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Kitchen Tools & Accessories Suppliers Bring Positive Attitude to the 2009 International Home + Housewares Show
Housewares Inventors, Incredible Gourmet Food, Famous Chefs, Hot New Products
ROSEMONT, ILL. (February 19, 2009)—With just five weeks to the 2009 International Home + Housewares Show, suppliers of tabletop, kitchen tools & utensils and cook and bakeware are finalizing their lines and looking forward to the opportunity to meet with key buyers, especially in today’s challenging economic environment. More than 20,000 buyers from around globe are expected to attend the Show, sponsored by the International Housewares Association (IHA), which will be held March 22-24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
“We at Lifetime are going to Chicago with a very positive attitude,” says Jeffrey Siegel, president & chief executive officer of Lifetime Brands Inc. “Though the retail climate is very tough, we know the buyers and key decision makers will be there and they will be looking for great products that enable them to drive as much business as possible. The way we look at it is if retail business is off 5 percent to 10 percent, there is still 90 percent to 95 percent left. I think any company would be very foolish not to try to get their fair share of the business.”
For cook & bakeware suppler, Tramontina USA, Inc., the Show “is an extremely valuable opportunity to interact with buyers to fully understand their expectations and opportunities, and then work together to form solutions and generate sales,” says Antonio J. Galafassi, Tramontina president & CEO.
“During challenging economic periods, history shows the housewares category offers a tremendous opportunity for growth,” Galfassi adds. “There is no better venue to network and showcase new and existing products, and in turn, use the strength of the category to enhance and further develop our collective interests."
Another key cookware supplier agrees.
“Exhibiting at International Home + Housewares Show is one of the most important and exciting endeavors we undertake each year,” says Jay Zilinaskas, managing director, Meyer Corporation. “In these difficult economic times, our retailers and consumers are relying on us now more than ever to develop products and programs to meet their unique and diverse needs. The Show provides us with a powerful opportunity to bring these initiatives to market in a dynamic and personal setting.”
Showing off their new products and engaging the retailers in one setting also contributes to exhibitors’ eagerness for the Show.
According to Bill Reibl, president & CEO, Progressive International Corp., the Show offers the company “a unique opportunity to showcase to a local retail buying audience newly created patent pending products. These unique, value-driven products, supported by innovative point-of-sale demonstration materials, are just the right tool to build consumer traffic and purchase intent for our retail partners this year.”
Reibl said his company is so confident in the Show and the results it will produce that “we expanded our exhibit space for this year.”
“We believe that there is no better place in the entire world to announce, amplify and explain our innovative solutions—the really big ideas—than the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago,” adds Eric J. Erwin, executive vice president, marketing/product development at Wilton Industries. “These ideas will continue to delight and engage our consumer. Now is the best time for housewares companies to meet with their customers to discuss current consumer needs and relevant consumer insights.”
And Brett Bradshaw, senior vice president at Bradshaw International, Inc., views the Show with a renewed optimism for 2009.
“I think Chicago will be a breath of fresh air for the entire industry!,” he says. “We wouldn’t miss it, it gives us the opportunity to present all of our new products and programs and spend meaningful time with our retail partners.”
The Show features thousands of housewares and homegoods products for every room in the house, apartment or condo — and outdoor living, too. From high-end international design to trend-setting basics, products range from kitchen electrics and small appliances to gourmet specialty foods and cookware, from bakeware and kitchen tools to home decor, space organizers and storage systems, home healthcare and home-office to pet supplies and lawn and garden decor. For more information about the Show, its educational seminars, special events and exhibits, please visit www.housewares.org
