Progressive Housewares March/April 2019

March/April 2019

NEW CATWALK COLOURS Multi-function Consumer Orientated Design

As featured in Ambiente

FC_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

01/04/2019 12:17

00_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

01/04/2019 18:05

3 Leader-Contents 2019.qxp_New 3 02/04/2019 11:10 Page 1

@Prog_Housewares

Colourworks from KitchenCraft is a brand with a penchant for trend setting and innovative lines. An exciting transformation for SS19 features a collection of tools, gadgets and accessories, with unique features and elements of multifunctionality rolled out across an update of the bright colourways.

Recognised by the Solutions design awards operated by Ambiente Messe, the multi-functional elements throughout the brand offers solutions you never thought possible.

T: +44 (0) 121 604 1111 W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk E: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk Subscription £50 per year for the UK, £75 for overseas Subscribe online, or email mike@marketingreinforcements.co.uk or call: Marketing Reinforcements on 020 8943 9541 (9am-5pm).

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Editor’s comment I

t may be a cliché but it’s worth emphasising: there is so much to admire about our industry. For starters – and very relevant to this issue of PH – the resilient and pioneering independent cookshops and housewares stockists that are recognising the power of their staff, proactively connecting with their customers via social media and diversifying to meet new consumer demands. Turn to pages 22-25 for the results of the annual Retail Barometer (from PH and Bira), including the home truths and hopes of this year’s respondents.

It was a pleasure to be in Chicago for the International Home + Housewares Show (to become The Inspired Home Show in 2020) and the gia (Global Innovation Awards) events along with Tom Carter and Alison Hobbs of our UK gia winner, Potters Cookshop in Hockley. Potters’ inventive window imagery looked sensational in huge scale across the show’s bridge walkway, helping to inspire the worldwide show audience.

Moreover, Tom and Alison used every minute of their trip to find inspiration to take back home. Potters is a magnificent example of a retailer that never stands still and Above: PH’s Jo Howard met up with Ken Hom is always looking for the next big things, or small things that make a big difference. at Ambiente to look at his new woks with Having met with gia expert juror and visual merchandising guru, Anne Kong as well their striking ‘portrait’ packaging from DKB Household (see Ambiente news page 11). as visited a host of retailers in both Chicago and New York, Tom and Alison are already making some additions to their great displays, with a new lifestyle area in store, as well as making use of top of shelf space for lifestyle vignettes.

Taking of great examples, the quest for the best in our industry in 2019 has begun in the countdown to The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2019. It’s time to shout about what you are proud of (including retail displays, initiatives and training). Suppliers, which of your stockists deserve recognition? As organisers of the industry’s most coveted awards, we don’t want housewares retailers’ hard work to go unnoticed. This goes for outstanding products too – and this year, we are introducing an exciting new category (see news page 5).

Make sure you are receiving our twice-weekly news flashes via HousewaresNews.net to hear everything you need to know about this year’s awards. And, if you haven’t already, put October 2 in the diary! Let’s celebrate all there is to admire about our creative, energetic, community-spirited and often life enhancing housewares industry!

Jo Howard

Editor

In this issue 5-16

News

35-37 Ambiente review

17

Bira news

38-41

19

BHETA news

42-45 Market focus: cookware

21

Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

46-47 What’s cooking for men in the kitchen?

Retailer focus: gia Global Honorees

22-25 The PH/Bira Retail Barometer 48

Product focus: men in the kitchen

49

Spring Fair review

50-51

New products

26-27 Introducing Princess 28-34 Tableware focus: the creative table

HousewaresNews.net is the online resource for the entire housewares sector. From the publishers of Progressive Housewares, and the organisers of The Excellence in Housewares Awards, this e-newsflash portal and website delivers and is the hub of the very latest news, views and analysis from across the housewares sector – covering both supplier and retailer aspects of the trade.

With an expertly qualified email subscriber base of 3547 (and rising) readers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fastpaced sector. A modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade too, offering pithy news, indepth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Housewares, and much, much more.

All advertising on the website is duplicated to each and every newsflash, giving advertisers huge visibility and a direct connection with retail buyers for a whole calendar month.

HousewaresNews.net is published by housewares sector experts, for housewares trade experts.

To sign up for the HousewaresNews.net newsletter please visit www.HousewaresNews.net

Advertising and commercial opportunities: John Barry advertisement manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk Rob Willis publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk Editorial and content opportunities: Jo Howard editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk Housewares.net_single.indd 1

01/04/2019 16:34

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:43 Page 5

News Below: A view of the recent Housewares Show.

TOP STORY

Excel in entering

‘Bigger and better’ Housewares Show The Housewares Show (March 5-6, Cranmore Park, Solihull), organised by AIS, was the largest of its kind to date, held across two showrooms with thousands of brands from over 70 exhibitors. The show was open to all independents on its second day.

AIS’ Rachel Breen, show organiser explained: “Trend areas were pocketed around the showroom, displaying on-trend themes and providing inspiration on how to create impactful in-store displays; these included marble and eco-friendly products.”

