand is the first luxury home retailer to offer an accessible product line within these categories, finally providing consumers with style, without sacrificing function and accessibility.
“In our ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of lives at home we’re excited to now better serve our customers’ specific needs with The Accessible Home,” says Pottery Barn President Marta Benson. “Our mission is to incorporate accessibility into everything we do—providing beautiful, thoughtful design that makes a home a more comfortable place for everyone.”
The Accessible Home products include new thoughtful designs from bestselling Pottery Barn styles within bathroom consoles, pivot mirrors, and grab bars; upholstered motion lift chairs; desks and tables; and sconces. The Pottery Barn design team consulted with industry experts to adapt these collections with added accessibility features—for example, the Irving recliner features powered remotes with easy-to-read buttons, multiple reclining positions, side pockets for easy-to-reach storage, and lifting to assist with sitting and standing.
Other standouts include the now wheelchair accessible Pacific Desk which comes in modular and open shelving styles, and the Clarence Vanity, Pivot Mirror, and Linden Grab Bars that have been reimagined to make the bathroom safer and easier to navigate.
Pottery Barn also offers non-slip rugs, non-breakable melamine tabletop products, adjustable desks, adjustable beds, and more that can support people who are aging in place or who have disabilities or injuries. Accessories like desk lamps, sconces, and hooks also fit contract grade specifications.
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Las Vegas Design Center, ASID Announce Design Award Winners
Las Vegas Design Center and the California Central/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers have announced the year’s best projects from the western-based interior design community with nine winners across 11 ANDYZ design award categories. Winners for the 2022 awards were announced at an in-person award ceremony at Las Vegas Market, which runs through Thursday, July 28, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“For eight years, the ANDYZ Awards have recognized tremendous talent and creativity throughout the design trade,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “Las Vegas Design Center is proud to partner with ASID to celebrate these nine winners and their incredible work.”
For the 2022 awards, eight design firms and one student were selected across 11 ANDYZ award categories, with two project winners selected for their collaboration project for Best Hospitality Space Design. New this year, the Best Individual Residential Design and Best Multiple Residential Design categories were split into two sub-categories – over and under 3,000 square feet.
The 2022 ANDYZ winners are:
Best Residential Bathroom Design: Dani Boyd, Dani Boyd Design, Los Angeles, CA
Best Commercial Space Design: Wendy Glaister, Wendy Glaister Interiors, Modesto, CA
Best Hospitality Space Design: Jamie Stringham, Interior Dynamics, Las Vegas, NV
And Laura Fullow, Laura Fullow Designs, Las Vegas, NV
Best Individual Residential Space over 3,000 sq. ft.: Daniel J. Chenin, Daniel Joseph Chenin Ltd., Las Vegas, NV
Best Individual Residential Space under 3,000 sq. ft.: Eric Benning, Benning Design Construction, Sacramento, CA
Best Multiple Residential Space over 3,000 sq. ft.: Daniel J. Chenin, Daniel Joseph Chenin Ltd., Las Vegas, NV
Best Student Design: Jinjin Huang, Fresno State University, Fresno, CA
Molly Yeh Launches Girl Meets Farm Kitchenware Line for Macy’s
Food Network star Molly Yeh is launching her first kitchenware collection exclusively at Macy’s. Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh puts the fun in functional with a bright, whimsical and timeless collection of products curated by Molly to showcase her signature style. The line features cookware, bakeware, kitchen storage, food prep, textiles, cutlery and serveware.
In addition, it includes the line of “parent and me” kids’ mealtime products. Ranging in price from $9 to $129, the Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh collection is available on macys.com, Macy’s mobile app and at select Macy’s nationwide.
“I find such joy working in my kitchen and wanted to design a product line that can spark that same feeling in others. We selected tried and true tools that I use every day and incorporated bright, cheerful colors to create a line that is both accessible and beautiful,” said Yeh.
“My design aesthetic brings together my family roots and my life on the farm as seen on Girl Meets Farm, and I am so excited to see what families cook up with these tools.”
Each item in the Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh collection is crafted to merge charming with practical by reimagining kitchen classics with a pinch of playfulness to help spark anyone’s imagination in the kitchen.
“We are thrilled to partner with Molly Yeh on this kitchenware line exclusively for Macy’s. The Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh collection brings to life Molly’s vibrant and whimsical style, designed to inspire our customers to style their kitchen and cook meals that bring the same kind of joy that this line embodies,” said Stephanie Muehlhausen, Macy’s senior fashion director for home.
Cookbook author, food blogger and Midwest transplant Yeh embraces her country life on the border of Minnesota and North Dakota in the Food Network hit series “Girl Meets Farm,” which returns for a new season on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. ET/PT. In her cozy farmhouse kitchen, Molly makes dishes inspired by her Jewish and Chinese heritage that are not only delicious but also beautiful to look at. With her fresh and tasty ideas, Molly brings multicultural Midwestern inspiration and fun to kitchens across America.
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YouCopia Kitchen Organizers Help Prep School Lunches
Getting kids ready for back to school is one of the most exciting – but hectic – times of the year. It doesn’t just mean buying school supplies and the latest fashions. YouCopia’s new kitchen organizers help save time and make it easier than ever to pack nutritious school lunches and after-school snacks, and prepare healthy, quick breakfasts and dinners.
YouCopia builds on its innovative brand of adjustable, expandable and customizable organizers with new space-saving solutions that organize food in the refrigerator and store reusable food bags.
Just introduced:
Dry+Store Bag Drying Rack and Bin Set provides a simple solution for drying and storing reusable food bags. Wide prongs keep bags open to quickly air-dry inside and out. A vented bottom promotes air flow and water drainage. When bags are dry, simply toss them in the bin and store away in the cabinet for an easy win. Available as Drying Rack only and Drying Rack and Bin Set; SRP $19.99-29.99.
StoraBag Food Bag Dispenser keeps plastic food storage bags in one tidy spot. Individual compartments organize standard gallon, quart, sandwich and snack-size bags in any drawer or cabinet. Bright labels and wide slots help you easily find and pull the bag you need. When it’s time to reload, a removable lid gets the job done quick. Available in 3-, 4- or 5-slot sizes; SRP $19.99-$39.99.
FreezeUp Food Block Maker forms soups, stews and sauces into tidy frozen food cubes. A standing container makes it easy to insert a food storage bag, fill and freeze. Silicone bands are then removed to reveal a perfectly frozen block of food. The unit saves freezer space by creating 2″ thin blocks that can be stored vertically. With an organized freezer, meal prep is just an easy thaw away. Available in Gallon and Quart 2-Pack sizes; SRP $19.99.
FridgeView Rolling Egg Holder puts eggs on clear display so you never have to remove the carton or guess how many are left. Simply remove an egg and the rest gently roll to the front. The inner tray can be removed for easy loading. Holds 12 to 14 standard, large or jumbo eggs. It was nominated as a 2022 IHA Global Innovation Award (gia) finalist. SRP $29.99.
RollDown Egg Dispenser provides a space-friendly solution for storing and using eggs every day. Simply remove an egg from the front opening and the rest roll forward on a gentle, gravity-fed track. A slim, two-tier design fits any fridge. Holds 12 to 14 standard, large or jumbo eggs. SRP $19.99.
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Bed Bath & Beyond, The Novogratz Launch One-Stop Back to College Shopping
Bed Bath & Beyond is teaming up with the celebrity husband and wife design duo The Novogratz (with offices in New York and Los Angeles), to inspire students and families gearing up for Back to College with colorful, cool, and modern furniture and décor.
The new curated collection is an assortment of furniture solutions, décor, and bedding and bath with a fresh style that elevates dorms, apartments, and small living spaces, so every space can reflect personal design choices.
This fall, The Novogratz and Bed Bath & Beyond will reveal one lucky college residence that will receive a VIP makeover by The Novogratz themselves – transforming the space into a fun, functional and well-curated home through the collection’s distinct product offerings.
Bed Bath & Beyond’s customer-favorite services are designed to make going back-to-campus easier, more convenient, and more affordable for all families. Students and their parents have access to:
- Bed Bath & Beyond College Savings Pass: 20 percent off every student purchase through Friday, Sept. 30 (standard coupon terms apply)
- Pack & Hold: allows students to shop locally or online and pick up items when needed, at a store near campus
- Back-to-College Online Shopping Checklist: helpful list ensures collegiate students have everything needed for college living
- Same Day Delivery: get purchases fast and easy, no car required!
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Electric Grill Market Estimated at $2,117M
The global electric grill market is estimated at $2,117 million in 2022 and is forecast to surpass $4,283 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3 percent during 2022-2032, according to Fact.MR.
The market contributed by providing around 1 percent of the total revenue generated by global cooking appliances market in 2021. The market is estimated to provide an opportunity of $2,167 million during the assessment period of 2022-2032.
Electric grills are expected to see increased demand in the near future in view of their versatility for indoor use and energy-efficient attributes, which could have a huge effect on the future growth of residential electric grill industry.
In the forecast timeframe, millennials will become the largest residential electric grill utilizers globally. However, the millennial population covers a majority of the share in developed regions, such as North America and Europe.
Consumers are searching for lightweight alternatives in items of all sorts, and cooking appliances are no exception. Such factors are expected to give impetus growth to this market over the forecast period.
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World Central Kitchen Fundraisers Set
Some 30 brands and sales agencies are joining forces with International Market Centers and Gift for Life to raise funds for crisis-related hunger relief via Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen.
The “Come Together” fundraiser supports World Central Kitchen’s #ChefsForUkraine program, which has served more than 27 million meals across eight countries since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Come Together is raising funds in three ways:
- JuniperMarket will donate $5 per order (up to $5,000) through Aug. 1;
- IMC will match donations (up to $5,000); and
- Participating vendors will donate a portion of proceeds from Atlanta Market sales.
Confirmed participating vendors are 47th & Main, Anne McGilvray, Beekman 1802, Creative Co-Op, Design Work Ink, Faithworks, Fine Lines, Firefly Candle, Fred & Friends, Gentleman’s Hardware / Barrel and Oak, Good Citizen, Heartfelt, Ivystone, J Douglas, Lucky Feather, McCrea’s Candies, OneCoast, Paddywax, Rock Scissor Paper, Santa Barbara Design Studio, Schauben & Co, Scout, Skeem-DH Home Brand, Slant Collections, Stephan Baby, Stephen Joseph/Karma, Studio Oh!, TotalEE Gift and Transpac.
Atlanta Market donors will be entered to win hotel stays for the winter 2023 Atlanta Market. More information and direct donations to World Central Kitchen are online.
Atlanta Market: Ready, Set, Buy
Atlanta Market is preparing to welcome top retailers and designers from around the world for the largest gift and home décor buying event of Summer 2022, July 12-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta. Nearly 250 new and expanded exhibitors are among 2,100+ permanent showroom and temporary exhibits, the launch of nine new categories and product showcases and a full roster of in-person events, seminars, association meetings, fundraisers and celebrations are set for the Market.
“The Market experience the industry craves is here in Atlanta,” said International Market Centers CEO Bob Maricich. “Exploration opportunities abound with new categories, showroom updates and programming filling the three AmericasMart buildings. Attendees can expect an invigorating and productive experience in Atlanta.”
New escalators will deliver attendees to a state-of-the-art registration lobby in Building 1, Floor 2. Pre-registered buyers can expedite entry via banks of self-service Scan & Go kiosks both in AmericasMart Atlanta Buildings 1, 2 and 3 registration areas as well as local hotels (Atlanta Hilton, Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Downtown).
Home Décor buyers will be greeted by The Designer Workspace – a gathering place, work and resource area – that features a new look as it reopens in a new location on Building 1, Floor 15. Attendees can celebrate its relocation at the “Designer Workspace Grand Reopening” event, on Thursday, July 14, from 4-6 p.m.
Atlanta Market’s 1,000+ gift and home décor showrooms feature nearly 50 new, expanded and relocated brands and sales agencies.
The 300+ home décor showrooms featuring furnishings, décor, lighting, rugs and textiles on eight floors in Building 1 continue to be refined with some 13 showroom updates in Summer 2022.
The 700+ gift showrooms – encompassing general gift and lifestyle lines plus specialty categories including gourmet and tabletop, juvenile, outdoor living and seasonal on 19 floors in Buildings 1 and 2 – feature 34 updates for Summer 2022.
Atlanta Market’s 1,100+ temporaries expand with 200+ new-to-Atlanta exhibitors and the launch of two new categories, three new brand showcases and four new and expanded association partnerships.
Some 30+ unique gift and home décor categories are presented in 10 exhibition halls with two new categories – Boutique LUXE and Cash & Carry LUXE – debuting this summer. Three showcases bring new brands to Atlanta Market: two Emerging Brands Showcases (located in Building 3, Floors 3 and 5) feature up-and-coming gift and personal care brands; and JuniperMarket by IMC presents RISE, a curated showcase of 11 women-owned, values-based brands making their Atlanta Market debuts in Building 3, Floor 2.
Atlanta Market’s temporary exhibits’ product mix represents a wide range of merchandise including apparel, jewelry and accessories; baby and children’s; general gifts; gourmet foods; handmade gifts; home décor and decorative items; housewares; Made in America; museum-quality gifts; personal care; seasonal and holiday; stationery; tabletop and more. The full list of exhibitors is available online.
Atlanta Market’s 20+ engaging tastemaker presentations, gourmet demonstrations, tours and events fill all three AmericasMart Atlanta buildings.
Three keynote events in the Building 3 atrium include a live floral demonstration; a discussion featuring leading interior design and design entrepreneurs presented by Architectural Digest; and tips for how to generate consumer exposure in the coveted Oprah’s Favorite Things list, “Good Morning America” and “The View.”
Three demonstrations in the Jura Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen in Building 2 feature four culinary creatives making an impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Five seminars in the Atlanta Market Seminar Space in Building 1 cover topics including unlocking new revue streams, tips from top retailers, design trends, challenges women business owners face and values-based sourcing.
Additionally, two tours and a consultation session with the IMC Buyer Services team allow buyers to learn about Atlanta Market’s vast product offerings.
Market celebrations include the Market Kickoff party featuring Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours and Party in the Kitchen, a special housewares and gourmet floor party in the JURA Demonstration Kitchen presented as part of the GCX: Expo & Education, both on Wednesday, July 13.
Atlanta Market also will present Instagrammable moments, a vignette of Market Snapshot finalists and other pop-up experiences throughout the market. A full list of Summer 2022 Atlanta Market events is online.
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Crystal Media Launches World Central Kitchen Fundraiser
Digital marketing and social media agency Crystal Media will celebrate its 10th anniversary by hosting a fundraising campaign to support World Central Kitchen and its efforts to address crisis-related hunger relief.
“We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Crystal Media in September 2022, and I wanted to do something big and meaningful to mark this milestone.” said Crystal Vilkaitis, owner of Crystal Media, and Gift for Life board member. “I have set a goal of raising $10,000 to support World Central Kitchen and pledge to match donations up to $10,000. I invite the industry to join me in this effort.”
The online fundraiser will run through September . Donations can be made through the Crystal Media fundraising page http://crystalmediaco.com/donate or by clicking HERE.
“Crystal’s contribution to Gift for Life has been energizing, even with her brief time on the Board,” said Cole Daugherty, Gift for Life Chair. “I am excited to see the impact her creativity and dedication to GFL will have to further the work of World Central Kitchen and its initiatives.”
