October 2010 Issue

If the April New York Tabletop Market seemed hopeful, but cautious, the October tabletop market was downright giddy. Ok, maybe not giddy, but no one was holding back on product introductions.

New product, new companies and new showrooms were front and center at the market. Laurie Burns, Senior Vice President and Director at Forty One Madison told me that the October market had the most introductions she’s seen in years.

I’m hoping this bodes well for the 4th quarter, the 2011 show season and the consumer. New product will also test the chicken or the egg theory. Will consumers come back to the market because there is new and exciting product or is there new and exciting product because the consumers are trickling back into the market?

Predicting consumer behavior is an art and a science. But no matter the mindset of the consumer, I do know that without new, quality product that speaks to the lifestyles of today’s consumers, they won’t buy.

With respect to lifestyles, tabletop suppliers are not taking the bridal market for granted. The newly hitched could just as easily choose matching kayaks over fine china for their wedding presents, so designers are offering fresh products that speak to this new customer.

Judging from what I saw at the October 2010 tabletop market, suppliers did their job. They debuted new products catering to both style and substance. Eco-friendly materials, great design and great value were all on hand. Now it’s up to the retailers and the consumers.