Tim Yeadon from KitchenCraft said the show “was extremely positive,” adding: “The presentation and facilities were first class as always and initiatives such as the eco and hydration displays were very well received.

The attendance and support of the members felt very robust and the addition of the nonmembers day on Wednesday created an interesting dynamic.”

Meanwhile, the Show’s free social media training session “was a great success, offering retailers suggestions on how to drive more traffic to their social media pages and create more brand awareness,” reported Rachel Breen. The show partnered with McCann, a market leading advertising agency for the training.

The Housewares Show returns on August 12–14.

Visit www.housewaresshow.co.uk

Dunelm confirms strong revenue growth Dunelm has confirmed strong like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth of 6.9% in its interim results for the 26 weeks to December 29 2018. There have been increases in both stores (3.8%) and online (35.8%).

The retailer also reports growth in unique customer numbers, both in-store (+4.3%) and online (+18.7%), combined with improved brand awareness. Dunelm’s multichannel proposition now represents 15.7% of total revenues.

“The Excellence in Housewares Awards are an antidote to all the negativity, anxiety and uncertainty felt in the UK right now – they are all about celebrating the great things in our industry – and there are loads – on the retail and supplier fronts,” commented Rob Willis, publishing director of Progressive Housewares, announcing the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2019 (co-organised by PH and Bira Cookshop & Housewares) open for product entries, retailer nominations and submissions.

Building on this good news, Rob added that this year’s awards’ programme sees the launch of a timely new product category – The Eco Award, that will recognise products that promote sustainable living and environmental awareness.

Nomination and entry forms can be downloaded from the new Excellence in in Housewares Awards site at www.excellenceinhousewares.co.uk. The simple entry sheet should be sent with product samples to PH’s HQ by mid June. The Awards are free to enter and all entries will be judged by a panel of leading retailers.

Suppliers are asked to return retailer nomination forms or Above: Could you be a winner of email nominations for retailers they feel have excelled in the one of this year’s coveted Excellence last year directly to Jo Howard on joh@max-publishing.co.uk in Housewares Awards trophies? by the end of May. Meanwhile, retailers are encouraged to shout about their successes by nominating themselves for the Excellence in Retailer Initiative, Training and Display awards, as well as putting forward a retail star from the shopfloor or customer services team for the Employee of the Year Award (by emailing joh@max-publishing.co.uk).

PH editor, Jo Howard encourages all members of the industry to join the quest to reward the UK’s most innovative products and proactive retailers. “We look forward to celebrating our industry’s achievements and are delighted to introduce the new Eco Award, recognising the growth of products that help consumers cut down on plastic waste and encourage sustainability.”

The industry’s big night will table place on Wednesday October 2 at the Royal Lancaster London hotel, organised by Progressive Housewares and HousewaresNews.net in conjunction with Bira Cookshop & Housewares.

This year’s Excellence in Housewares Awards sponsors confirmed to date: Ambiente, BHETA, Bira, Bira Direct, Burton McCall, Exclusively Electrical and Exclusively Housewares, Joseph Joseph, KitchenAid, KitchenCraft, Le Creuset, Meyer Group, OXO, Spring Fair, Tefal and The Inspired Home Show (in Chicago).

To discuss opportunities for event sponsorship, contact PH’s Rob Willis at robw@max-publishing.co.uk To book your seat or table for The Excellence in Housewares Award, contact Clare Hollick at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk See www.excellenceinhousewares.co.uk for information and the photo gallery from last year’s event.

River Cottage to move into housewares The River Cottage brand is planning to develop a range of licensed products, which will include kitchenware and tableware. The brand is working with brand extension agency The Point.1888 to secure a number of long-term sustainable licensee partnerships across a spectrum of select retailers.

Founded by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the River Cottage business consists of TV series, cookery schools, three restaurants and books, and is marking its 20th year in business.

Right Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage promotes the eating of seasonal, local and organic food.

PROGRESSIVE

05

HOUSEWARES

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:43 Page 6

News Below: By law, knives retailers should check that consumers are 18 before selling kitchen knives. The image of knives is courtesy of leading Australian premium brand, Furi.

Below: Sheffield-based expert, Taylors Eye Witness manufacturers and distributes knives.

TOP STORY

Under age sales National Trading Standards is calling on retailers to do more to prevent knife crime after the interim findings (from October to the end of January) of its new programme of test purchasing.

The findings reveal a 12% failure to undertake age verification among retail premises visited, which grew to a startling 50% failure rate among online retailers.

Retailers that have failed the checks include a number of well-known high street and online brands. They cannot be mentioned by name due to the prospect of potential enforcement action against those found to be in breach of the law.

The programme has also found that more than 70% of retailers visited do not have theft prevention measures in place in relation to knives.

“Our programme with the Home Office has only been running a few months but already evidence has shown that knives appear to be being sold illegally to young people,” stated Lord Toby Harris, chair of National Trading Standards. He continued: “We call on retailers to play their part in combatting this scourge on society by taking immediate action.”