Vilkaitis, launched Crystal Media in 2012 to help retailers leverage the power of social media and marketing to grow their businesses. Since then, Crystal Media’s team of experts has worked with thousands of companies to generate millions of dollars in additional revenue by deploying successful social media campaigns, providing consulting services and managing digital marketing on their behalf. With a passion for working with local businesses to drive traffic and grow profits using social media and digital marketing tools, the company has taught thousands of retailers how to implement social media that delivers powerful results. For more information about Crystal Media, visit https://www.crystalmediaco.com/.
To host a fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, click HERE or contact a member of the Gift for Life board.
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Atlanta Market Gets Cooking
Atlanta Market presents the summer’s top gourmet programming with live demonstrations from four culinary creatives making an impact locally, nationally and internationally. Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey; chef, entrepreneur and hunger advocate Asha Gomez and the food and beverage team at Atlanta local favorite Alma Cocina present in the JURA Demonstration Kitchen during the July 12-18 Market at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Atlanta Market’s unique Demonstration Kitchen gives buyers the opportunity not only to hear from culinary tastemakers, but also to interact with them by tasting their creations,” said Dorothy Belshaw, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. “We encourage attendees to take the lessons – and delicious recipes – from these creative entrepreneurs back to their stores.”
Malarkey is a “Top Chef” finalist, “Guy’s Grocery Games” participant, cooking competition judge and the creator of 15 successful restaurants across the United States. He will prepare seared scallops, EVOO potato puree, dill tarragon chimichurri, roasted baby carrots, cashew sesame dukkah and carrot top pesto in “Seasonal Summer Scallops” on Wednesday, July 13 at 2 p.m.
Gomez is author of celebrated cookbooks, “My Two Souths” and “I Cook in Color,” a global food insecurity reduction advocate and the creator of The Third Space, a culinary studio and multi-functional event space in Atlanta, where she regularly hosts dinners. She prepares summer salad, rice pilaf with dried fruits and vegetable stew in coconut cream in “Cooking in Color” on Thursday, July 14 at 2 p.m.
Ian Mendelsohn, director of beverage operations for Atlanta’s Fifth Group Restaurants, and Mark Jeffers, culinary director of Alma Cocina Downtown explore the bright, fresh ingredients and regional influences of modern Mexican cuisine in a craft cocktail demonstration paired with light bites in “Sip & Savor Modern Mexico with Alma Cocina” on Friday, July 15 at 2 p.m.
Additionally, GC Buying Group hosts “GC Buying Group Party in the Kitchen,” a meet up of gourmet and housewares retailers that is open to all market buyers on Wednesday, July 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Jura Gourmet Demonstration Kitchen. The event is part of GCX: Expo & Education which presents an additional nine culinary and housewares-focused events to members on Thursday, July 14. More information is at GourmetCatalog.com/Pages/GCX.
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Happy Fourth of July From Kitchenware News & Housewares Review!
Bed Bath & Beyond Installs New Finance Execs
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Laura Crossen as senior vice president of finance and chief accounting officer, and Susie A. Kim as senior vice president of treasury and investor relations, effective immediately.
Crossen will lead Bed Bath & Beyond’s team that is responsible for executing the company’s global accounting operations, financial reporting and tax functions. She has been with Bed Bath & Beyond since 2001 and most recently served as senior vice president, treasury, tax and finance transformation. Crossen will continue to report to Gustavo Arnal, executive vice president and chief financial officer. Crossen replaces John Barresi, who resigned from the company effective June 10 to pursue another opportunity.
Kim, vice president of investor relations, has been named senior vice president of treasury and investor relations, taking over Crossen’s previous treasury role.
Earlier this week, Bed Bath & Beyond ousted CEO Mark Tritton, naming Sue Gove interim CEO.
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Housewares Vendors, Retailers Primed for GCX
Momentum is building for the first presentation of GC Buying Group and International Market Centers’ new GCX: Expo & Education with some 40+ exhibitors; 13 presentations, demonstrations and celebrations; and 50+ retailers confirmed. The semi-annual gourmet and housewares buying and programming launch event will launch on July 13-14 during Atlanta Market (July 12-18) at AmericasMart.
“The industry response to the concept has been excellent,” said Janis Johnson, founder and president of GC Buying Group. “Vendors are excited for the opportunity to show their brands in Atlanta, and retailers are making commitments to attend. Early indicators are that this is going to be THE gourmet and housewares event of Summer 2022.”
Confirmed GCX: Expo & Education exhibitors represent the complete spectrum of gourmet and housewares categories including small electrics, tools, cutlery, cookware and bakeware, tabletop, gourmet foods, service providers and more.
Retailers from coast-to-coast and beyond representing some 60+ storefronts plan to attend Atlanta Market and GCX: Expo & Education. In addition to a core group of leading kitchen supply and gourmet grocery retailers, representatives from appliance/electrics stores, hardware stores and garden centers, gift and home décor stores and kitchen designers are confirmed. Buyers of note attending Atlanta Market for the first time for the event include Casa di Mazzaro in St. Petersburg, Fla.; The Milled Olive in Star, Idaho; and Wisconsin Cutlery in Madison, Wis.
GCX: Expo & Education is open to GC Buying Group’s 350+ members from across the United States. For more information about GCX: Expo & Education or GC Buying Group membership, visit GCBuyingGroup.com.
Atlanta Market is the industry’s premier gift, décor and lifestyle market. Housing the nation’s largest gift product mix complemented by a broad selection of home décor, it features more than 8,000 brands across all categories. Held semi-annually Atlanta Market attracts retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. The next edition runs July 12-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
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Gift for Life Honors Warren Shoulberg
(L-R:))Peter Schauben, GFL Founder; Warren Shoulberg, GFL 2022 Industry Achievement Award Recipient; and Cole Daugherty, GFL Board Chair.
Gift for Life bestowed its 2022 Industry Achievement Award on Warren Shoulberg, long-time industry editor and retail reporter. Fundraising in connection with the event has surpassed $23,000 for World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related hunger relief.
Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award, which has been presented at Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Retailer Excellence Awards since 2009, recognizes overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry – whether as a thought leader, standard-bearer or overall industry influencer.
GFL Board Chair Cole Daugherty and GFL Founder Peter Schauben presented the award. Daugherty said, “Along the way, his insights, analysis, and sometimes a swift kick in the backside helped make sense of this business. It’s safe to say that Warren’s columns have been studied by thousands of companies and consumed by millions of readers — at HFN, Gifts and Dec, Home Textiles Today, and more recently with Forbes, Business of Home, The Robin Report.”
Retailer Excellence Awards fundraising celebrating Shoulberg has generated nearly $23,000 for World Central Kitchen. Contributors are a “who’s who” of gift and home furnishings leaders, including Dallas Market Center, International Market Centers, Eller Enterprises, Phil Haney, Kip and Sharon Tindell, Howard Henschel, Mary Liz Curtin, Robin Lewis and many others. Donations in Warren’s honor will be accepted through July 1 at https://donate.wck.org/REA2022.
The 2022 Retailer Excellence Awards recognized winners in seven retail categories, as well special distinctions for Sales Representative of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. For details, and a full listing of winners, visit https://www.giftsanddec.com/reas/vendor-of-the-year-top-retailers-revealed-at-71st-annual-retailer-excellence-awards/.
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Bed Bath & Beyond Overhauls C-Suite
Amid a Q1 sales decline of 25 percent, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has made significant changes to its senior leadership to focus on reversing recent results, addressing supply chain and inventory and strengthening its balance sheet. Sue Gove, an independent director on the company’s board of directors and chair of the board’s strategy committee, has been named interim CEO, replacing Mark Tritton, who has left his role as president and CEO and as a member of the board.
“After thorough consideration, the board determined that it was time for a change in leadership,” said Harriet Edelman, independent chair of the Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. board of directors. “Our banner’s heritage is built on the premise that when customers are shopping for the home, Bed Bath & Beyond is the perfect destination for unique solutions and inspiration. We must deliver that proposition for customers, drive growth, and unlock the value of the banners.
“Today’s actions address company performance, the macroeconomic conditions under which we are operating, and the expectations of the Board on behalf of shareholders. We are committed to addressing the urgent issues that have been impacting sales, profitability, and cash flow generation. We are confident Sue brings the right combination of industry experience and knowledge of Bed Bath & Beyond’s operations to lead the Company, focus our resources, and revise strategy, as appropriate.”
The company has named Mara Sirhal as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Sirhal will be responsible for driving the company’s omnichannel merchandising, planning, and owned brands strategies, while also retaining her position as general manager for the Harmon retail banner. Sirhal will report directly to Gove. She replaces Joe Hartsig, who is leaving the company.
The board has retained Berkeley Research Group, a leading retail advisory firm, to focus on cash, inventory and balance sheet optimization. In addition, Russell Reynolds, a nationally recognized search firm, has been retained to commence a search process for the permanent chief executive officer role.
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KnIndustrie Presents Serving Trays in Milan
For Milano Design Week, KnIndustrie presented within KitcheN Milano space, in Via De Amicis 45 in Milan, a new collection of design serving trays, a proposal dedicated to table service and the timeless Lady Anne coffee maker in its most chic and refined version. Steel, glass and aluminum are the main
materials of KnIndustrie showcase for Fuorisalone, combined with the unique style that has always distinguished the brand.
Garçon, folded trays by Rodolfo Dordoni
In Rodolfo Dordoni collection of trays for KnIndustrie, the folded steel has a dual function: decorative and functional, that is to contain. The edge looks like a semi-cylinder with an essential design and a clean shape created by the completely smooth appearance of steel. The edge, leitmotif of the collection, represents the distinctive feature of the three serving trays, available in rectangular, square and pentagonal versions. The glossy or satin exterior is in contrast with the matt painted interior available in
different colors.
Shapeless, transparent bread bin
Glass, with its transparency and lightness, is back in KnIndustrie proposals for a design table in the name of minimalism and elegance, even for medium and small objects, but capable of catalysing the attention of diners.
Shapeless is the new bread bin in borosilicate glass, made from a folded and flattened cylinder.
Its particular production process, makes each item different from the other. knIndustrie wants to give importance to an accessory that is often not the protagonist of the table, adding it a unique design and style, thus giving value to the content, that is bread – a simple but important food.
Lady Anne total white
The iconic Lady Anne coffee maker by KnIndustrie, design Lara Caffi, dresses up in white. Made of aluminium, in stone washed finish in the classic version, it is now proposed in the elegant total white version to enrich the table with an object of great elegance and refinement, protagonist during breakfast time, after meal or at any time of the day, perfect to welcome guests in its renewed look.
The shape, which is inspired by the silver coffee sets of the eighteenth century, remains unchanged: the clean line of the body in the shape of a truncated cone is set off by the sinuosity of the ergonomically designed and heat-insulating handle, made of Bakelite with multiple curves, an ornamental element characterizing the project. On the lid the decorative knob always in Bakelite allows it to be easily opened. The circular base has a double bottom. Also Lady Anne “in white” is available in four cup version and it comes with a reducer filter.
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Costa Nova Livia Collection Embraces Summer
Time to refocus. A summer about grounding.
Summer is the best time to take a break and reconnect. Appreciate and value life’s simple pleasures. Enjoy the simplicity in every day by awakening senses such as calm and comfort.
We introduce one of Costa Nova‘s new releases: The Livia Collection in the color Mauve Rose.
Nested in elegance and curvy silhouettes, Livia presents itself as a modern approach to tableware. Each piece features an organic look and feel over a contrasting matte- speckled glaze in mauve-rose. Designed to inspire our senses, this complete collection has all the elements to enhance any gathering.
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Sleepypod Line Eases Pets’ Fear, Anxiety
Sleepypod, a company known for reinventing pet products through innovative design, has launched a new brand collaboration with Fear Free. Pet owners can use Fear Free Happy Homes edition Sleepypod products to help alleviate their pet’s fear, anxiety and stress when at home and when traveling.
Founded upon the mission of preventing and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, Fear Free offers online education to veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners to provide them with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Fear Free Happy Homes provides pet owners free access to the most cutting-edge content and education that will enable them to help their pets live their happiest, healthiest, fullest lives at home, at the vet, at the groomer, and everywhere in between.
The new product line will launch with co-branded versions of current Sleepypod carrier and harness designs in early November 2022. Collaborative, new product designs will be released in the future.
In addition to the Fear Free edition Sleepypod mobile pet bed, other co-branded products include Fear Free Happy Homes editions of the Clickit Sport car harness, Sleepypod Air pet carrier, Sleepypod Atom pet carrier, and Clickit Terrain car harness.
To learn more about how to make travel Fear Free, relieve anxieties and phobias, and provide enrichment for pets, visit fearfreehappyhomes.com.
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Italian Gatherings Inspire Casafina’s Fontana Collection
Whether exploring new places outdoors or staying in to relax, the warm and long days ripe for a summer adventure.
Revisiting one of Casafina’s colorful offerings: The Fontana Collection.
With organic shapes and a vibrant color palette, the Fontana collection was inspired by the Italian gatherings at the table. Mix and match to set a joyful and versatile table, suitable for any occasion. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Fontana is the perfect collection for a happy and colorful summer.
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NFT Cool Cats Get Boost to Shelves From Toikido
Cool Cats, producer of the popular Cool Cats and Cool Pets NFT collections, and Toikido, an entertainment and toy company at the cutting edge of digital design, reached a manufacturing and distribution deal for a wide range of Cool Cats merchandise – including toys such as plushies – to bring the beloved characters of the Cooltopia ecosystem into the physical world.
The new Cool Cats line debuted at NFT.NYC, the leading annual non-fungible token event in June.
“Toys, plushies and premium merch have been a continual ask from the community since early on,” said Cool Cats co-founder Evan Luza. “We’re stoked to be able to work with the right partner who can ensure we’re delivering the caliber of goodies to our community that they deserve.”
Unencumbered by supply chains and warehousing, Toikido made a name for itself based on its ability to reach shelves faster than other major players. For example, Toikido was able to create, manufacture and distribute the official line of Among Us products to more than 100 global retailers in fewer than six months.
Toikido’s internal capabilities, proprietary technology, and tooling make it possible to bring products to the shelf three to six months faster than any competitor. Toikido is the master toy partner for hit brand Among Us, Netflix’s Back to the Outback and will distribute a toy line for this summer’s Skydance Animation LUCK. It is preparing to launch global merchandise for the highly successful game Gang Beasts and developing its own IP in Piñata Smashlings, which will be dropping globally soon.
Originally based on the Blue Cat character, Cool Cats launched less than a year ago. It has since amassed the equivalent of $250 million in sales, and is currently a Top 5 NFT collection worldwide in terms of both popularity and sales volume.
Cool Cats NFTs are owned by several corporate brands and artists including Reese Witherspoon, Time, Puma, Steve Aoki, Mario Bautista, Marc Benioff and Alexis Ohanian, among others.
The instant popularity of Cool Cats recently led to the creation of Cool Pets, a collection of companion NFTs. They are among the industry’s first gamified NFTs to have their formation influenced by actions their owner takes throughout their developmental stages. There are more than 178 million combinations possible across a limited number of Cool Pets that live and interact in the much larger Cooltopia ecosystem.
“NFTs are a passion of mine, and Cool Cats has been a favorite right out of the gate,” said Toikido founder and CEO Darran Garnham. “People absolutely love these characters, and I know that Toikido is the right company to inject the essence of Blue Cat into product designs that will delight the community and increase awareness of the very special creatures that are Cool Pets.
