Gourmet Business September 2016

I am looking forward to attending the tabletop market at the 41 Madison Showrooms later this month to see what tabletop designers have in store for us for 2017. Usually we can get a preview of the trending color palettes for the upcoming year along with textures and patterns.  I find that the breadth of designs and colors has proliferated in the last few years in response to the changing demands in the marketplace, making a visit to 41 Madison a visual feast. 

The preferences of the younger generation of customers toward mixing and matching patters and colors have given tabletop designers the freedom to introduce more daring and playful patters than in years past. Tabletop designers don’t have to worry as much these days about creating patterns that can be replicated across a full assortment of products from tea pots to salad plates without being over powering. Instead they can treat each bowl, plate, and platter as an artistic statement of its own that can masterfully coordinate with other pieces in their line. This also gives the tabletop shopper that ability to pick and choose the shapes that are right for their needs while providing exciting decoration for their table. 

This emerging trend creates an opportunity for retailers who have never dared to enter the tabletop category for fear they would need to invest in too much inventory or devote too much of their oor space to do the category justice. It’s now possible to have a small, curated, assortment of tabletop products that is impactful, and complements the look of the store. It could be as simple as a collection of colorful appetizer plates that are appropriate for a party, or if you have the space, a mix and match assortment of a simple place setting. The serving platters, trays, and serving bowls are another simple addition to a housewares assortment that is easy to integrate with like products that promote entertaining. And if concerned about breakage, the melamine today looks so good; it’s easy to mistake it for ne china until you pick it up. 

In this issue you will nd a preview of some of the exciting product introductions at the tabletop show (pg 16). If your not a regular attendee, I encourage you to go see for yourself the wonderful products that can bring life and color to your store. 

David Spencer 

Publisher, Gourmet Business 

dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com