Lord Toby also reflected: “As we have tragically seen in recent weeks and months, knife crime is one of the most serious issues facing our country, and we have sadly witnessed its fatal consequences.”

Surgeons’ plea to knives’ manufacturers Physicians are calling for kitchen knives to be re-designed to have rounded tips rather than points, particularly for long knives. A co-signed letter was sent to all members of the home affairs select committee on February 12, appealing for the government to consider the issue, and work with the housewares industry.

Four medical experts and a former circuit judge also sent a letter to The Times newspaper while leading trauma surgeon Duncan Bew spoke about the issue on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.

In the letter to The Times, the medical experts stated: ‘Our collective experience is that the vast majority of injuries are caused by kitchen knives. Every kitchen contains potential murder weapons.’

The group asks: ‘Do we need long kitchen knives with points? How often does a domestic chef use the point of a 10” knife?’

The letter also emphasises that: “It is the points that cause penetrative, life-threatening injuries.’ It suggests a collaborative approach between the government and the housewares industry, asking: ‘Could not the government, manufacturers ad retailers act together to reduce the sale of long pointed knives and provide alternatives with rounded ends?’

It also suggests a disincentive to buying kitchen knives with points: ‘Why not charge £5 more for long pointed knives?’

Concluding the letter, the physicians and judge acknowledge: ‘There is no single, simple solution to this complex issue, but anything that reduces the number of life-threatening injuries must be explored.’ (See responses in linked story).

On the point Knives expert, Alastair Fisher, director of Taylors Eye Witness has highlighted several factor in response to the news that surgeons have asked the home office to work with knives manufacturers and retailers to consider the redesign of knives to have a rounded blade (see linked story).

Acknowledging that: “the misuse of kitchen knives brings us great sadness,” Alastair states: “I appreciate the sentiments behind the surgeons’ letter, but I would like to point out the practicalities of the situation.” He highlights that: “There are over 400 million knives in circulation in the UK today, so if a criminal wants to get his hands on one they can do so easily,” (with most knives used in crimes being “old”) and that: “We have market tested kitchen knives with safety points and have found no interest from our retail partners or from end users.”

Alastair emphasises: “The solution to the current increase in knife crime is firstly strict enforcement of the existing laws prohibiting the carrying of knives in public without good reason and secondly education.”

Left: The Brexit Bowl from Forma House.

Forma House’s Brexit bowl incentive

Below: Ralph all set for one of his 10 mile training runs.

Support Pendeford’s marathon man Pendeford Housewares’ director Ralph Humphries is in training to run the London Marathon (26.2miles or 42.2km) on April 28.

“After unexpectedly getting a place in the 2019 London Marathon I thought why not try to raise money for a charity,” said Ralph. “After been 10 years in remission my charity has got to be Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research).”

He continued: “Without their research and the fantastic doctors and nurses at hospital around the UK a lot of people might not be here today.”

Ralph thanks all the members of the housewares industry who have already sponsored his Marathon challenge. To support Ralph’s efforts go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ralphhumphries8

PROGRESSIVE

06

HOUSEWARES

Forma House urged its customers to order in advance of the UK’s anticipated departure from the EU, offering a set of commemorative ‘Brexit bowls’ as an incentive for those who placed orders for £700 by March 13. The Brexit bowls (hitherto called Brit bowls) are Britain-shaped serving bowls made by Sagaform.

Simon Maghnagi, business development manager explained that advance orders would enable Forma House to “manage stock expectation and ensure we have availability on all product lines.”

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:43 Page 7

News Left: The Barista & Co stand at the recent Ambiente.

TOP STORY

Indies reveal all Some 35% of independent cookshops and housewares retailers are anticipating growth this year, though the same percentage are bracing themselves for a dip.

This is on the back of last year’s trading which was not disastrous (but not easy either) for the sector’s indies with over half performing better or remaining on a par with the year previous.

THREAT Looking to three to five years hence, SERIOUS sadly only a quarter of indies feel positive THREAT about the longer term future for independent housewares stockists.

These are just a few of the invaluable insights to have come to light as a result of the annual PH/Bira Retail Barometer into the health Neutral and wealth of independent cookshops and bonus housewares stockists. The results make tasty reading on how they fared in 2018, their boons and their banes and the most effective means of promoting their stores.

Holding their ground in the tough climate, the insights show how the most significant threats to business are online retailers (see piechart) as well as suppliers who are selling directly to consumers, which is regarded as a greater threat than supermarkets. The biggest wish from indies is for a level playing field between online and bricks and mortar housewares retailers.

When it comes to product category performance, food storage and glassware have both seen some strong growth for independents. Products that promote sustainability is a new entrant to the list of ‘positive influences’ on business in 2018 and are a notable area of ‘diversification.’

‘Staff’ has overtaken ‘promotional activity’ at the top of the list of positive influences. There is no surprise at the top of the list of negative influences; this continues to be lower footfall.