”In addition to traditional in-store and online distribution, Toikido will work with Cool Cats to create exclusive drops for the Cool Cats community, as well as for special events. CAA Brand Management, a division of Creative Artists Agency, brokered the deal with Toikido on behalf of its client Cool Cats, marking the first deal inked since Cool Cats signed with the agency.
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FoodSaver Reusable Bags Reduce Food Waste
FoodSaver recently launched its first reusable Vacuum Zipper Bags, intended to cut down on single-use plastic and food waste.
The BPA-free reusable bags are perfect for sous vide cooking, microwave cooking, saving leftovers and freezer storage. The highly functional zipper-clip tool creates an airtight seal to preserve food longer.
Equipped with a specially designed valve with leak-proof capability, the bags are durable and easy to hand wash for multiple uses. The reusable bags are compatible with the FoodSaver Multi-Use Handheld Vacuum Sealer and all FoodSaver machines with a handheld attachment.
The bags are available in eight-count, 1-gallon and 10-count 1-quart packs.
The average American family throws away thousands of dollars worth of food a year, according to FoodSaver.
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GE Profile Series: Alexa, Let’s Do Laundry
GE Profile announced the availability of its Top Load 900 series, the first washer with Alexa built in and latest addition to the series announced earlier this year as part of the new GE Profile laundry portfolio.
As a brand that’s rooted in innovation, GE Profile’s decision to integrate Alexa into its latest laundry machines stemmed from consumer demand for a more personalized and smarter experience. As the first washer with a built-in Alexa, owners can dance to their favorite song, check the weather, set their clean cycles to specific care instructions or stain removals, and more.
With thousands of utterance combinations Alexa can recognize, customers can ask Alexa to name specific fabrics such as blankets, cashmere, jeans, or even gym clothes. They can also ask Alexa to identify types of stains like “chocolate bar,” “deodorant,” or “pinot noir,” and the machine will adjust automatically to provide a wash tailored to the request. By eliminating the guesswork and enhancing performance, doing laundry can be simplified and easy.
“This product gives our owners a more personalized laundry experience by making the machine more intuitive to the needs of the household and those who live there,” said executive director of clothes care at GE Appliances, Michael Mattingly. “You no longer have to know what setting washes grass stains or how to care for silk… just ask Alexa and the washer and dryer will do the rest.”
Beyond its built-in Alexa, the Top Load 900 series also has Enhanced Smarter Wash Technology that uses adaptive technology to deliver a stronger clean. With this technology, consumers have the ability to adjust the cycle based on the desired power and care for each item. On top of this, Smart Wash and Smart Rinse features rely on sensors to measure soil and detergent levels to help minimize wash times and deliver better fabric care.
The Smart Dispense feature allows users to scan their detergent type into the SmartHQ app and the laundry unit will dispense the precise amount of detergent needed per load without the need to store the bottle. With Fabric Refresh, the dryer adds a fresh scent and de-wrinkles clothing by diffusing and circulating a wrinkle releaser from an auto-dosing dispenser that holds up to eight ounces.
When connected to home Wi-Fi through the free SmartHQ app, customers can receive alerts, manage their laundry loads remotely, and receive software updates that allow the technology to get better over time.
Finally, Microban Antimicrobial Technology is built into components including the gasket, dispenser and draining system delivering Protection That Lives On™ load after load to help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Plus, the washer is extra-large with additional capacity while also allowing owners to reach the bottom with comfort and ease.
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Igloo, Teva Create Cooler, Sandal With Recycled Materials
Two nostalgic brands, Igloo and Teva, have teamed up to create a limited-edition collection featuring recycled materials. The new Teva x Igloo Ecocool Little Playmate and Teva x Igloo Hurricane XLT2 sandal were inspired by nature’s varied terrain and meant to fuel off-the-grid adventures. This collection is available from Igloo and Teva, and at select REI stores and REI.com, through an exclusive retail partnership.
At the center of this collaboration is both brands’ commitment to making better decisions for the planet. Igloo and Teva merged their expertise in enabling modern adventure through classic coolers and versatile sandals to create an adventure-ready collection crafted with recycled materials.
The 7-quart Teva x Igloo Ecocool Little Playmate features post-consumer recycled plastic in the outside body, lid and liner of the world-famous cooler and is part of Igloo’s Ecocool Collection of hardside coolers made with a recycled resin compound that repurposes discarded plastic yogurt cups and milk jugs. As a special addition, Igloo reintroduced its adjustable carrying strap on the Teva Ecocool Playmate, now woven with Repreve performance fiber that’s made from recycled plastic bottles and incorporates a unique design inspired by Mother Nature.
In perfect alignment, the durable Teva x Igloo Hurricane XLT2 sandal matches the splash-ready shoulder strap of the Ecocool Little Playmate, featuring the same Repreve material made from recycled plastic. Once well-worn and ready to retire, the iconic Hurricane XLT2 can be recycled through the TevaForever sandal recycling program.
The limited-edition Teva x Igloo Ecocool Little Playmate, $55, and Teva x Igloo Hurricane XLT2 Sandal, $80, are available for purchase, while supplies last.
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Kuhn Rikon Debuts Cutlery at Summer Gift Shows
Kuhn Rikon USA will introduce a variety of practical and fun cutlery at this summer’s gift shows, including the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market (Source One Showroom, booth TM1949, June 22-28); Atlanta Gift Show (Synergy B2 8-837, July 12-18); and Gourmet Catalog GCX Expo (July 14). Under the KinderKitchen umbrella look for a new Dog Knife Set (3″ paring, 3” serrated paring in black/orange and green/blue). SRP $29.
The company’s popular Colori line of cutlery will be expanding with an assortment of vibrant colors and new sets, including:
- 4” Colori+ Paring Knife in herb garden – SRP $14.50
- Colori+ Prep Set, Small (4” paring, 4” serrated paring in grey) – SRP $24
- Colori+ Prep Set, Large (4” serrated paring, 4” serrated paring, 4” paring in red/yellow/green) – SRP $32.50
- Colori+ Professional Set (7” chef’s, 6” utility, 4” serrated paring in green/red/graphite) – SRP $44.50
- Colori+ Culinary Set (7” chef’s, 4” paring, 4” serrated paring in green/red/graphite) – SRP $42
- Colori+ Everyday Knife Set (8” bread, 7” chef’s, 5” utility, 4” serrated paring, 4” paring in fuchsia/blue/graphite/green/red) – SRP $72
- Colori+ Classic 4” paring knife set in red/orange/yellow – SRP $32.50
- Along with individual 4” paring knives in the following fun colors and patterns. SRP $12 – 14.50 each:
- Rosehips
- Wild Blueberry
- Herb Garden
- Leopard
- Camo Black
- Camo Green
- Funky Fruit Strawberry
- Funky Fruit Citrus
- Funky Fruit Avocado
- Green
- Red
- Yellow
The September issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review will feature cutlery. Subscribe now so you don’t miss out!
Dallas Market Center Sets Summer Campaign for World Central Kitchen
Dallas Market Center, in conjunction with select showrooms, will host a summer Gift for Life fundraising campaign, “This Showroom Feeds Families,” to support World Central Kitchen and its efforts to provide crisis-related hunger relief in Ukraine, the United States and other locations.
“I am inspired by the creativity and generosity of our Market Center partners,” said Cole Daugherty, Gift for Life chair and senior vice President of exhibitor marketing at Dallas Market Center. “Our goal is to raise over $30,000 for World Central Kitchen this June. Between our Retailer Excellence Awards fundraiser and Summer Market fundraiser, we already are well under way to surpass that target.”
Each participating showroom will have a custom program for fundraising during the June Total Home & Gift Market, June 22-28. Showrooms and participating brands will contribute via direct donations or $1 per-order donations. Buyers will participate via rounding-up per order, adding $1 per order, and/or direct donations via QR codes in the showrooms. Each showroom will have details available on how to help clearly posted within their showroom.
Participating showrooms include Cliff Price & Co. (TM 1800), Goetz Inc. (TM 2000), Ivystone (WTC 236), J Brandes (TM 1610), KBD Sales (TM 2038), NextGen Dallas (TM 1028), Nora Fleming (TM 2050), Park Hill (WTC 321), Patrick & Co. (TM 2927), Portico Collection (WTC 631) and Road Runners (TM 1743).
Generous direct donation support already has come from Creative CoOp (TM 2454) and OneCoast (WTC 265).
Gift for Life also is fundraising for World Kitchen in connection with the 71st annual Retailer Excellence Awards, on June 22, at the Dallas Tower Club. During the event, Gift for Life will present its 2022 Industry Achievement Award to Warren Shoulberg, long time industry editor and retail reporter, in recognition of his overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry as a thought leader, standard-bearer and overall industry influencer.
Hosted by Gifts & Decorative Accessories, the Retailer Excellence Awards recognize excellence in seven retail awards categories, as well as the vendor and manufacturer’s rep of the year distinctions. Register at www.retailerexcellenceawards.com, and donate to World Central Kitchen in support of Warren at https://donate.wck.org/REA2022.
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Igloo Releases Wu-Tang Clan Coolers
Igloo has released two Playmate coolers honoring the Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential and legendary hip-hop groups in music history. Featuring original Shaolin kung fu inspired artwork, the special-edition Wu-Tang Clan Dojo Little Playmate and Dragons Playmate Classic, are available now, while supplies last.
“Being able to create Playmate coolers inspired by the revolutionary Wu-Tang Clan is a huge honor for us,” said Brian Garofalow, chief marketing officer at Igloo. “With a collaborative approach to designing the artwork, we know Wu-Tang fans will be happy to own this collectible.”
Igloo designed the special-edition Wu-Tang Clan coolers with primarily yellow — an ode to the official hue of the hip-hop group — and intricate Shaolin kung fu styled artwork that’s inspired by Wu-Tang Clan’s well-known love for the martial arts. The Wu-Tang Clan 7-quart Dojo Little Playmate cooler has a capacity for up to nine 12-ounce cans while the Wu-Tang Clan 14-quart Dragons Playmate Classic can fit up to 26 12-ounce cans.
Check out other new Igloo coolers in the July issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now!
Outdoor Living Supply Acquires The Rock Garden
Minnesota-based Outdoor Living Supply, a distribution platform for outdoor living products with a focus on hardscapes, has acquired The Rock Garden, an independent distributor of natural stone, hardscapes, and architectural elements such as mantles and hand-hewn stone furniture. The acquisition extends the OLS platform into California and strengthens its regional presence in the Lake Tahoe market.
Based in Truckee, California, The Rock Garden was founded in 1998 and is a division of Marsh Ventures, Inc. The Rock Garden is the premier natural stone supplier to the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee markets. Their high-quality product offering and commitment to their customers has made The Rock Garden the first choice of local architects, contractors, and homeowners.
“I am proud to welcome the dedicated team at The Rock Garden to the OLS family of companies. This exciting new partnership expands our OLS footprint into California,” commented Brian Price, CEO of OLS. “With its proximity to our Parker Hardscape Supply location, The Rock Garden is an exceptional fit. The combined strength and resources of these two locations will allow us to form the region’s market-leading platform, delivering best-in-class customer service to the Lake Tahoe and High Sierra markets.”
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP served as legal advisor to OLS.
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IMC, Sherwin-Williams to Present Color Trends
International Market Centers and Sherwin-Williams will present color trends programming at AmericasMart, Atlanta’s Market, on June 1, and at Las Vegas Design Center First Friday seminar on June 3.
“Knowledge of color trends and an understanding of influences on color are imperatives for the design community that sources at both AmericasMart and LVDC,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. “This June, we are delighted to partner with Sherwin-Williams, a long-time IMC educational partner, to bring current information to our markets from coast-to-coast.”
In a lunch-and-learn session, titled Designer-Approved Color Trends, four of Atlanta’s top interior designers will address 2022 paint color trends and practical applications for design projects. Rachel Moeller, Sherwin-Williams Designer Account Executive, will lead discussion with Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole, Calvin Watt of The Cvion Company and Jenny Warner of J Thomas Designs. The session will be held on June 1, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Building 1, Floor 14, Seminar Space. Registration is required by June 1 at https://sweventexpress.com/registration/?eid=22202.
LVDC’s First Friday series continues in June with How do Cultures Influence Color?, an exploration of diverse cultures and their perception of colors. Laurie Clark, Sherwin-Williams’ Senior Designer Account Executive supporting residential interior designers in Las Vegas, Arizona and southern Utah, will address color families and their historical significance as well as important considerations of cultural ideas and differences when making color selections. This session, offering 0.1 CEU credit, is June 3, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., in LVDC seminar room A240. Registration for this event is required by June 2, at https://lvdcfirstfriday.eventbrite.com.
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Gap, Walmart Partner on Home Goods Line
Gap and Walmart announced a strategic partnership to introduce Gap Home, a new brand of home essentials available exclusively at Walmart. With this launch, two of the world’s most iconic brands have come together to bring Walmart’s scale and Gap’s brand heritage to life through signature style in a new product category for the first time – encouraging customers to shop for quality designs and timeless home essentials for their everyday lives.
Available to shop beginning June 24 exclusively on Walmart.com, the Gap Home launch collection will feature more than 400 items across home décor, tabletop, bedding and bath, ranging in price from $15.88 for a Washed Denim Pillow to $64.98 for a T-Shirt Soft Jersey Reversible King Comforter Set perfect for dressing all spaces, from college dorms to forever homes. New Gap Home seasonal and special collections will drop throughout the year and will be developed in partnership with Gap’s licensing agency, IMG.
“We’re thrilled that Gap selected Walmart as the exclusive retailer to debut its home brand. A hallmark of American fashion, Gap is the ideal partner to bring its timeless, signature style into the modern home to help customers design and decorate beautiful living spaces,” said Anthony Soohoo, executive vice president, Home, Walmart. “Over the past few years, we’ve focused on expanding our home assortment to bring high-quality, stylish home goods and decor to our customers at an unbelievable value. Gap Home is the latest example of how we’ll deliver on that mission.”
The launch collection is made with the planet in mind and features quality materials such as denim and chambray with stylish finishes at a price point that is accessible to all customers. The Gap Home collection includes items made with organic cotton and recycled materials.
“Walmart is a global leader in the home space with extensive digital reach and distribution, and this partnership enables Gap to introduce a new category in a smart, scalable way,” said Mark Breitbard, president and CEO of Gap brand. “Gap Home at Walmart opens a new door for Gap as a lifestyle brand delivering timeless American style in all new ways. We are excited for this growth opportunity, enabling even more customers to fall in love with Gap.”
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JuniperMarket Showcases Women-Owned Lifestyle Brands
JuniperMarket is introducing RISE, a curated showcase of women-owned lifestyle brands making their market debuts, at Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market this summer. The 17 lifestyle brands join International Market Centers’ vendor community as part of ongoing efforts to support values-based commerce and bring new perspectives to its physical and digital markets.
“Our goal is to bring new voices to wholesale by empowering retailers to stock their shelves with products from women-owned businesses. Some 80 percent of the brands featured in the inaugural RISE showcase are helmed by women of color with founders self-identifying as API, Black and LatinX,” said Vanessa Bruce, IMC vice president of Social Impact. “We’re committed to the intersectionality of community and values, and RISE makes it easy for buyers to source values-based brands both online and at market.”
RISE will feature brands led by female makers and artisans selling products with values such as being cruelty-free, eco-friendly, handmade, vegan and more. The brands will be presented as a collective within temporary exhibits.
