Home Decor
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.
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.
For more news of interest to the home decor and housewares industries, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
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.
For more news of interest to the home decor industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
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.
For continuing coverage of The Inspired Home Show, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
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.
For news of interest to the housewares industry, subscribe to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review.
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