Meanwhile, as the UK’s departure from the EU continues to cause mayhem at the due departure date, unsurprisingly Brexit has negative connotations for most of the Retail Barometer respondents. Some 40% think that Brexit will have a negative effect on independents’ business in the longer term. A further 40% are uncertain of the effects.

All this and more has come to light in the 14th Retail Barometer – the annual survey sent out by Progressive Housewares/HousewaresNews.net and Bira (see pages 22-25).

Online operators

Master Brew with Barista & Co Barista & Co has launched a successful new format of Master Brew sessions, providing insights into brewing techniques for both stockists and consumers.

The company is hosting classes in pop-up venues in otherwise empty retail space, inviting trade customers for two days, and then talking directly to consumers for a further two days. The sessions provide insights into using Barista & Co’s innovative coffee making products, including its OneBrew.

Barista & Co is also inviting retailers to attend its two-hour brewing classes held every two months in London. “One member of a team can come to this and then pass on their knowledge to their colleagues,” notes James.

Fenwick stores is hosting its own Barista & Co Master Brew classes in several stores, bringing together its cookshop and foodhall offerings. Barista & Co also held Master Brew sessions in Selfridges as part of its celebrations for the London Coffee Festival (March 28-31).

37%

49%

11%

3%

Wedgwood’s floral 260th anniversary Wedgwood is celebrating its 260th anniversary in 2019 by presenting show gardens at both the RHS Flower Shows at Chelsea and Chatsworth, along with the Wedgwood Tea Conservatory, which will serve Wedgwood’s Wonderlust Tea at both shows.

The Wedgwood Garden at Chelsea (May 21-25) is designed by award-winning UK designer Jo Thompson to reflect the entrepreneurial, innovative and creative spirit of the company’s founder Josiah Wedgwood (1730 – 1795).

With soaring pavilions as a key focus, the garden will bring Wedgwood’s 260 year history to life by setting its foundations in Etruria, an 18th century Staffordshire village that Josiah created Above: Arches will form part of the RHS for his workers. Built in 1769, it was known as ‘the factory in the garden’, featuring green Chelsea Wedgwood garden that celebrates the brand’s 260-year heritage. space alongside a canal. This will be reflected with a watercourse flowing through multiple levels in the Chelsea garden.

Inspiration for Jo’s design was drawn from a trip to the Wedgwood museum in Staffordshire where she learned about Wedgwood’s pioneering creation of Etruria. She also drew on her own experience of living in Rome, which ignited her career in garden design.

Jo commented: “There’s a certain irresistible magic and nostalgia associated with such an incredible past and I welcome the opportunity to apply a modern interpretation to the garden and to draw visitors’ attention to Wedgwood’s pioneering and positive force in corporate responsibility.”

Wedgwood has close historical links with the RHS. March 7 marked the anniversary of the founding of the RHS by John Wedgwood, son of Josiah Wedgwood in 1804. The Wedgwood Garden at Chatsworth (June 5-9), designed by Jamie Butterworth, has been inspired by John Wedgwood’s vision of using the power of horticulture and plants to connect people and unite communities.

Jamie has drawn inspiration from John Wedgwood’s personal garden and plant journals. The Chatsworth garden will include the sky blue colour of Wedgwood’s famous Jasperware, as well as wild strawberry plants that echo the brand’s bestselling Wild Strawberry pattern.

Wedgwood’s 260th celebrations also include the launch of an anniversary edition of Wild Strawberry tableware – Wild Strawberry Gold, which features gold foliage and butterflies.

• Some 130 potters and 15 workers - up to a third of the company’s staff are to lose jobs at Wedgwood’s site in Barlaston. The factory at Barlaston will continue to produce high-end and handmade products – including the famous Jasperware. The factory’s tours are also a popular tourist attraction.

PROGRESSIVE

07

HOUSEWARES

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:43 Page 8

SPRING FAIR News

Right: Lifetime Brands’ ceo Robert Kay with KitchenCraft’s md, Matthew Canwell demonstrating gadgets by Chef’n at Spring Fair.

Below: Spring Fair’s managing director Julie Driscoll.

TOP STORY

All change for Spring Fair 2020 Spring Fair 2020 (February 2-6 NEC Birmingham) will see the first major re-edit of the show in eight years. The Atrium halls will host all Home & Living sectors, including the brand new Sourcing sector. Cook & Dine will be in Hall 8: a new prime position to catch the flow of visitors moving from the Gift halls into the Home & Living sections.

Everyday (formerly Volume) moves to Halls 9 and 10 for 2020, closer to the main bustle of the show.

The Summerhouse in Hall 20 will be located in between Living and Accents & Décor, for an easier shopping route for visitors around home and lifestyle products. The Piazza halls will house all gifting sectors in 2020.