Gift for Life/NY Now Team Raises $44K+ for AIDS Walk NY
The Gift for Life/NY Now team, led by top individual fundraiser Matthew Katzenson and team co-chairs Su Hilty and Caroline Kennedy, raised $44,500+ for this year’s AIDS Walk NY, which took place May 15. Team Gift for Life/NY NOW placed fourth in overall fundraising for the 2022 event, which brought in $2,246,787 to benefit those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Donations will be accepted online through June 10.
Gift for Life was founded in 1992 by a small group of gift industry professionals responding to the tragic loss of friends and colleagues as a result of AIDS. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research and education, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment with charity partners AmfAR and DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Beginning in 2020, with COVID-19 temporarily causing cancelation of in-person events at industry markets, Gift for Life pivoted toward online digital events, with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s crisis-related food insecurity programs.
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GSMA Announces Fall Conference, Road Show
The Gift Sales Manager Association announced its Fall 2022 Virtual Conference. It will be held virtually Oct. 11-12. New for 2022, GSMA will be offering a Road Show during the Dallas, Atlanta and Las Vegas Summer Markets.
The Road Show will offer Interactive Educational Seminars that are open to any existing members and interested vendors and sales management consultants. A change to the bylaws now allows for any vendor to become a member. A 2022 goal is to grow and expand membership. Membership Application are online.
Road Show Schedule
- Dallas Market Center: Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m., Dallas Market Center, 8th Floor, Room #8991/World Trade Center – Retail Excellence Award Retailer Panel led by Linda Colson, vice president of sales, Mary Meyer. Drinks will be served.
- AmericasMart Atlanta: Tuesday, July 12, 6 p.m. – Atlanta Gift Mart, Building 1, Floor 16, Corridor B – Space 5 (corner of Corridor B and C) – Family Feud, GSMA Members vs. Sales Representative Principals. Drinks will be served.
- Las Vegas Market: Monday, July 25, 6 p.m. – World Market Center, Building C, room to be determined – Creative Critiques, Michelle Sherrier, owner, visual merchandiser and retail consultant, MC Design Collaboration – including Showrooms, Catalogs and Websites. Drinks will be served.
Registration for the Road Show seminars is available online. GSMA offers educational sessions throughout the year, including virtual “Wisdom Wednesdays” bi-weekly and is a great resource for networking with fellow vendors and sales managers.
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Atlanta Market Ramps Up Gift Offerings
Atlanta Market, the nation’s largest gift product offering, expands its 5,000+ brands with 32 showroom updates for the Summer 2022 edition, July 12-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Atlanta Market’s gift offerings are bigger and better than ever this summer with brands updating their presentations to showcase fresh, new product,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “The largest gift product presentation in the nation will showcase new and expanded showrooms throughout the campus offering the full spectrum of gift product.”
Atlanta Market’s gift resources – presented by 700+ exhibitors in corporate showrooms and by sales agencies on 19 floors in Buildings 1 and 2 – include comprehensive general gift and lifestyle lines complemented by specialty categories including gourmet and tabletop, juvenile, outdoor living and seasonal.
Complementing the gift showroom presentation are expanded temporary exhibits presenting gift offerings in 30 categories.
The full list of exhibitors is searchable at AtlantaMarket.com.
For more details, see the July issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
Las Vegas Market Expands Bedding, Furniture, Home Décor Resources
Las Vegas Market gives buyers the opportunity to source fresh product across the home furnishings spectrum with nearly 600 bedding, furniture and home décor resources – including 24 new, expanded and relocated showrooms and 60+ temporary exhibitors – at the Summer 2022 edition, July 24-28 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Market’s furnishings momentum is accelerating with exciting new brands, expanded resources and recommitments from industry leaders,” said Scott Eckman, executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “Bedding is better than ever, and furniture and décor are offering the largest collection in the west. It will be a can’t-miss market for the industry this summer.”
Las Vegas Market offers hundreds of bedding and mattress exhibitors – including top brands Casper, Corsicana Mattress Company, Malouf, MLILY, Purple, Stearns & Foster, Tempur Sealy International, Tempur-Pedic and many more – spanning 10 floors in Buildings A, B and C at World Market Center Las Vegas.
The Summer 2022 Las Vegas Market will feature 500+ furniture and home décor showrooms including 15 brands updating their spaces to reach west coast designers and retailers. New, expanded and relocated brands represent Las Vegas Market’s cross-category strength in accessories, lighting rugs, textiles, upholstery, wood furniture and more.
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western United States, presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. Registration is open.
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IHA Aims to Rebuild Inspired Home Show to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Rebuilding The Inspired Home Show back to pre-pandemic levels will be the primary focus of the International Housewares Association.
“We were one of the brands that sat out of The Inspired Home Show 2022,” said Rob Michelson, president and CCO, Bradshaw Home and an IHA board member. “Although COVID concerns made our participation impossible this past year, we are very excited and enthusiastic to get back to the Show in 2023 and rebuild those face-to-face engagements that are critical to our success.”
The 2022 Show ended with an approximate 50 percent turnout from exhibitors and buyers when compared to previous shows. Although the total number of U.S. buyers was down from previous years, the quality of key retailers in attendance remained very high with verified representatives attending.
Additionally, despite COVID-related travel restrictions, verified international buyer attendance was strong with key buyers attending from around the world.
The Inspired Home Show 2023 is confirmed to take place at McCormick Place in Chicago March 4-7. The Board codified the decision to keep the Show in Chicago in 2024, with planned dates of March 16-19.
For more details on the IHA’s plans, see July’s issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe today!
Crate & Barrel Launches CrateKitchen
Crate & Barrel has opened a culinary destination, CrateKitchen, to inspire cooking and entertaining for the modern kitchen and table. Located at the brand’s headquarters in Northbrook, Ill., CrateKitchen will open its doors to customers and a diverse range of influencers and chefs through virtual gatherings, styling sessions, product demos and a shoppable kitchen tour curated to support the ways people use their kitchens.
The versatility of the design is the perfect backdrop to showcase diverse creators as they put the brand’s Kitchen by Crate kitchenware products and popular partners like Caraway, Greenpan and Le Creuset to good use. Crate & Barrel employees will also enjoy a chance to celebrate milestones and team events with one another in the bright and airy spot.
Beyond new products and recipes, Crate & Barrel customers can expect to learn decorating hacks and inspiring entertaining tips from creators like plant-based cook and host Sophia Roe, The Apartment Bartender Elliot Clark, and baker and food stylist Sarah Crawford. While the kitchen can sometimes be an intimidating space, CrateKitchen is here to show how fun, accessible and sometimes spontaneous this space can be.
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Beko Dishwashers Clean Using Less Water, Energy
Beko Home Appliances, the U.S. subsidiary of Arçelik, one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, is launching its new line of dishwashers that clean dishes, pots and pans more completely, using a fraction of the water and energy, on May 18, National No Dirty Dishes Day.
Making waves when they were introduced at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, the eight new Beko dishwashers are the first to offer CornerIntense, a proprietary technology that replaces the conventional circular-motion spray arm with a rectangular-motion arm to disperse water and detergent to every part of the washtub, including the hard-to-reach corners, using 50% less water and 25% less electricity.
Beko has combined CornerIntense with DeepWash, SelfDry and an EverClean Filter as part of its mission to leverage technology to take dishwasher performance to a whole new level. Available in bar-handle, pocket-handle and panel-ready designs, the new dishwashers form the centerpiece of the Beko Healthy Kitchen, the brand’s best-in-class collection of people, partnerships and products that further the idea of the kitchen as the center of health, wellness and sustainability in the home.
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Ginsu Expands With Licensing Partners
JRL Group, Ginsu’s exclusive brand licensing agency, announced two new licensing partnerships that will expand the iconic cutlery brand into product categories and distribution channels.
New licensees include Great Buy Products (kitchen gadgets and cutting boards) and MY DIY Center (outdoor grills and accessories).
Great Buy Products will develop a full line of Ginsu premium wood cutting boards that offers perfect protection while slicing, chopping and carving. The first product offering will be a premium line of Ginsu bamboo cutting boards.
Great Buy Products will also be introducing a comprehensive selection of Ginsu stainless steel kitchen gadgets and tools with easy grip handles that are ideal for peeling, grating and other culinary tasks. The Ginsu cutting boards and kitchen gadgets will launch at retail in 2Q 2022.
My DIY Center is expanding Ginsu’s brand portfolio into the barbecue and outdoor living space with the first Ginsu grill.
The Kamado Ceramic Grill is a complete outdoor cooking appliance that allows anyone from novices to grill masters to sear, grill, bake and smoke all types of food. The 15″ grill serves as a standard charcoal grill and doubles as a smoker, designed for efficiency and function while displaying the iconic style associated with the Ginsu brand. The Kamado will be available exclusively through MyDIYCenter.com and the My DIY Center Store on Amazon, slated to launch in June of 2022. It will retail for $599.
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Tabitha Brown for Target Includes Homeware, Kitchenware
Target Corporation is partnering with actress, author and social media phenomenon Tabitha Brown on four limited-time-only collections that will launch over the next year, beginning in June.
Brown is teaming up with Target to deliver positive wellbeing and joy for guests through Brown’s vibrant and inspirational style. The collections span categories across apparel, swim and accessories items, home and office, food and kitchenware, entertaining and more. Starting Saturday, June 11, Target guests can shop the first collection of more than 75 apparel, swim and accessories items – with most items under $30 – on Target.com and in most Target stores, while supplies last.
Tabitha Brown for Target is a progression of Target’s existing relationship with Brown, who has been an influencer partner for two years, inspiring Target guests and team members alike with her joyful words of encouragement. In addition, this partnership is one of the many ways Target is continuing to support Black-owned businesses and partner with Black creators and designers, as part of the retailer’s Racial Equity Action and Change commitment.
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Atlanta Market Refines Home Décor Offerings
Atlanta Market refines its home décor offerings with 11 updates in furnishings, décor, textiles, rugs and accessories as well as the reopening of the Designer Workspace planned for the Summer 2022 edition, July 12-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“The Summer 2022 home décor updates showcase what makes Atlanta Market unique – the ability to source for the whole home in one contiguous location with industry-leading amenities and services,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief revenue officer. “New commitments to the market and major expansions from top brands across categories as well as enhanced designer services further strengthen the collection as a destination for top retailers and designers.”
Eleven new, expanded and relocated showrooms bring excitement to AmericasMart’s 300+ home décor showrooms presented in on eight floors of Building 1.
Five showrooms are new for Summer 2022: AA Importing (antique-style furniture and décor), Aidan Gray (European-inspired furniture, antique reproductions, lighting, garden decor and more), Aleph Home (rugs, pillows and textiles), Spura Home (rugs and textiles) plus a combined showroom for Dea Luxury Linens (Italian linens) and Henry Handwork Company (hand-embroidered linens).
The six expansions and relocations include Lifetime Brands (kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home) adding a Building 1 location for its Elements, Mellannco, Mikasa and Scott Living lines. Three more expansions are Devgiri Exports (rugs and home textiles from India), Gabby (accent furniture, dining and occasional tables, chairs, mirrors, lighting fixtures and US-made custom upholstery) and Ngala Trading (handmade home decor featuring exotic, indigenous and sustainably sourced materials from across Africa). Two relocations are Downtown Company (high-quality down products) and Ella Home (lighting and furniture).
The Designer Workspace – a gathering place, work area and resource library open for Atlanta Market and AmericasMart’s Open Year Round sourcing – reopens in a new location on Floor 15 with a whole new look this summer. Closed in Summer 2021 to accommodate strategic relocations that were part of the Atlanta NEXT reorganization of the Building 1 home décor resources, it will celebrate its relocation with the “Designer Workspace Grand Reopening” event, on Thursday, July 14, from 4-6 p.m.
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Hydro Flask Wins Order to Combat Counterfeits
Hydro Flask has received a landmark order issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission that protects Hydro Flask’s intellectual property rights at the border. In January, the U.S. ITC issued a General Exclusion Order prohibiting the importation of any infringing or counterfeit Hydro Flask products by anyone.
This is a rare and strong order offered by the U.S. ITC, according to Hydro Flask, that will be enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This General Exclusion Order is part of a multifaceted strategy to enforce Hydro Flask’s intellectual property rights and expand its brand protection initiatives.
“This ITC General Exclusion Order marks a very important achievement in our efforts to ensure our consumers are receiving legitimate, high-quality Hydro Flask products that we are known for,” said Helen of Troy Home & Outdoor President Larry Witt. “The sweeping restriction is not taken lightly, and as one of the most prestigious general exclusion orders to receive, we are taking immediate action with U.S. customs enforcement officers to educate and inform appropriate identification of the violation of our intellectual property at every level.”
“With the rise in online shopping that has accelerated over the last few years, this is a pressing problem for many popular and authentic global brands. We’re fortunate to have the U.S. Government’s support in helping to alleviate the risks that these counterfeit products pose to consumers,” Witt said. “Our proactive approach is the next step to ending the exchange of counterfeit products so we can continue to deliver authentic products backed by our Let’s Go™ Promise that guarantees a lifetime of adventure.”
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Nate Berkus, mDesign to Launch Home Goods Brand
Celebrity interior designer, best-selling author and television personality Nate Berkus has created a brand of home goods – including bed, bath and organizing items – developed in partnership with mDesign Home Décor. Nate Home will launch in 2023.
Nate Home will leverage Berkus’ decades of experience in interior design and home makeovers, allowing consumers to shop his accessible style of well-made, elevated home décor items once again. mDesign has extensive experience in end-to-end product development, brand-building, eCommerce, and brick-and-mortar distribution, making them the perfect partner for this new endeavor.
The home goods partnership will amplify the Nate Berkus brand in new and unprecedented ways with distribution concentrated in DTC channels such as mDesign’s website and multiple 3P marketplaces. mDesign’s vast network of existing partners and multi-channel business model will create greater consumer access to Berkus’ new brand of well-priced, quality home goods.
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Dallas Home & Gift Market Delivers Hundreds of New Brands
Dallas Home & Gift Market, the first show of the summer, will be the largest trade event in more than 10 years, according to Dallas Market Center. The centrally located marketplace that is welcoming a record number of new buyers from across the country announced exclusive details for its summer home and gift market event June 22-28. Keep reading …
Yankee Candle Issues Limited ‘Love Is Love’
The Yankee Candle Company announces the creation of a new, limited-edition fragrance, Love is Love, to raise awareness of global nonprofit Rainbow Railroad‘s mission to provide pathways to safety for LGBTQIA+ people at risk in their home countries. Launching in May, Love is Love celebrates love in all its forms, with a unique and harmonious blend of fragrance notes including sweet fruits, inspiring florals and warm woods.
In recognition of its commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging, Yankee Candle will donate $100,000 to Rainbow Railroad to support their work helping LGBTQIA+ individuals facing state-enabled persecution find safety worldwide.
“We’re proud to be supporting Rainbow Railroad’s important cause. Together, we can not only work to eliminate discrimination and hate, but we can also champion acceptance and impact change, not just throughout Pride month, but the whole year,” said Lisa McCarthy, President of the Home Fragrance Business Unit, Newell Brands. “The work that Rainbow Railroad does truly ties into our core corporate values of Truth, Transparency, Teamwork and Trust, and the crucial role each value plays in helping individuals find their way to safety.”
The limited-edition Love Is Love fragrance was designed by a global employee initiative at Yankee Candle and is available in two 3-wick candle designs. Celebrate Pride with a Pride 3-Wick Candle and Tote Bag for $30 at Yankee Candle retail stores, or a single 3-Wick Candle for $26.50 at YankeeCandle.com and select retailers in May.
