RANGE REVIEW: HOUSEWARES
To help retailers capitalise on other key opportunities, show trend translators Scarlet Opus were on hand. Their seminar presentation is one of the most popular of the show, say organisers, while their trend displays orchestrated from exhibitors’ products are always busy. The firm also provided trend tours and created a Christmas window display, both of which, like its trends presentation and display, were focused on the three following design trends:
Imperfect Beauty (Autumn/ Winter 2018/19)
room only!’ says BHETA director of housewares Will Jones. Another key feature, the ‘Brand Showcase’, is now in its second year and is rapidly becoming a mini show in its own right. The 2018 edition saw the number of brands participating double, as well as a record number of journalists attending.
The Brand Showcase and Press Gifting Room initiative aim to provide an edit of the main show with highlights in one space for journalists, influencers and bloggers. Burton McCall’s Michelle Dickenson says the highlight of the show for her is the opportunity to showcase the company’s brands. She says: “Exclusively Housewares is a great platform to enable Burton McCall to present to both our existing customers and also some new faces”
Whitefurze celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and markked the milestone at the show. Sales director Tracey Stone says: “This was our fourth year at Exclusively and its always been a great event for connecting with people in the housewares retail industry. We have
an opportunity to meet buyers and gain new insights into both trends and future market expectations. The footfall is good and we exceeded last year’s contacts.” The manufacturer, which built an
entire wall on its stand out of its baby blue Allstore boxes, welcomes the face-to-face contact with customers. “The highlight for us is always the customer.,” says Mrs Stone. “Engaging with them and obtaining feedback on our products from their perspective is essential, as we get to know their aspirations and motivations, which can in turn, be used to generate growth, both for them and us. It’s a partnership that we want to support and this show allows us to do that.”
Top Trends
Mrs Stone also fed back some trends from the show floor. “We recognise that people want a high-end look at a reasonable cost; they want to be able to incorporate function with appealing looks,” she says. “People expect their storage and housewares to integrate and compliment their home and lifestyles.”
Imperfect Beauty has a handmade approach with a luxurious attitude. The trend is heavily focused on the Japanese philosophy of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ and the Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’. In which Imperfection is celebrated as a form of Authenticity and creative expression.
Clarity (Spring/Summer 2019) Clarity is a trend about stepping back and taking stock, to ask ourselves the question “What do I need” as opposed to the constant “What have I been told to want”. It’s about the desire to, Stop. Breathe. Simplify. We have been in a time of intense content consumption and manufacturing consensus; it’s time to return to our core. Charles Bukowski’s question, beautifully sums up these thoughts & feelings: “Can you remember who you were; before the world told you who you should be?” This trend has a super-selective style based on feel & function. Products that adapt to my needs, calming, nourishing and freedom of choice.
ECO 2.0 (2019) #ownyourownimpact is the basis of this design trend. A recognition and acceptance, that we each have individual responsibility and
accountability, for our personal impact on the environment and society. Eco 2.0 is the trend in which there is a coming together of science, nature and craft. It’s a new direction for the eco-design movement. We recognise that by making better choices, the result can benefit ecology, economy and social equality. Products are designed in appearance to restrain the rawness associated with recycled/ re-purposed in favour of an outcome with more finesse. A new take on sustainable products made using recycled/re-purposed materials; refined and more luxurious in look and feel. With so much on offer to help
retailers get the most out of Exclusively this year, it is little wonder that feedback from retailers and buying groups has been so popular. Home Hardware Southwest chief executive Martin Elliott sums up his experience: “We had an excellent show and did some good business with existing suppliers and also found some new suppliers, which we believe is a vital part of attending trade shows. There appeared to be a positive buzz to the show with supplier’s keen to maximise future opportunities together. Thank you once again for your very kind hospitality, which is greatly appreciated.
‘The show team is delighted with the mix and quality of retailers that attended, continues Show director Simon Boyd concludes: “The show embraced many new retailers who are championing new and evolving routes to market, alongside large respected high street names and, of course, our hard working and determined Independents, embracing change from all corners of the UK.”
The next Exclusively show will take place at the Business Design Centre on June 11-12, 2019.
18 DIY WEEK 29 JUNE 2018
www.diyweek.net
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