Spring Fair’s managing director Julie Driscoll describes “a transformational moment for Spring Fair”. Julie highlights that the two distinct sourcing destinations (for Home & Living, and for Gifts) “will make it much easier for buyers to source complementary products and, in turn, generate more new customers for exhibitors.” Additionally:“The introduction of new product categories and sector names will create fresh inspiration for both exhibitors and visitors.”

Spring and Autumn Fair recently joined ITE Group as part of its acquisition of Ascential Events, and this re-edit forms part of the investment and renewed focus ITE are bringing to the well-established brands.

Visit www.springfair.com

Natural appeal from Smidge New brand Smidge revealed its first tranche of products at Spring Fair, including reusable bottles, coffee cups, wood fibre chopping boards and silicone lids. The range is designed to provide alternatives to single-use bottles, cups, clingfilm and plastic chopping boards. Its coffee cups contain guides for standard coffee drinks measures inside, and are leak-proof and easy to clean. The brand can be ordered through Horwood.

Smidge has also introduced a new biodegradable material in its Natural Collection (made from tree resin and other natural resins). The range contains bowls, cups, plates and a camping set created in conjunction with the Scouts. Smidge is also raising money for the Marine Conservation Society, donating 10p from its sales to the charity. The Natural Collection will be expanded with lunchboxes and jugs.

“It is very exciting to bring a new material to the market,” says James Robinson, marketing manager for Smidge.

The brand is running a social media marketing campaign that takes a humorous approach to making reusable choices. “Smidge is fun rather than being ‘preachy’, and it’s bright and vibrant in its style,” notes James.

The perfect gifts T&G was thrilled to receive the GOTY (Gift of The Year) Kitchen & Dining Award (presented during the recent Spring Fair) for its nature themed Ocean range. The range helps raise funds for Plastic Oceans UK and has expanded with new ceramics.

Dartington’s Whisky Experience won the ‘Under £10’ GOTY category. The Judges’ Choice prize went to BBQ Hot Smoking Kit from Hot Smoked, which also won both the Food and Drink and Garden and Outdoor categories.

GOTY is organised by The Giftware Association. See www.giftoftheyear.co.uk Above: T&G’s Patrick Gardner, Jenny Handley and Corinne Stevens received the GOTY award for Kitchen & Dining at Spring Fair.

The Rainy Day Trust thanks DRH Bryan Clover, ceo of The Rainy Day Trust presented David Holmes of The DRH Collection with a Supporter of the Year trophy as a “token of gratitude” during Spring Fair. “The DRH Collection has always been there providing support for The Rainy Day Trust,” acknowledged Bryan.

DRH recently donated four pallets containing ceramics and glassware to the industry charity, to help it raise funds. “Bryan had mentioned to us at one of the trade shows how he could always put product to good use, through raffles, auctions and also competitions especially on social media,” said David Holmes, managing director at The DRH Collection.

Above: RDT’s Bryan Clover (right) presented a trophy to DRH’s David Holmes during Spring Fair.

PROGRESSIVE

08

HOUSEWARES

Springing ahead Kitchen and Dining exhibitors in Hall 9 were among those experiencing busy trade and interest from high quality buyers at the recent Spring Fair (February 3-7). Eddingtons reported strong interest in its sustainable ranges, including its new introduction, the UKmade Pokito collapsible cup, which extends to different coffee cup sizes and seals when collapsed.

KitchenCraft displayed all of its brands (including Creative Tops, Chef’n and London Pottery) under one banner across its stand, divided into ‘Dining’ and ‘Prep and Cooking.’ Tramontina created a multi-sensory feast, barbecuing steaks and sausages on its stand and using its knives to cut up tasters for visitors. Also on the ‘cutting edge’ front, new exhibitor Kiddicutter demonstrated how its knives are safe for kids to use.

Other Hall 9 highlights included a preview of a new tableware range by Mary Berry from Captivate Brands. The understated collection includes garden bird and horticultural motifs that reflect Mary’s passions aside from baking.

Elsewhere, Prue Leith, The Great British Bake Off judge was at the show to launch first licensed products (calendars and diaries from Portico Designs featuring recipes her new, long awaited cookbook). Prue said she was impressed by Spring Fair’s “incredible array of product, and that behind every product there was such a huge production process.”

Off to a tee Exhibiting at Spring Fair, Ecovessel’s water bottles (from JS International) have triple insulation and a copper liner meaning drinks can stay hot for up to 16 hours and cold for up to 80 hours.

The brand has recently stocked Royal Troon Golf Club with exclusive members’ logo bottles coinciding with the club banning all disposable bottles on its course. It has also created bespoke bottles for Wisley Golf Course.

Other new exhibitors reflected the rising demand for products that provide alternatives to single-use, including beeswax wraps from BeeBee, Bumble Wraps and Hive to Home.

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:43 Page 9

News

SADLY MISSED The housewares industry has recently said goodbye to two well respected and well loved men – David Jarrett and David Peace.

David Jarrett, housewares sales agent died on February 13, following a few years of battling health issues and a recent short illness. David represented many brands including: The DRH Collection, Forma House, JWP, Silverwood, Ladelle, Navigate, Guzzini Tramontina and Terraillon.