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Markets Watch: Atlanta, Vegas, Juniper
Check out this month’s issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review for previews of the upcoming Atlanta Market (July 12-18) and Las Vegas Market (July 24-28). Here’s a roundup of exhibitors who are going to multiple shows, including IMC’s Juniper Market.
Keep reading …
H-E-B Debuts Homeware Department in Texas
H-E-B has opened its newest store in New Braunfels, Texas, which is the first Home by H-E-B department and a two-story True Texas BBQ restaurant. At 122,000 square feet, the new store has an expansive product assortment and several convenient services customers have come to expect from H-E-B.
With two brands in the homeware department, Haven + Key and Texas Proud, the collection offers hundreds of items that include timeless home textiles, inspiring décor, and versatile furniture and accent pieces. Under the Haven + Key line, customers can find on-trend seasonal items from candles, mirrors and toss pillows, to kitchen textiles, rugs, throw blankets and accent furniture.
The Texas Proud brand will celebrate Texas style and feature many similar items made by Texas-based artisans and businesses such as wood and antler art from Broken Antler in Converse, leather goods from Lucio Tailoring Co. in San Antonio, cowhide benches from Texas Bench Worx in Luling, and hand-poured candles from Rustic Swank in New Braunfels.
H-E-B plans to open more homeware departments inside additional H-E-B locations throughout the year.
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May the Fourth Be With You: Luke, I Am Your Toaster
Uncanny Brands, maker of pop culture home appliances, celebrated Star Wars Day (AKA May the Fourth) with a reboot of its classic Darth Vader Toaster. Introduced in 2014, the Darth Vader Toaster utterly featured a fully 3-dimensional outer shell that replicated The Dark Lord’s helmet and inside plates that burned that same helmet onto every slice of toast.
The advanced and enhanced Darth Vader Toaster blazes with lights and sound, glowing red and humming like a light saber when the plunger is pushed down and ominously breathing in anticipation when your bread, bagel or toaster pastry pops up, ready to enjoy.
The Darth Vader is available online and at select retailers nationwide.
In addition, Uncanny has launched the Darth Vader vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi Waffle Maker, an exclusive for GameStop also debuting on May the Fourth. Both the full-color outside and the non-stick Wplates inside portray the epic duel between The Dark Lord and the Jedi Master. Check it out at a local GameStop store or online at www.gamestop.com.
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Stasher Launches On-the-Go Bowls Innovation
Stasher, maker of reusable silicone food storage bags, has expanded its lineup by adding on-the-go Stasher Bowls to its portfolio of premium products. This launch celebrates the company’s biggest innovation since it created its best-selling bags.
Stasher Bowls food storage bags feature leak-free patented Pinch-Loc seal that stays open when you want it to and stays shut when you need it to. The new bowls are made from the same food-grade platinum silicone that the best-selling Stasher bags are made from and comes in several sizes designed for everything from sauces to salads. They are sturdy enough for storing and packing, while the wide opening means you can eat right from the bowl, whether you’re in the office, at the park, or on the road.
“We are always looking for new ways to reduce single-use products, and provide sustainable solutions for our Stasher squad,” said Shannon Morgan Stearns, CEO. “The Stasher Bowls are a labor of love and we’re thrilled to share our new favorite container with the world. Our bowls boast the same quality materials and leak-free seal as our bag products, making them the perfect solution for on-the-go meals.”
Stasher Bowls are available in five sizes ranging from 1-cup to 8-cups and come in both clear and rainbow colors. Stasher Bowls will be available online and through select retailers such as Target.
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Hestan Unveils Campania Pizza Oven
Hestan has unveiled its latest product for the residential outdoor kitchen, the Campania Pizza Oven. Inspired by the region of Italy recognized for the invention of pizza, the Campania Pizza Oven marries rustic, artisanal quality with modern innovation and exceptional design.
Comprised of a heavy gauge stainless steel exterior, interior double-walled body construction, a 3/4″ thick ceramic cooking hearth stone, and an efficient and powerful gas-fired radiant burner, the Campania Pizza Oven achieves and retains optimal cooking temperatures quickly with industry-leading efficiency. Its heavy-duty ceramic hearth stone creates a charred artisan crust, while the oven’s unique dome shape traps and recirculates heat for an even cook.
The 449-square-inch ceramic cooking surface accommodates both shareable and personal-sized pizzas, and can be removed from the unit for a thorough cleaning between uses. Its radiant burner technology not only creates natural convection heat for perfectly-baked pizza, but also produces high-intensity infrared rays for roasting or searing meats and vegetables.
The oven comes equipped with an attractive stainless steel cooking cavity front cover, topped with an elegant wood handle, to protect the inside of the oven when not in use, as well as an artisanal stainless steel pizza peel to help you safely insert, remove, and rotate pizza or other food items around the oven.
The Campania Pizza Oven is available in a classic stainless steel finish, or in Hestan’s 12 signature color and finish options, and can be installed as a countertop unit to complement a full outdoor kitchen, or built into a non-combustible structure.
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Grohe Releases Plan to Curb Plastic Waste
Every year, eight million tons of plastic waste fill the world’s oceans and the pollution of the oceans by plastic waste alone has increased tenfold since 1980. Grohe, part of Lixil, a global manufacturer of water and housing products, has released a three-step Less Plastic Initiative in its efforts to tackle the global waste problem and its impact on water by continuously improving its products, processes and services.
“With water at the core of our business, it is our responsibility to care for every drop of this precious resource and commit to paving a pathway for clean water worldwide. GROHE’s Less Plastic Initiative will bring us a step closer to this goal,” said Trey Northrup, Leader, Lixil Americas. “As a purpose-driven business, we are wholly dedicated to reducing the use of plastic within our own footprint and encouraging our customers to live more sustainably. Our belief is that it’s critical to give our planet the utmost care and attention now and into the future.”
In 2022 and beyond, Grohe will greatly contribute to tackling the global plastic waste problem with its three-step Less Plastic Initiative:
- Removal of Plastic from Packaging – To date, Grohe has removed and replaced all unnecessary plastic from product packaging. This has resulted in savings of around 37 million items of product packaging made of plastic.
- Development of Grohe Blue Water System – The Grohe Blue Chilled & Sparkling 2.0 water system provides chilled, filtered and, if desired, carbonated water straight from the kitchen tap – with a perfect taste.
- Partnership with everwave – Since 2019, Grohe has supported the non-governmental organization (NGO), everwave—an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and marine biologists developing active and passive clean-up technologies for rivers, to collect waste before it pollutes the oceans.
To learn more about Grohe’s sustainability initiatives, please visit https://www.grohe.com/sustainability/
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Kitchen, Bathroom, Office Design Contest Open
2020 and Compusoft are accepting submissions for their Global Inspiration Contest for kitchen, bathroom and office designers. The design contest provides a platform for 2020 Design Live, 2020 Fusion Live, 2020 Office, Winner and Innoplus users to be recognized for creative, functional and aesthetic design skills.
This year’s contest is sponsored by 9to5 Seating, Caesarstone and ARAN Cucine. There are 12 categories:
2020 Design Live
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• 360° Panorama (Any Space)
2020 Fusion Live
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• 360° Panorama (Any Space)
2020 Office
• Educational Space
• Large Office Space
• Small Office Space
Winner and Innoplus
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Showcase 360 (Any Space)
Multiple submissions are encouraged; each submitted design must be original. The winners will be chosen by a panel of guest judges including Business of Furniture Editor Rob Kirkbride, NKBA Director of Member Relationships Alan Dove, KBB Review Editor Rebecca Nottingham, and President of ESPRITMEUBLE Gaëtan Ménard. Grand prizes will be awarded by the sponsors as well as a Voters’ Choice prize based on votes.
The design contest closes on May 23. Winners will receive Amazon gift cards varying between $500 and $1,000 (awarded in the winners’ country currency).
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Shoulberg to Receive Gift & Home Industry Achievement Award
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ sole charitable organization, will honor business journalist Warren Shoulberg with its 2022 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award on June 22 in Dallas.
Gift for Life’s Industry Achievement Award, which has been presented at Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Retailer Excellence Awards since 2009, recognizes overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry – whether as a thought leader, standard-bearer or overall industry influencer.
“Warren’s journalistic excellence in the home and gift industries makes him so deserving of this special recognition,” said Cole Daugherty, chair of the Gift for Life board. “His keen observations and analysis over the decades have been a catalyst for business leaders and companies to outperform expectations and to improve manufacturing, retail and wholesale.”
As the former editor in chief for several leading business-to-business publications specializing in home furnishings retailing, Shoulberg has chronicled the good, the bad and the ugly of the business in a career spanning four decades. He has been a regular contributor to The Robin Report, Forbes.com and The Business of Home as well as his own blog Warrensreport.com.
Shoulberg served as a board member for Gift for Life for more than a decade, ending his term in 2017.
“Gift for Life is the Real Deal, and I am just thrilled to be honored by an organization I’ve been involved with as a board member, supporter and just fan of for close to two decades,” Shoulberg said. “Having this happen is really a triple treat: Besides my connection to Gift for Life, I also spent a chunk of my career with Gifts & Decorative Accessories and I am a huge supporter of José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen work around the world.”
Hosted by Gifts & Decorative Accessories, the Retailer Excellence Awards recognize excellence in seven retail awards categories, as well as the vendor and manufacturer’s rep of the year distinctions.
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Elizabeth Sutton, Raynor Group Collaborate on Colorful, Comfortable Office Chairs
Office Depot is determined to make the home/commercial office environment much more inspirational as Americans go back to work. The leading office supply retailing company has debuted the collaboration between Elizabeth Sutton Collection and the Raynor Group – a collection of office desk chairs that are both shockingly beautiful and extremely comfortable.
Each desk chair features fabrics and patterns from Sutton’s best-selling patterns and designs including foliage and floral patterns to monochromatic geometric graphics. Nature-inspired chairs bring the outside in. Retail prices are approximately $259 to $399.
“My new line of desk chairs are completely disruptive,” Sutton said. “There is nothing like them in the marketplace. The American consumer is ready for high energy and positive vibes in their lives, especially in their work environments. People need inspiration these days.”
“The workplace needs a dramatic change in appearance,” said Marc Fries, president of Raynor. “What worked before the pandemic doesn’t necessarily work now for people who are hungry for a positive atmosphere. They want to be inspired as they restart their careers. The new line will help them be more creative, innovative, and motivative.”
Building on the growing work-from-home trend, business executive Jeremy Frenkel introduced Sutton to the Raynor Group to discuss a partnership. With Raynor’s expertise in the industry and Sutton’s attention to design integrity, the partnership sought to fill a new need in the marketplace, to bring more comfort and joy to our daily lives while working through uncertain times.
From seat covers to contours and custom metal casters, Sutton considered every possible element to make office chairs more design conscious. Keen attention to detail, quality materials, and thoughtful touches are all hallmarks of the Wynwood and Gramercy chair series, featuring designs inspired by two of Elizabeth’s favorite neighborhoods in Miami and New York City—her twin homes. The collection includes 12 SKUs, as customers can choose between black and white bases, and silver and gold details.
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Weber’s Smokefire Stealth Earns Red Dot Award
Weber Inc., a global leader in outdoor cooking innovation, technology, and products, announced ]its SmokeFire Wood Fired Pellet Grill, Stealth Edition, has been awarded a Red Dot in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022.
The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is one of the world’s largest design competitions to recognize excellence in Product Design, Communication Design, and Design Concept, receiving more than 20,000 annual submissions from approximately 60 countries worldwide.
The SmokeFire, Stealth Edition grill, which features a sleek all-black exterior, received a Red Dot in the coveted Product Design category for its innovative and high-quality design..
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Gift for Life Adds 5 to Board of Directors
Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced additions to its board of directors: Andrea Padilla of Transpac, Angela Jacobson of Stephen Joseph, Inc., Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media, Landon Metts of Creative Brands and Maureen Carpenter of nora fleming.
Gift for Life also acknowledged the resignation of long-time member and former Gift for Life Board Chair Frank Joens, formerly with the L.A. Mart.
Before becoming Director of Sales & Marketing at Transpac, one of the industry’s largest seasonal gift and décor companies, Padilla worked her way up from an entry level marketing position to National Sales Manager. She has been a member of the gift and home industry since 2010, and was named as one of Gift Shop Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees in 2021.
Jacobson is a gift and home industry newcomer with just three and a half years working with the team at Stephen Joseph Companies after spending more than a decade in the video game industry. In 2019 she joined the SJC team to run Marketing and later added the role of Sales over both gift divisions, Karma and Stephen Joseph, allowing her the opportunity to be part of a woman-led team experiencing remarkable growth and transformation.
Vilkaitis is the founder of Crystal Media and a top-rated speaker who has worked exclusively with independent retailers since 2010. She has developed a team of social media experts who have worked with thousands of store owners to significantly increase their foot traffic, sales and profits through training programs and a done-for-you agency. By helping retailers evolve through new social sales channels and easily adapt to the ever-changing digital marketing world, Crystal Media is on a mission to help Main Street thrive.
Metts has more than 10 years experience in the gift industry, and today serves as sales manager for Creative Brands’ gift division which includes Santa Barbara Design Studio, Slant Collections, Stephan Baby and Heartfelt. In this role, he works with territory reps nationwide and oversees customer service and key account relationships. In 2021, Landon was named as one of Gift Shop Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees.
Carpenter is Vice-President and Director of Sales at nora fleming responsible for managing relationships with sales representatives and 1,700 retail locations in 48 states. Maureen joined nora fleming in 2010 as their first employee and her career has grown in parallel with nora fleming’s success. Maureen is active in the gift industry and currently serves as President of the Gift Sales Managers Association (GSMA). She is an active volunteer and advocate for many causes in the Chicagoland area.
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U.S. Demand for Stand Mixer Causes Ankarsrum to Ramp Up Production
In light of surging demand, Swedish appliance manufacturer Ankarsrum has tripled production capacity for the Assistent Original, the aspirational choice in stand mixers. Made in Sweden, the line stands out for its multifunctionality and unsurpassed quality and innovation.
Production capacity has been addressed in three ways. First, the factory has added a second production line. Second, the factory workforce has expanded dramatically. Third, the brand has invested in additional training to preserve the quality of its handmade product.
“Increased demand for the Ankarsrum is a global phenomenon, with the U.S. market growing in importance. We strongly believe that the U.S. is now at the beginning of its growth curve, so we’re predicting and planning for aggressive sales increases. This is a result from orders and feedback from our U.S. retail partners,” said Marcus Grimerö, CEO of Ankarsrum Kitchen AB.
The Ankarsrum simulates kneading by hand with a rotating bowl instead of something rotating in a bowl. This design is ideal for home-baked bread and other baked goods including cakes, cookies and frostings. Additional accessories are available to make this the go-to multifunctional appliance in the kitchen, including pasta makers, a citrus juicer, blender, slicers/shredders, nut grinder, meat grinders, a grain/spice/coffee mill and more.
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JCPenney Proclaims ‘Shopping is Back!’ in New Campaign
JCPenney has revealed an integrated brand campaign, “Shopping is Back!,” in stores and online, a celebration of shopping and the company’s 120th birthday.
The campaign includes a special sales promotion of 30% off storewide plus for our reward members, an extra $10 bonus reward for every $50 spent now through April 12; a series of advertising spots featuring Melissa Villaseñor as the fabulously unique and confident Penny James; and the JCPenney Cross-Country “Shopping is Back!” Tour, that brings the party to families and communities across the country.
