A Healthy Market
In a highly competitive industry with thousands of products, housewares suppliers are learning that innovation differentiates them from the crowd and lures increasingly sophisticated consumers. And at the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show, there is a wealth of information for retailers to draw from and build both their business and their knowledge. From the Innovation Theater to the educational sessions over the four-day event, there is nothing a retailer cannot discover.
The Innovation Theater, formerly known as the Design Theater, was renamed to reflect the show’s new emphasis. Conveniently located just steps away from the new Hall of Global Innovation in the Lakeside Center lobby, the Theater’s new space in E350 will provide better viewing and audio, and will give audiences a more focused experience.
Innovation Theater features speakers who share their in-depth knowledge of important issues in the industry, including the crucial role of design, social media, emerging trends, retail “theater” and product development that make new products brilliant standouts. Topics include intellectual property protection, brand building, consumer purchasing tracking, lifestyle trends and design forecasts. Another great benefit of the center is that if you can’t attend one of the programs, videos of the presentations in the Innovation Theater will be posted on www.housewares.org after the show.
The show floor itself will be filled with innovation. From new product introductions around every corner to chef demonstrations and show specials, there is no reason a retailer cannot walk away with a great plan for the next 24 months.
The Gourmet Business booth will also feature innovation. Our second year with a bountiful space, we’ve designed our booth for education, from specialty foods to housewares and gift baskets. Keep this special issue on hand as a reference for all the products and innovation at our booth and others.
There are more than a dozen pages of great products and ideas that we’ll showcase at the GB booth following this column, as well as more product highlights from booths from South to North and Lakeside.
We’ll be out there discovering alongside you, so be sure to stop by and say hello. And we’ll see you in the aisles!
Cheers!