David had enjoyed seeing many customers at the recent Top Drawer (with Forma House).

David Holmes, md of The DRH Collection said: “David was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word, charming and helpful to customers and industry colleagues alike, and will be very sadly missed by all those who had the fortune to work alongside him.” Simon Maghnagi, director of Forma House commented: “This industry adored David Jarrett: he was truly respected and people will miss him greatly.”

Fellow sales agent, Kam Loqueman acknowledged: “David was full of support and encouragement through hard times and praise through good times, and was such a dedicated servant to the housewares industry. He leaves behind a legacy of a wealth of love and good feelings towards him.”

David Peace, a former director of Meyer Group and a past president and proactive contributor to the BHHMA (forerunner of current industry trade association BHETA) died on January 23, after a short illness.

Meyer Group’s business development director, Geoff Gorst said: “Dave was one of the big characters in the housewares industry: larger than life.

Those of us who had the honour to work with him – and many others in the industry – will have great stories. There were many!”

Dave is also remembered as a musician who played with many jazz legends.

John Lewis & Partners profits fall John Lewis & Partners’ operating profits dropped dramatically by 56% £114.7 million for the year ending January 26.

Key reasons were “weaker Home sales, gross margin pressure, higher IT costs, the property impact of new shops and lower profit on asset sales,” explained Charlie Mayfield, partner and chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

TOP STORY

Potters Cookshop is applauded Tom Carter and Alison Hobbs of Potters Cookshop, Hockley were among the 30 exceptional retailers from around the globe that were applauded at the gia (Global Innovation Awards) gala in Chicago (Saturday March 2), coinciding with The International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS, March 2-5).

In addition to recognising the achievements of these 30 national gia winners, The IH+HS and the International Housewares Association (IHA) (global sponsors and organisers of the gia Above: Tom and Alison of Potters Cookshop with the gia UK trophy, alongside Rob Willis, programme) also announced the 2019 gia Global Honorees for publishing director of UK gia sponsor, Retail Excellence (see pages 38-41) Progressive Housewares.

All national winners are part of a showcase at the IH+HS, including a series of banners over the walkway to the show’s Hall of Global Innovation.

Potters Cookshop director Tom Carter said the “world-wind” experience of gia and the show would “inspire us for the year ahead.” He stated: “It is a honour to be here and be recognised along with the 29 other amazing retailers from around the world.”

Tom and Alison also met with gia expert juror Anne Kong to discuss visual merchandising techniques and took part in the Chicago Retail Tour, organised by the IHA, before heading to New York on their own tour of other inspirational retailers.

Back at the shop, Alison reports: “We’ve seen some fantastic cookshops and we’re already introducing some more lifestyle elements to our displays.”

For more news from Chicago and the IHA, see page 16.

gia product winners revealed The 13 Global Honorees of the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) for product design were revealed at the gia dinner in Chicago on Saturday (March 2). Winners ranged from well-established brands to first-time exhibitors.

The Honorees included the Stand up Stasher from Stasher, Dreamfarm’s Ortwo (Grind One-Handed or Two), Sagaform’s Hold Adjustable Vase, Magisso’s Visibility Bottle, Fusionbrands’ BenditBrush and Mastrad’s m°control.

Above: Stasher’s Tom Johnson and Andrew Geddes with the gia trophy at the IH+HS.

Teflon Diamond Standard winners The Teflon Diamond Standard Awards has crowned the winners of its 2019 National Finals. The Awards offer the chance for student and home cooks to gain recognition for their culinary skills and provides some life-changing opportunities.

In addition to Teflon, the awards’ sponsors include Circulon from Meyer Group and NoStik. Circulon cookware was used in the finals for The Keen Home Cooks and Keen Young Cooks awards, held at the Waitrose Cookery School in Above: The action packed finals of the Keen Home Cooks and Keen Young London. Celebrity chef Lesley Waters headed up the judging panel Cooks categories of the Teflon and commented on the exceptional standard of cooking.

Diamond Standard Awards 2019.

The Keen Young Cook (12-16 years) winner was Ruby Dyer, Chancellor’s School, and the Keen Home Cook (aged 17+) was James Hooper, Plymouth. The award for Aspiring Student Chef (16-19 years) went to Lily Stock of Westminster Kingsway College.

Lily and Ruby have both been awarded the prestigious three-year Specialised Chefs Scholarship at Bournemouth & Poole College. This incredible opportunity is divided into two categories: work based training with a chef member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts at a top hotel or restaurant and full time block release tuition at Bournemouth & Poole College. The course is arranged by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Teflon non-stick coatings manufacturer, Chemours and managed by The Bournemouth & Poole College.

Meanwhile, Keen Home Cook James Hooper’s prize is an exclusive weekend in Dorset for two people including a hands-on cookery course at Lesley Waters’ Cookery School.

All the winners also received a range of Teflon non-stick coated cookware from lead sponsor Circulon and cash prizes of up to £500.