“The JCPenney brand holds an incredibly special place in millions of Americans’ closets, homes and memories. We celebrate this legacy while showing a reinvigorated JCPenney brand that expresses our energy and optimism, which we want customers to experience with us,” said Bill Cunningham, vice president, marketing. “JCPenney is transforming itself with innovation and imagination and is ready to get back to connecting with our customers through shopping.”
JCPenney is introducing a recurring character named Penny James. Melissa Villaseñor, TV and film comedian and current cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” transforms into Ms. James, the ultimate All-In Shopping Enthusiast who finds happiness in every corner of JCPenney.
As a JCPenney superfan, Ms. James is seen throughout video and graphics sharing all the reasons to love the JCPenney shopping experience, from modeling fabulous outfits, cozying up with home décor, relaxing with a hair treatment and style, and buying a pair of sassy, JCPenney-red prescription glasses. She joyously declares, “Shopping is Back!”
“The character of Penny James is a playful tribute to our customers and what they love about JCPenney. Shopping is back, and it’s time for JCPenney to be bold and lively, just like Penny,” said Carl Byrd, vice president, creative & brand synergy. “We found a dream collaborator in Melissa, who graciously helped bring this unforgettable and endearing representative of our brand to life.”
Ms. James wishes JCPenney a happy 120th birthday in the first video spot airing now.
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Canada’s Top Home, Gift Wholesalers Set to Open Permanent Showrooms
A collective of Canada’s most renowned and best-in-class suppliers of home and gift merchandise are working together to open permanent showrooms at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. What will collectively be known as SHOW T.O. will soon be home to the first eight agencies and distributors opening permanent showrooms, with more than 40,000 square feet dedicated to servicing Canadian retailers, design professionals and media.
Exhibitors include: Abbott, Auralim, Canadian Gift Concept, David Youngson & Associates, Edenborough, Group One Associates, North American Country Home and Torre & Tagus.
Each company is working with its own design firm to showcase its well-established brands. In addition, many of these inspiring showrooms will feature hospitality areas that invite customers to recharge.
Independent retailers will appreciate the flexibility of shopping on days that best suit their busy schedule, with a much more relaxed and personalized approach.
A soft opening is scheduled for July, with an official opening celebration to follow.
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Las Vegas Design Center Hosts Career Day
Las Vegas Design Center, in partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will host its first career day for interior design students, offering a full day of networking and free educational seminars on April 8.
“Education is a hallmark of the Las Vegas Design Center offering,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “Students are the future of our industry, and through this program we get to share valuable industry knowledge and connect students with a robust network of established design professionals.”
Students participating in the premiere LVDC Interior Design Student Career Day will benefit from a full day of networking, event and seminar activities, hosted by notable designers and leading brands. Session highlights including: What it Means to be a Professional Interior Designer, a panel discussion with residential, commercial, hospitality, kitchen and bath designers, moderated by author and associate UNLV professor Dak Kopec, at 10:45; How to Make Money as an Interior Designer, hosted by Area West and Vanguard Furniture at 11:45 and 3:15; Round Table Discussion with Leadership at 1:45; and You’ve Graduated, Now What? presented by Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design at 2:15.
“The recent years of COVID have demonstrated the importance of our interior environments for safety and wellbeing, and for the management of disease and disease transmission,” said Kopek. “The UNLV Interior Architecture and Design program is thankful for the valuable service that Las Vegas Design Center provides for our students and the Las Vegas Design community. Career day is just one of the many ways we can all come together in one place to share knowledge and forge meaningful collaborations.”
The LVDC Interior Design Student Career Day runs April 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at LVDC at World Market Center Las Vegas. Registration is free with no limit on the number of students who may participate. RSVP is required before April 8 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interior-design-student-career-day-tickets-294844887997.
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JuniperMarket Launches First Sales Event
JuniperMarket, the newly launched wholesale marketplace powered by International Market Centers is conducting its first ever sales event – Spring Savings – offering a 20 percent cash rebate on all purchases plus extra deals and incentives from nearly 20 leading brands. The event runs through April 21 at JuniperMarket.com/SpringSavings.
“The Spring Savings Event is the first of many special buying opportunities that will showcase JuniperMarket’s leading brands and incentivize buyers to source and shop on our marketplace,” said Juniper CEO Bill Furlong. “We’re launching with an emphasis on top gift and home furnishings brands to demonstrate how a digital tool like JuniperMarket can make year-round buying more efficient for retailers.”
All products sold by participating brands during Spring Savings will be eligible for the 20 percent cash rebate (up to $2,000) delivered to the buyer at the time of product shipment. Additionally, Net 60 payment terms will be available for qualified buyers with all participating brands through JuniperCredit.
Confirmed participants include: A&B Home (furniture and home decor); C&F Home (home decor, kitchen decor, bedding for everyday and seasonal); Elk Home (lighting, furniture and home decor); Evergreen (home and garden decor, licensed sports products and fashion and baby accessories); Feizy (rugs); HomArt (hand-finished home accessories); Napa East (wine inspired furnishings); Park Hill (home decor, gifts and accessories); Roman (gifts and decorative accessories); Sagebrook Home (home accessories, accent furniture, wall decor and lighting); SPI Home (home, garden and gallery decor); Sullivans (everyday and seasonal home decor and botanicals); Tremont (artificial flowers, gifts and seasonal decor); and Zuo Modern (indoor and outdoor furniture).
A full list of participating brands and details is available at www.junipermarket.com/SpringSavings.
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Glimpse Raises $6.2M for Home Product Trials
Glimpse, a platform enabling consumer-facing brands and service providers to reach guests and provide an immersive trial experience through home product placements in luxury short-term rentals and resorts, has completed a seed funding round, bringing total investments in the company to $6.2 million.
Founded in 2020, Glimpse provides a “try-before-you-buy” experience, allowing consumers to enjoy a variety of home products in a natural, home-like setting, offering categories such as bedding, consumer electronics, beauty, kitchen, home office, home accessories and decor, home fitness, furniture and more. More than a dozen brands are using Glimpse to supplement their online retail channels including Purple, Molekule and Lyric.
Glimpse manages logistics for product placement and creates an optimized funnel to drive sales and customer acquisition for partners. Glimpse serves more than 8,000 luxury properties across the United States and has launched its services in 40 states.
Built around multiple customer touch points, including product introductions in guest welcome messages, in-property trials, customized displays, social media mentions, and post-stay retargeting, Glimpse’s model optimizes the conversion of high-intent leads.
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Interior Define Solidifies C-Suite Amid Growth
Chicago-based Interior Define has added Bahniman Hazarika as chief financial officer, William Savage as chief supply chain officer and Chris Travers as chief business officer and general counsel. Hazarika, Travers and Savage round out the c-suite at a core moment in Interior Define’s 200 percent retail expansion and growth plans of more than 30 stores slated for the remainder of 2022.
“We are bringing on seasoned veterans to further fuel our high-growth phase and margin expansion while investing in key strategic initiatives to ensure that we further differentiate Interior Define’s position, over time,” said CEO Antonio Nieves.
The three new hires increase the leadership team to seven as they combine alongside Nieves, Catherine Colwell (now chief experience officer), Jill John (chief customer officer), Christina Holland (chief product officer) and Casey Darnell (VP of people).
Interior Define’s c-suite will assist the brand amid a massive and rapid retail expansion plan to more than 30 brick-and-mortar store openings slated for 2022. The new locations, called Interior Define Studios, will have an average of 3,500 to 8,000 square feet and showcase more than 80 percent of their current product assortment on the floor as well as make room for growth across new product categories.
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Wire Holdings to Launch Home Décor Platform
Wire Holdings, Inc. is expanding its digital B2B2C marketplace platforms with a focus on home décor and interior design and the upcoming debut of CasaWire. The company has had success connecting the consumer with emerging and established brands in the fashion and beauty spaces, with the FashWire and GlossWire app and web-based shopping platforms.
“Selling Sunset” star Amanza Smith is joining the company’s advisory board.
Launching this summer, CasaWire will build on the success of the FashWire and GlossWire verticals with highly curated home décor products and editorial spotlighting designers, artisans and artists from around the globe. The marketplace will feature products from furniture to tabletop lighting, art and photography, and home fragrance.
CasaWire’s focus on product discovery will be supported by expert interior designer recommendations and access to leading industry tastemakers. The world’s most coveted brands will be highlighted through designer and artist focused profiles, live links to their websites and social media support giving the consumer a 360-degree solution to explore the best pieces to decorate their homes with.
An agent in the Oppenheim Group and star on the hit reality TV show “Selling Sunset,” Smith earned her degree in interior design from Indiana State University, became a home stager for Hollywood’s elite and furthered her passion in the space selling real estate as an agent.
“On ‘Selling Sunset’ I am able to showcase my passion for interior design, home staging and being a real estate agent and the truth is, all three go hand in hand,” Smith said. “CasaWire is exactly what I hear our luxury homeowners are craving, a direct way to access highly curated home and décor pieces in real time.”
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Macy’s Expanding Backstage Into 37 Stores
Macy’s is expanding its Backstage locations this spring. Beginning April 9 and rolling out through June, Macy’s will open 37 Macy’s store-within-store Backstage locations nationwide.
Macy’s store-within-stores range from 11,000 to 16,000 square feet of retail space, delivering a constantly changing assortment of on-trend finds in apparel for women, men, and children; a wide range of toys, housewares, beauty products, designer handbags, activewear and gifts for furry friends.
Fueled by the growth in nearly 300 stores nationwide, Macy’s will open a Backstage inside the iconic Macy’s State Street flagship store in Chicago on April 9. The deal-friendly shopper’s paradise will also expand to Macy’s New York City flagship store, Herald Square, with over 15,000 square feet of dedicated store within store retail space in May. Customers will be able to shop from luxury to off-price all under one roof.
Macy’s accelerated its off-mall, small format expansion last year with two new free-standing Backstage locations in Dallas and three in Dallas and Atlanta. Macy’s continues to shift its store fleet to meet the needs of changing consumer behaviors and plans to open additional off-mall locations throughout 2022.
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Loveseat Aims to Ease Online Home Goods Return
Austin-based Loveseat, an online marketplace for home goods, has raised $7 million in Series A funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners with participation from notable angel investors Gokul Rajaram, Gabriel Weinberg, and Kal Vepuri.
Online returns have a complicated, emissions-heavy lifecycle that costs the retail industry $32 billion annually, according to Loveseat. Loveseat’s online auction marketplace offers a platform for consumers to buy local returned and overstock home goods at a significantly discounted price.
As much as 30 percent of home goods e-commerce orders are returned and Loveseat’s business model closes this gap, increasing margins by 40 percent, and its focus on buying and selling returned goods locally minimizes the overhead costs and energy endured by large retailers, according to the company.
Loveseat is primarily focused on prioritizing the consumer experience – with thousands of new listings each week, the competitive auction-style model allows users to bid on high-quality items, typically saving 70 percent of the original retail price. Customers are receiving better value and contributing to creating a healthier planet by reducing waste, according to the company.
Read more in an upcoming issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss out!
Ukraine Twist Candle Aids Victims of War
The Celsius54 Candle Co. is donating $25 for every Ukraine Twist candle sold to Sunflower of Peace, a Boston-based charity directly helping victims of the war.
Sunflower of Peace, founded in 2014, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to mobilize support and aid for Ukrainian orphans, internally displaced persons and those most affected by the current situation by providing medical assistance and other necessities.
Sunflower of Peace started a new fundraiser to provide medical and humanitarian aid that will be used by the paramedics and doctors in the areas that are most affected by the violence in Ukraine. They are acquiring and distributing first-aid backpacks, medicine, medical instruments, and other items that are saving hundreds of lives. Sunflower of Peace Foundation is 501(c)3 registered charity.
Celsius54’s twist candle for Ukraine combines the country’s flag colors of blue and gold in a sleek modern design. Made in the Netherlands, the candles cost $40 and are available here.
IHA’s Miller: Smaller Housewares Show Led to Bigger Benefits
Buyers from 84 countries arrived in Chicago for The Inspired Home Show 2022 along with 1,016 exhibitors from 40 countries according to Derek Miller, president and CEO of the International Housewares Association, in an open letter to housewares executives.
“While the Show was smaller than in previous years, the benefits for those attending were tremendous,” Miller wrote.
“when you hear something once and then twice and then again, it begins to turn into a trendline, and while that may not have been everyone’s experience, it certainly was for many Show participants. Many exhibitors expressed they connected with key retailers like never before – they received meetings, and those meetings lasted longer than anticipated. Retailers expressed that they found new companies, brands and products not seen in the past. Yes, 2022 was different, but different can be good – quality over quantity as they say.
“That’s not to imply that those who chose not to exhibit were not missed because they were. While roughly half of the industry came back, there is a need for the entire industry to pull together in 2023 so that we can once again showcase everything we collectively have to offer,” he wrote.
IHA board and staff met with members of the Retail Advisory Council (11 national retailers) and Specialty Retail Advisory Council (10 independents) to discuss what well and constructive feedback for improvements. They will be meeting with the Global Retail Advisory Council (10 international retailers) soon, Miller wrote, and with the Exhibitor Trade Show Advisory Council (15 exhibitors) in April.
In May, the board and staff will meet for two days to discuss The Inspired Home Show 2023, The Inspired Home Show 2024 & Beyond and IHA Member Service Offerings.
IHA released a special report – Rising to the Occasion, an in-depth look at the life moments that consumers expect to celebrate in 2022 and the types of products they are likely to buy for each. Later this month, IHA will release the 2022 Consumer Outlook, a comprehensive study of planned home and housewares purchases across 15 product categories. In early April, IHA will publish the 2022 edition of the IHA Market Watch Report, an overview of consumer values and how they impact purchasing decisions.
The Inspired Home Show 2023 is set for March 4-7 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
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TA Associates to Acquire Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen, a leading family of specialty food, home goods and personal care lifestyle brands, has been advised by Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in H&A advisory services, in its sale to TA Associates.
“The successful expansion beyond food and into high-growth personal care and home fragrances categories speaks to Stonewall Kitchen’s platform strength,” added Kelly McPhilliamy, a managing director at Harris Williams. “The company is successfully executing an exciting strategy that delivers continued runway for growth.”
Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food, home goods and personal care producer headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers, and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service.
Stonewall Kitchen’s origins and expansion to housewares is explored in the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
The Inspired Home Show 2022: “We Stand With Ukraine”
Foot traffic was lighter than hoped and there were many empty booth spaces, but the energy at the first day of the International Housewares Association’s The Inspired Home Show carried relief as the trade show returned after a pandemic hiatus.
After a shortened day on the floor, the Global Innovation Awards were presented. Since the awards have not been held for two years, retail honorees from the missed years were recognized. Among them, Pro Menu from Ukraine, which brought an extended round of applause from the audience.
The large video screens brought up the Ukrainian flag as it was explained that representatives had planned to attend the gia ceremony, but, due to world events, were unable to. The audience cooed with empathy. After a moment of silence for Urkraine, one man shouted, “You go, Ukraine!” and the emcee said, “We stand with Ukraine.”
For all the honorees and finalists, click here.
Ruggable Adds Marvel Super Hero Washable Rugs
Los Angeles-based Ruggable, the first patented machine-washable rug, unveiled a collection of one-of-a-kind designs inspired by Marvel Super Heroes. The collection includes 28 chenille rugs featuring characters such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, Iron Man and Captain America in 10 sizes.
With a variety of both subtle and daring designs, the Marvel rug collection was created for all. These characters perfectly with a range of decor styles. Using Ruggable’s 2-piece Rug System, the durable rugs are designed to add energetic, eye-catching hues and inspiration to living spaces, all while handling any of life’s messes.
“Partnering with an iconic brand like Marvel has been such a blast for our team,” said Jeneva Bell, Ruggable founder and president. “Growing up with many of Marvel’s characters, our team is beyond thrilled to finally bring these designs to life and offer a new way to bring the fandom into the home. ”
The Marvel collection is available for purchase on www.ruggable.com in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom with prices starting at $99.
More information on the Marvel rugs will be in an upcoming issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
At Home Opens 6 Home Decor Stores
Texas- based At Home, The Home Décor Superstore opened five stores in February, with another expected soon, bringing the retailer’s store count to 241.
At Home sells up to 50,000 home decor items for every room, every style and every budget – from furniture, rugs, wall art and housewares to tabletop, patio and holiday décor -in stores averaging just over 100,000 square feet.
Visit the new stores located in the following cities:
- Poughkeepsie, NY
- Ledgewood, NJ
- Dallas, TX
- Tustin, CA
- Rochester, MN
- Matthews, NC (Opening soon)
At Home, a leading destination for home decor, gives customers a wide selection of style ideas, a continually updated assortment, the latest trends and exciting seasonal products. Hundreds of items arrive each week to provide fresh inspiration and shoppers will discover new collections from designers Ty Pennington, Grace Mitchell, Laila Ali and Tracey Boyd.
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GhostBed, Venus Williams Launch Sleep Products
Florida-based GhostBed, aleading online mattress retailer and manufacturer of boxed beds, has launched a sleep products collaboration with legendary tennis champion Venus Williams, who is also an entrepreneur and health advocate.
The long-term partnership envisions an initial collection of performance mattresses designed by Williams that will later expand into a full sleep solutions and home furnishings lineup.
“From the first time we met, both Venus and I realized we shared the same strong family business values and entrepreneurial drive needed to deliver something special and unique for the sleep products industry,” said Marc Werner, CEO and founder of GhostBed. “From the very beginning of our relationship, there has been total synergy between Venus and the GhostBed team. She will be involved in everything from the design of the product to the creative strategy behind the launch.”
“Giving your body and mind time to rest and recover is more important now, than ever before,” Williams said. “An invigorating night’s sleep has improved my performance, on and off the court, and I’m looking forward to launching this new collection with GhostBed to educate others on how sleeping on the right mattress can totally transform quality of life.
“Restorative sleep is essential and that’s something I can’t wait to bring to consumers through this collection,” she said.
The first products from the new collaboration were launched late in 2021.The collaboration was developed by Venus Williams and her team at V Starr in coordination with her agency, WME, and Daniel Levin of Prominent Brand + Talent, who represented GhostBed.
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2022 ANDYZ Design Awards Seeks Entries
Submissions are open for the eighth annual ANDYZ Design Awards, presented by Las Vegas Design Center and the California Central/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Winners of the ANDYZ, which highlight and celebrate noteworthy projects by interior designers, architects, showrooms and design students in 12 interior design categories, will be recognized during the Summer 2022 Las Vegas Market, July 24-28 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Design Center and Las Vegas Market have developed a great program with ASID that allows us to recognize the innovation and style in the design community,” said Cain Brodie, LVDC general manager. “Interior designers play a huge role in our industry and the ANDYZ awards celebrate the talent that comprises our creativity-driven business.”
The 2022 ANDYZ awards will expand to be presented in 12 categories this year with two existing categories: Best Individual Residential Space Design and Best Multiple Residential Space Design – splitting into two size-based categories – over and under 3000 square feet.
“Early bird” submissions will be accepted until April 4 at $100 for ASID members and $125 for non-members per professional entry, and $25 per student entry. From April 5 through May 2, entry fees are $150 per professional entry, and $35 per student entry. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted. For official entry forms, contest rules and guidelines, please visit: https://cacnv.asid.org/andyzawards.
More details will be in an upcoming issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
IHA Global Innovations Award Finalists Named
The 65 finalists in the IHA Global Innovations Awards (gia) for product design have been announced by the International Housewares Association. Global honorees in each of 13 categories will be announced during the invitation-only gia dinner March 5 during The Inspired Home Show 2022, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex.
Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts and news media. The finalists and global honorees will be on display in a new exhibit in the Hall of Global Product Design in the Grand Concourse Lobby of the North Building as well as in the New Product Showcases located in the Buyers Club in each Show building. The Inspired Home Show opens at 10 a.m. on March 5 and runs through 5:30 p.m. March 7.
The gia product design finalists are:
Bath & Personal Care: Bug Bite Thing, Bug Bite Thing; F&H of Scandinavia A/S, UME Bath series; madesmart, Drying Stone Toothbrush Tray; Travelon, SOMNiWRAP Travel Pillow; Zoku, LLC;Travel Hand Wipes
Cleaning: Evriholder Products, LLC; Joie Chameleon Drain Cleaner; Evriholder Products, LLC, Sophisti-clean Compact Dish Rack and Silicone Mat Set; Proud Grill Company; Q-Swiper Steam Clean Grill Cleaner; Sanimaid ApS, #Stain Remover; ZoomBroom, ZoomBroom Tornado
Cook & Bakeware: Grand Fusion Housewares, Inc., Leakproof Silicone Non-Stick Baking Mat; IRIS USA, Inc., 6-Piece Cookware Sets with Cool-Touch Removable Handle and Tempered Glass Lids, MEGASTONE Non-Stick Coating; Le Creuset Of America Inc., Signature Bread Oven; SRT I.K. International, Special Roasting Tray; THE COOKWARE COMPANY (USA), LLC, Greenpan Reserve 10 pc set
Home Décor & Gifts: Hangman Products, Inc., No Stud Floating Shelves With Dye Sublimation Finishes; Picnic Time Family of Brands, Parisian Picnic Basket; Wabash Valley Farms, 12 Days of Christmas Popcorn Seasoning Advent Calendar; Wine Grasp Company, wineGrasp Single; WOLF, Palermo Double Watch Roll w/ Jewelry Pouch
Home Organization & Storage: Bous, KING JIM “TEPRA Lite Compact, Palm-sized Label Printer; Brabantia USA, Mindset Toilet Butler; Inspired Product Development Group, Cabinet Caddy SNAP!; JJAAMM, llc, Heavy-Duty Wrap-It Storage Straps; YouCopia, FridgeView Rolling Egg Holder
Household & Home Electrics: IRIS USA, Inc., WOOZOO Ultrasonic Top-Fill Cool Mist Humidifier, NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD. Venture Lab, Sumikaze Pure Air; simplehuman, cleanstation; THE FOUNDATION, Steamery Cirrus No. 3; Viatek Consumer Products Group, Int’l., Q-Beam Clamp Lamp
Kitchen Electrics: Chefman, PowerCrisp Microwave; Gourmia, FoodStation Smokeless Indoor Grill & Air Fryer with Smoke Extracting Technology, 5 One-Touch Cooking Functions and Extra-Large Nonstick Cooking Surface; Innospec, Hot Bento; Jura Inc., JURA Z10; Revolution Cooking, LLC, Revolution InstaGLO R270 Toaster
Kitchen Hand Tools & Cutlery: DANDY, ScooperDuper Folding Food Scraper by DANDY; Dreamfarm, Brizzle – scoop drizzle basting brush; Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC, GEFU Spice Tower; Microplane, Extra Coarse Mixing Bowl Grater; That Inventions, ScoopTHAT Radii
Kitchenware: Dreamfarm, Spina – spin and strain colander; Georg Jensen, Bernadotte French Press; simplehuman, compost caddy; VACCARO, Cutting Board Set; Zip Top, Reusable Silicone Snack Containers
Personal Care Electrics: BeiAng Air Tech Ltd., AirCap; Better Living Products Int’l., Inc., FOAMA Touchless Soap Dispenser; Crane USA, Inc., Crane 4 in 1 humidifier; Hidrate Spark, HidrateSpark PRO; Viatek Consumer Products Group, Int’l., Body Dryer
Smart Home Products: Aeris Health Inc., Aeris by iRobot aair 3-in-1 Pro; CookingPal Ltd., Multo; Mastrad, Inc., meat°it 3; Olimpia Splendid USA, Dolceclima Fresco 15 AC WI-FI; PantryChic, a division of Nik of Time, Inc., PantryChic Smart Storage System Starter Kit
Sustainable Products: ( r e )x, 100% Recycled Ocean and Ocean Bound Plastic Hangers; Bee’s Wrap, Reusable Produce Bags – Large 2 Pack; Brabantia USA, StepUp Pedal Bin; Georg Jensen, Sky Drinking Bottle; Zoku, LLC, Zoku Pocket Utensils
Tabletop: Drink Tanks, Travel Keg; Freshlink Product Development, LLC dba PREPARA, Honey Pourer; Gourmet Kitchen Works LLC, Olipac FILARE; Picnic Time Family of Brands, Cava Wine Tasting Kit; Reduce, Saltini Tumbler
For coverage of The Inspired Home Show and more, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
Stonewall Kitchen Welcomes Michel Design Works, Announces Home Store in Maine
Stonewall Kitchen has announced that it has brought Michel Design Works, a comprehensive lifestyle brand specializing in bath and body products, fragrances, home décor and gifts, into its family of brands.
MDW sources from the top soap makers and fragrance houses around the globe to produce high-quality soaps. The company’s botanical designs are showcased throughout the home décor line. MDW is ranked by GiftBEAT Magazine as the No. 1 brand of personal care products for customers in the gift channel.
Stonewall Kitchen also announced a first of its kind Stonewall Home Company Store opening this spring on the campus of Stonewall Kitchen Headquarters in York, Maine. The Stonewall Home Company Store will feature a variety of the company’s ever-growing line of home goods brands including Stonewall Home, Stonewall Kitchen Fine Home Keeping, Village Candle and Michel Design Works.
More information on Stonewall Kitchen’s new home store will be featured in an upcoming issue of Kitchenware News. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
Epoca Promotes EVP, SVP Sales
Florida-based Epoca International has promoted Barbara Pizzella from senior vice president to executive vice president and John Bud Haley from vice president of national sales to senior vice president of sales.
Pizzella has been with Epoca International for 10 years, with prior experience coming from her time at Federated, Sears, TJX Companies and Office Depot. Pizzella has been instrumental in building high-performance teams in both China and the United States.
Pizzella is responsible for the company’s in-house merchandising team, product development team, marketing team, and graphics team, overseeing new brand and product launches into the market. Pizzella also oversees Epoca’s China team. Pizzella will continue to be cross-functional in her approach in her new role, continuing to make tremendous strides toward the future development of the company and the team.
Haley has been with Epoca International for seven years, coming from Bradshaw International, Inc. and prior to that, Lifetime Brands, with a long history of sales success in his 34 years of experience. Haley was instrumental in driving new accounts and sales across several national sales markets. He will be taking his expertise and sales success worldwide.
Epoca International is a designer and distributor of consumer houseware products. Epoca is focused on building strong consumer brands, driving innovation and differentiation within the marketplace. Within the portfolio includes Ecolution Cookware, Primula Beverage Products, Tasty kitchenware, Goodful kitchenware, Cooking Light home goods, and Country Living kitchenware, as well as a variety of private label retailer offerings, which are sold in over 40,000 locations in 18 countries at major retailers and online.
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ChefWave Offers Healthy Recipes
It’s all well and good to have a 13-in-1 multicooker or a non-dairy milkmaker that cleans itself, but sometimes you need a little inspiration when it comes to getting dinner on the table. ChefWave’s Recipe Corner has creative ideas for dishes that are so tasty and convenient, nobody will suspect how nourishing they are.
Or try Creamy Garlic Cauliflower, a richer, healthier take on mashed potatoes, With the InterMix Hand Immersion Blender, it’s as quick an easy as 1-2-3. You can even make a dairy-free version thanks to the super-simple Milkmade.
Who could have imagined an Indian Butter Chicken that rivals any takeout? The Chefe Multicooker does the pressure steaming and stewing and you can even serve it in the included 4-quart nonstick pot.
If you’ve been gifted an Elado frozen dessert maker, you can put gelato, sorbet, fro-yo, or Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream on the table in 20 minutes, start to finish. It comes with 2 freezer storage tubs in the unlikely event of leftovers.
Nothing beats beef or turkey jerky as a savory snack option. Great news—with the Seeco Pro Food Dehydrator you can make tender, high-protein Teriyaki Beef Jerky that’s rich in flavor and low in fat.
With a handful of nuts, some fruit and the Milkmade Non-Dairy Milk Maker, a plant-based Strawberry Banana Smoothie is right at your fingertips. No pre-soaking the nuts, no need for special accessories, and no cleanup afterward.
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The Inspired Home Show 2022 Sets Keynote Topics, Schedule
Keynote addresses at The Inspired Home Show 2022 will cover exclusive IHA data on consumer values, insights on shifting consumer lifestyle trends, an inside discussion about one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most influential online food and home platforms and a revealing view into the future of color in home and housewares.
The show, March 5-7 at Chicago’ McCormick Place, will be the first in-person gathering of the industry’s premier marketplace since 2019. The keynotes are set for Sunday and Monday in the Grand Ballroom in the South Building. The hour-long sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. and noon each day. Admission is free to all attendees.
The lineup showcases the return of veteran IHA trend forecasters and keynoters Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute; and Tom Mirabile, principal of Springoard Futures, who will be joined by Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf, founder of Project Partners Network.
Schedule highlights also include a special fireside chat with Amanda Hesser, co-founder and CEO of Food52; and a discussion on consumer home and housewares purchase drivers with authors of the 2022 IHA Market Watch report: Leana Salamah, vice president, marketing, International Housewares Association; Mirabile of Springboard Futures; and Joe Derochowski, vice president and home industry advisor for The NPD Group. Peter Giannetti, editor-in-chief of HomePage News, will moderate the fireside chat with Hesser and the discussion with the IHA Market Watch team.
Click here for more information on the keynote sessions. Click here to register, here for COVID precautions and here for more information on the show.
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NY Now, Gift for Life Raise Funds for World Central Kitchen
NY NOW and Gift for Life will raise funds for World Central Kitchen through the market’s Floor to Store exclusive installation (booth #2859) Feb. 6-9, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Center.
“NY NOW is a long-standing Gift for Life partner and we appreciate their willingness to innovate to develop creative new ways to engage their audience with our efforts,” said Cole Daugherty, chair of the Gift for Life board. “NY NOW’s Floor to Store donation program is a fantastic way to launch into our 2022 fundraising efforts for World Central Kitchen.”
Modeled after a brick-and-mortar storefront, “Floor to Store” will showcase 50 top gift and stationery brands. Buyers and sellers who donate a minimum of $10 will qualify to win a gift box of display curator Amy Loewenberg’s favorite products from the installation. Donations are accepted onsite at NY NOW via a scannable QR code or online at https://donate.wck.org/NYNOW.
“I have had a cherished connection to Gift for Life for nearly a decade and am a proud supporter and advocate of their charitable efforts,” said Amy Loewenberg, NY NOW senior relations manager and Floor to Store curator. “The Floor to Store Exclusive is a representation of any Main Street store. We peek through the shop windows, and we’re intrigued. We’re compelled to enter, where our senses are immediately tickled through an abundance of colors, textures, sounds, and smells that all speak our language.