PROGRESSIVE

09

HOUSEWARES

Fancy a dip?

Launching at Exclusively Electrical STAND EE45 www.princesshome.eu

10_HW_March April 2019.indd 10

sales.uk@smartwaresgroup.com

01/04/2019 13:07

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:44 Page 11

AMBIENTE News

TOP STORY

Ambiente’s international visitors soar Inset: Brabantia’s ‘bin’ shaped cake.

Happy birthday from Ambiente Some 11 exhibitors were presented with surprise birthday cakes or champagne from Ambiente’s organisers at the recent show. The presentations included Brabantia, Fackelmann and KitchenAid – all with centenaries this year – as well as Pillivuyt, which has turned 200, Lenox, now 130, and BergHOFF, which is 25 years old.

“Our exhibitors have been successful for many years now, and so we want to celebrate with them in person,” said Nicolette Naumann, vice president Ambiente.

There was a significant rise in visitor numbers – including UK buyers - at this year’s Ambiente (February 8 to 12, Frankfurt am Main), with 136,000 trade visitors from 166 countries, confirms organiser Messe Frankfurt.

The top ten visiting nations, after Germany, were Italy, China, France and the UK, followed by the Netherlands, the USA, Spain, Switzerland, Russia and South Korea.

Many UK exhibitors commented on an extremely positive show, including James Gray, md of Barista & Co who described Ambiente 2019 as: “the best show we’ve ever done.”

At Black + Blum London (which showcased its new branding), md Nick Cornwell stated: “We’ve had a very busy show with a lot of new international customers and new distributor contacts.”

Michelle Dickinson, md of Burton McCall also agreed that Ambiente 2019 was outstanding, with a great many productive meetings bringing together the distributor’s brands and UK retail buyers during the show.

“During Ambiente, we could feel the hustle and bustle of world trade, even though there are signs of a downturn in the economic outlook,” acknowledged Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. Ambiente 2020 will be held from February 7-11. Visit www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Riedel shows Elton John Decanter Several Rainbow Decanters from Riedel, which are signed

by Elton John, were a striking part of the glassware specialist’s stand at Ambiente. The colourful decanters are limited to just 75, with an allocation of 10 snapped up by UK buyers Above: The Rainbow early on at the trade fair.

Decanter on Riedel’s The decanters retail at stand. £1,500 and all profits go to The Elton John AIDS Foundation. Riedel’s md, Steve McGraw explained: “Creating this coloured crystal needs a highly experienced glassmaker with an incredible level of skill.”

Top: Ladelle’s Dorothee Hiebsch and Andrew Wilson with the new Eco range at Ambiente.

Ladelle goes eco Ladelle’s stand at both Spring Fair and Ambiente featured its first products with an Eco label. These include an apron and tea towels, with oven mitts to follow later this year, and many more products in the pipeline for 2020. The collection is created from recycled cotton, created from small offcuts from textiles manufacturers, which are sorted by colour and re-spun and then woven into new fabric.

Right: The Black + Blum team at Ambiente.

Right: Ken Hom on the DKB stand.

Ken turns up the heat Ken Hom contributed to the buzz at Ambiente with two cooking demonstrations on the DKB stand (February 10). Ken used one of his new non-stick carbon steel woks as well as new cooking oils from Cole & Mason.

Ken reflected: “When I first started, I refused to have non-stick woks as they just couldn’t get hot enough but non-stick technology has advanced so much.” He described the new range as “taking cookware to a new frontier.” The new “extra strong” coating is on both interior and exterior of the new wok range, which also features striking new packaging, based on a favourite portrait that Ken owns. The chef notes that the new packaging design will help get his products noticed in stores.

Putting all his products through rigorous testing, Ken stated: “I feel that if it is good enough for a chef, it is good enough for households. I also give my woks to fellow chefs and get great feedback.”

He also joked: “The only problem is that my woks last so long so people don’t need to buy again.”

He added: “But it is great when people often tell me they have been using my woks for 30 years.”

Ken also expressed how much he enjoys in-store demonstrations (having spent 10 days in the UK to help celebrate Chinese New Year). “I learn a lot from people – I get feedback that helps me build up my knowledge and helps me to show how people can get maximum benefit from cookware, as well as help to improve products.”

This was Ken’s seventh appearance at Ambiente over his many years of working with DKB. “I have seen the show grow – it’s amazing and it has become much more international.”

Meyer launches interactive technology Meyer Group's introduction of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology on its stand at the recent Ambiente was overwhelmingly well received by retailers. Visitors to the stand were able to experience how placing a pan on a hob triggered the start of the relevant informative video for the range.

Meyer Group's trade marketing manager, Clare Holland reports: “All of our visitors loved this new Innovative technology and could see the benefits of how this could be translated at store level for their consumers.” She added: “Each video that was developed for our new launches was concise and communicated very clear consumer benefits and range information.”

Clare also reveals that the technology will be in situ within a leading retailer later this year.