“We know it will draw in buyers who want to discover, explore and be inspired by leading Stationery + Gift brands. And we hope the opportunity to win a collection of featured products will compel many donations.”
Gift for Life, the industry’s sole charitable organization, raised more than $100,000 in 2021 between market week fundraisers and special events. The bulk of donations were directed to World Central Kitchen’s Restaurants for the People program, which meets critical needs on two fronts: buying meals directly from restaurants and delivering them to Americans who need help – in 400 cities across 35 states.
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IHA Names Global Innovation Award Winners
The International Housewares Association will honor a record-breaking number of the world’s most innovative and creative home and housewares retailers for the Global Innovations Awards (gia) program at The Inspired Home Show, March-5-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The Inspired Home Show and IHA, global sponsors and organizers of the gia program, announced 33 outstanding home and housewares retailers from 32 countries.
The Inspired Home Show will be the first in-person gathering of the industry’s premier marketplace since 2019. Covid-19 safety-related policies and protocols have also been established – as has a shortened schedule for the event.
The gia program was created by IHA and The Inspired Home Show (formerly the International Home + Housewares Show) to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world. Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been close to 500 gia retail award winners, from over 50 countries on six continents.
The U.S. winners are Paddington Station for gift retailers and The Butler’s Pantry for housewares retailer. The Canada winner is HOME on water st.
Each national gia winner is invited to The Inspired Home Show, where the global gia jury, consisting of four experts representing Asia, Europe and the Americas, plus a rotating group of co-sponsoring trade publication editors from around the world, will select up to five gia Global Honorees and the winners of the Martin M. Pegler Award for Excellence in Visual Merchandising and the gia Digital Commerce Award for Excellence in Online Retailing.
On Saturday, March 5, the national winners will be honored at a festive awards dinner where the gia Global Honorees and winners of the Martin M. Pegler and gia Digital Commerce Award will be announced. In addition, the national winners are featured at the Show, with banners and a special display in the Grand Concourse Walkway at McCormick Place.
For a full list of winners and a preview of The Inspired Home Show, check out the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!
Home Furnishings Retailer Arhaus a Top Expanding Retail Brand, Placer Says
The consumer behavior experts at Placer examined which brands not only survived the pandemic, but thrived. Placer “broke down ten expanding retail brands to watch in the coming year with an emphasis on those who seem to be hitting the mark with the new, aggressive push.”
Representing the home furnishings category is Arhaus.
“This year is setting up to be another strong year for home furnishing and home improvement retailers, driven by several traditional factors such as home price appreciation/wealth effect, aging housing stock, strong consumer balance sheets, and low mortgage rates, as well as several ‘non-traditional’ variables like increased housing wear and tear due to remote work, increased demand for vacation homes, accelerated millennial household formation, and baby boomers electing to ‘age in place,'” the whitepaper states.
“In addition to benefiting from the broader housing tailwinds, Arhaus can take advantage of the current demographic trends. The retailer is targeting high-income households (those with household incomes of greater than $100,000), which continue to grow as a percentage of household ownership in the U.S. Additionally, the company should benefit from the population shift away from larger cities and into less-dense suburban locations.
“Arhaus currently operates over 70 stores, and is targeting opening between five and seven new showrooms per year for the foreseeable future, with ten showrooms already in the pipeline and an ultimate target of 165+ locations across the country. Arhaus showrooms average 17,000 sq. ft., but a new design studio format averaging 4,000 square feet could offer real estate flexibility to expand beyond its showroom targets.”
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Las Vegas Market People’s Choice Winners
Las Vegas Market has announced six “People’s Choice” winners – Dovetail, Hubbardton Forge, Lynn and Lianna, O.W. Lee, Phillips Collection and Pink Lemonade – of its Winter 2022 Market Snapshot. Winning and finalists products are on display through Jan. 27 (temporary exhibits Jan. 26) at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“The depth and breadth of Las Vegas Market’s product offerings allow us to celebrate the best designs across a whole spectrum of product,” said Dorothy Belshaw, International Market Centers executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. “We congratulate these six winners and wish them a successful market week.
The Winter 2022 Las Vegas Market Snapshot Winners represent the best in the market’s product categories – furniture and bedding; gift and housewares; lighting and home décor. People’s Choice winners were selected by popular online voting.
See the winners in the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
IMC Looks to Enhance Open Experience
International Market Centers has hired Caroline Russell, as design services manager. She will focus on driving Open Daily and at-market attendance of designers and home retailers to AmericasMart and providing on-site customer service once they arrive.
IMC also has released its full 2022 schedule of Market Wednesday activities at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Bringing Caroline on as our Design Services Manager will not only enhance our implementation of awareness for design-focused showrooms and drive attendance to Open Year Round events, but further AmericasMart Atlanta’s position as the focal point of home and gift education,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “IMC’s Market Wednesday’ events will continue to elevate the traditional Open Year Round shopping experience through inspiring design direction and driving order writing in 2022.”
Russell will oversee the Designer Workspace daily and is available during six 2022 Market Wednesday events – Feb. 2, April 6, June 1, Aug. 3, Oct. 7 and Dec. 2 – during which buyers can shop all three AmericasMart buildings for gifts, accessories, home furnishings and décor. Market Wednesdays are held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month when a market is not in session. m
For a full list of AmericasMart Atlanta events and market dates, visit www.americasmart.com.A
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JuniperMarket Offers 24/7 Connections
JuniperMarket, which opened Jan. 6, allows home décor, gift, furniture and apparel buyers and sellers to connect anytime and anywhere. The new multi-line B2B ecommerce platform powered by International Market Centers is officially live with more than 1,500 brands with 3 million SKUs signed on to participate and onboarding. The participating brands, of which 50 percent are home and 40 percent are gift, offer buyers tremendous breadth and selection in one place.
“The next era of wholesale buying and selling is here,” said Juniper CEO Bill Furlong. “This transformation is inspired by our team’s deep roots in the industries Juniper serves and the unmatched reach of IMC buyer and seller relationships. Today is a major step towards a digital marketplace that helps buyers and sellers discover, connect and transact – in person or online – seamlessly bridging physical and digital sales.”
“In January 2020, we announced the investment to build Juniper,” said IMC CEO Bob Maricich, “and since then – despite unprecedented business disruptions – the Juniper team has forged ahead, onboarding more than 220 staff members to build, test, market and optimize a tool that is truly built for the industry, by the industry. The launch of JuniperMarket is a major milestone in delivering additional market opportunity and value for IMC customers.”
Attendees at IMC’s upcoming Atlanta Market (Jan. 11-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta) and Las Vegas Market (Jan. 23-27 at World Market Center Las Vegas) will have the opportunity to interact with Juniper through a series of events. JuniperMarket hosts Market Kickoff events, panel discussion “Bringing Your Business Digital – It’s Easier Than You Think” and JuniperMarket Experience Centers for current users and new registrants in both cities. JuniperCommerce showrooms also are available at both markets for brands looking to join the platform or to learn more about Juniper’s full suite of SaaS tools.
Read more in the March issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
Sartoria’s Materici Ceramic Tiles Collection Adds Retro Charm in Modern Twist
Materici, the new ceramic tiles collection from Sartoria, brings elegant and versatile highly polished “bricks” that, in the wake of ceramic tradition, reinterpret the theme of “handmade” from new perspectives.
The brand from Fiorano Modenese continues its development by proposing ever different and trendy solutions. Materici is no exception, where present and past blend to create glazed porcelain stoneware surfaces with surprising chromatic effects and plays of light.
Characterized by the imperfections typical of handmade majolica, these glossy “bricks” lend themselves to a wide range of floor and wall laying schemes.
The palette consists of neutral shades such as Latte, Argilla, Cannella, Visone and Pepe alongside deeper tones such as Foresta, Stagno and Cedro. The surface, characterized by a multiplicity of different shades, the brilliance of the glaze and the imperfect edges, lends itself to use in combination with materials of natural inspiration, to create distinctive atmospheres that give a new interpretation of traditional ceramics, highlighting its design versatility.
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Rosanna Tableware Unveiled
LoveCube Crafts Love Letters
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, a new product in the giftware market could come to the rescue of tongue-tied romantics. LoveCube is a personalized love letter in a keepsake box.
It’s the perfect sentimental way to say “I love you” to a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, mom, dad, or anyone else who is truly special.
A LoveCube consists of up to 60 cards containing messages and images customized for that special someone. The cards are wrapped in a ribbon and arrive beautifully packaged in a keepsake box.
Create a LoveCube by sharing things about the recipient and the relationship. Crafted messages can be edited and any images can be replaced to make the gift even more personal.
The $59 price includes free shipping in the United States.
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Bedding, Furniture Brands at Las Vegas Market
Top furniture and bedding brands are ready for business at Las Vegas Market with some 15 new and expanded showrooms – representing more than 100,000 square feet of updates – joining the 300+ showrooms open for the Winter 2022 market, Jan. 23-27 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
Eight updates by finished goods brands, component manufacturers and service providers continue to define Las Vegas Market as the national bedding market. New in Winter 2022 are Pleasant Mattress and Protect All/Healthy Sleep by GBS Enterprises. Six expansion include Purecare expanding in its current space plus Bed Tech, Corsicana Mattress Company, King Koil, LOGICDATA and Spring Air all relocating to larger showroom spaces.
Furniture growth includes four new showrooms for manufacturers and service providers: Global Home, Sauder, Silvana Home and Zoy Home Furnishings. Additionally, Kuka North America more than triples its showroom space.
The furniture and bedding updates are augmented by some 11 showroom updates previously announced. Three new showrooms are Vahallan, Howard Elliott Collection and Hooker Furnishings. Five brands making major expansion are Alder & Tweed Furniture, Barlogoa Studios, Classic Home, Dovetail and Zodax. Additionally, HomeView Design relocates to C4, Brayden and Brooks has a total remodel and The PLATIN America Pavilion (an incubator for Latin American furniture and home décor brands as they prepare to transition to permanent spaces) officially opens with 40+ resources on A4.
These new and expanding showrooms join the 2,500+ home décor, bedding and furniture resources offered by Las Vegas Market. Click here for a full list of market resources.
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Tyre Retires From Gift/Home Industry
Becky Tyre, veteran retail writer, shop local advocate and visual merchandising enthusiast, announced her retirement effective Jan. 1, wrapping a successful 26-year career in the U.S. gift and home industry.
With fingers firmly on the pulse of both product and retail trends, Tyre served both as senior trends editor of Gift Shop magazine (2010-2014), and as contributing retail editor for Gifts & Decorative Accessories (2015-2019). As a noted authority on product trends and retail strategies, she also served as a guest speaker and conference presenter at leading B2B events across the United States.
In 2006, Tyre launched her own blog, Retail Details, which provided visual merchandising tips and display inspiration for retailers. She used the platform to celebrate and inspire creative display techniques – from merchandising basics such as store windows and use of color to innovative embellishments such as the use of umbrellas, balloons and even bicycles for in-store vignettes.
Tyre subsequently expanded her retail reporting milieu to include podcasting, with the launch of Retail Details The Podcast in 2019. The monthly episodes were both insightful and entertaining, featuring interviews with independent retailers who spoke candidly with Tyre about their retail journeys, business philosophies, sharing fun anecdotes and thoughts on how to be successful in today’s retail climate.
As passionate advocate for the “shop local” movement, Tyre wrote and spoke frequently on the subject. She also used the significant influence of her social media platforms – more than 58,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter – to champion this cause.
Tyre and her husband of 42 years, Loran, relocated from Florida to upstate New York in 2018 to be closer to their two adult children. Although her retirement plans are focused largely on enjoying her two grandchildren, ages 3 and 3 months, she also plans to continue her retail advocacy and visual merchandising coverage via her @RetailDetails Instagram.
ECRM Global Market Sets Record
Ohio-based ECRM, a leader in end-to-end product sourcing solutions for retailers, hosted a record number of participants at its October 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience, with more than 3,700 buyers and sellers gathering virtually from 68 countries.
The 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience combined RangeMe‘s immersive digital product discovery platform with ECRM Connect, ECRM’s virtual meeting environment, for brands to showcase relevant products to buyers from retailers and foodservice operators of all sizes and locations. Categories covered included food, beverage, foodservice, baby, household, housewares, pet, school and office, toy, seasonal, camping, beauty, health care and personal care. Buyers engaged in more than 2,200 supplier meetings around the clock during the weeklong experience.
During the Global Market: Fall Experience, buyers explored participating brands on RangeMe between Aug. 23 and Oct. 18, and with the click of a button, selected those brands with which they wanted to meet virtually. Scheduled meetings were 15 minutes in length and ran 24 hours a day during the week of Oct. 18 to accommodate global participants.
In addition to Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary’s presentation, the 2021 Global Market: Fall Experience featured a dynamic content lineup that included keynotes by Ahold-Delhaize USA, CVS, Petco, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Walmart, and WSL Strategic Retail’s Wendy Liebmann, as well as interactive workshops led by industry leaders.
ECRM will continue its Global Market programming with a Spring, Summer and Fall Experiences in 2022, in addition to its existing lineup of more than 100 category-specific sessions. For more information, visit ECRM.MarketGate.com.
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Americans Favor Margarita as Holiday Drink
Americans’ favorite holiday drink this season is the Margarita, according to Google data examined by experts at Maxima Kitchen Equipment.
The Margarita came in first place with 258,000 average searches per month. The drink is traditionally made up of Cointreau, lime juice, tequila and salt and originates from Mexico.
Mojito is in second place with 234,000 searches per month, which was the most searched cocktail globally. The drink is made up of rum, soda water, mint leaves, granulated sugar and lime and served in a tall glass. The origins of this cocktail can be traced as far back as 1586.
Mimosa took the third spot as America’s favorite cocktail with 199,000 searches. The cocktail is traditionally served in a tall champagne flute and made up of champagne and orange juice.
Cosmopolitan is in fourth place with 189,000 searches. This drink which originates from a steak house in Minneapolis is made up of vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
In fifth place is the cocktail Pornstar Martini with 182,000 searches. It was ranked as the United Kingdom’s favorite cocktail, but has placed in fifth for the United States. The cocktail is traditionally made with vodka, vanilla syrup, lime juice, passion fruit, prosecco and passoa liqueur. Pornstar Martini was created in the early 2000s in LAB London bar and has risen to popularity ever since, becoming a staple drink of choice.
Negroni is America’s number six choice of holiday drink this season with 179,000 searches per month. The Italian cocktail is made up of gin, Vermouth Rossi, Campari and garnished with orange peel. Traditionally, it is stirred not shaken and served on the rocks.
Long Island Iced Tea is in seventh place with 167,000 searches. The drink consists of syrup, lemon juice, gin, tequila, triple sec and vodka. The cocktail originates from New York and was created in 1972.
In ninth place is Mai Tai with 160,000 searches. The drink originates from California in the 1940s and has been a popular cocktail globally ever since. The ingredients of the cocktail are white rum, lime juice, orange curacao, orgeat syrup.
Taking 10th place is Aperol Spritz with 153,000 searches in the last month. The northern Italian cocktail is composed of Aperol, prosecco and soda water.
“The cocktail industry has grown more and more profitable over recent years,” a Maxima spokesperson said. “However, these search numbers are bigger than anticipated, suggesting that cocktails are now a staple of American culture regardless of if they are consumed at home or at bars.”
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