She explains: “We have a really exciting project underway that will launch the technology this year with one of our major retail partners. Collaboratively, we’re developing the entire point of purchase experience across their stores and the centrepiece with this interactive technology.”

PROGRESSIVE

11

HOUSEWARES

12_HW_March April 2019.indd 12

03/04/2019 11:18

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:46 Page 13

News Above: Image from Wayfair’s new ad campaign with Lorraine Kelly.

TOP STORY

Harts of Stur’s centenary

Wayfair teams up with TV’s Lorraine Online housewares and home furnishings retailer, Wayfair.co.uk is running its latest campaign with ITV host and brand ambassador, Lorraine Kelly. In the third year of partnership, Lorraine stars in two new television advertisements for Wayfair, in which she showcases the extensive homeware range.

Wayfair says that its TV/online advertising strategy has been instrumental in increasing its brand awareness, which is now at +60% in the UK, up 30% in the past three years.

Lorraine reveals that her favourite room in her house is the kitchen “as it’s where my family comes together.”

While her husband Steve does all the cooking, Lorraine states that she does her “fair share with the tidying up!”

The TV personality admits that she loves to sit in the kitchen and chat while husband Steve prepares a meal.

Lorraine adds: ”I always find when people come to see us that everyone always ends up in the kitchen; it's where we feel the most comfortable.”

Below: Walter Hart - founder of Harts of Stur - started his blacksmith business after the war, to be joined by his sons.

Harts of Stur is celebrating its centenary with a year of celebrations which have included bacon sandwiches for all of its customers on March 30, and a focus on different ways to cook eggs in its store in Sturminster Newton.

Managing director, Philip Hart said: “For any business to reach its centenary year is a major achievement. I’m immensely proud that our family company has joined the ‘100 club’. I wonder if my grandfather Walter would have ever imagined that his company would still be going strong a hundred years from when he set up as a blacksmith after the First World War.” Philip added: “Family is extremely important to us and this is why we will be celebrating this milestone with a selection of family-themed events and initiatives throughout the year.”

Hart’s anniversary events will be widely publicised on its social media channels.

Philip joined the business in 1979, and set about transforming the agricultural supply shop into a modern, country department store. With an eye on the next big thing, Harts took its first tentative steps into mail order in the early 1990s. A trading website followed in 1995, and was one of the first operational trading sites anywhere in the country. The Daily Telegraph wrote a feature about it at the time.

Philip's sons, Johnathan and Graham, joined the family firm after finishing university, rapidly pushing forward with the company’s online presence as well as improving the customer experience in-store.Harts’ new website, which went live in September 2018, has already won industry awards for its revolutionary ‘headless design’ technology. Meanwhile, a multi-million pound improvement project for the store is in progress. The phased programme of work will create an additional 20,000 sq ft of retail space.

The garden shop will be amalgamated into the main store allowing the old site to be levelled creating additional parking space. The exterior of the store is due to get a facelift and additional office space will be created.

Right: Allinox’s Alex Goethals with the company’s first launch of innovative biodegradable and re-purposed packaging.

Allinox launches eco-packaging Belgium-based cookware manufacturer, Allinox showcased innovative packaging for its Kitchen Fun Discovery frying pans at both Ambiente (February 8-12) and Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS March 2-5).

Created from 100% biodegradable paper pulp, the pan shaped ‘ecological’ packaging not only protects the cookware on display and in transit (without the need for any protective plastic) but it is also useful for the end consumer. Once opened, the two parts of the packaging are designed to be pan protectors so that the pans can be safely stacked in a drawer or cupboard at home. (For more on Cookware, see pages 42-43).

Bakeware is in the basket The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has added the baking or roasting tray to its inflation basket, which is updated annually to reflect consumer tastes. The baking tray is one of just 16 products to be added to a total of 720 (with 16 products removed from the list). The ‘shopping basket’ of typically bought products is used to calculate the cost of living.

The addition of bakeware reflects ‘increased expenditure in recent years possibly influenced by the success of various television cookery programmes,’ says the ONS. Philip Gooding, senior statistician notes that bakeware “has seen its appeal renewed.”

Crockery sets are among those products removed from the list, while the dinner plate has been added.

ONS notes that consumers now prefer to buy plates individually rather than as part of a traditional set.

Inset: Life’s a Beach coffee cups.

Life’s a Beach from ProCook Kitchenware retailer ProCook has launched a linked not-for-profit organisation that supports the eradication of single-use plastic products and promotes the use of reusable products.

Money raised will fund schemes to help rid beaches of single-use bottles and cups via education, beach cleans and the promotion of multiple-use products.

ProCook’s Daniel O’Neill said, “It is vitally important that companies take responsibility to ensure that they doing everything to protect the environment while working towards a more sustainable future. Following programmes like David Attenborough’s Blue Planet it is impossible to ignore the plight of our planet.”

Life’s a Beach will be primarily funded via the sales of a stylish line of reusable products, from which 10% of sales will go to the organisation. In addition to sales via ProCook’s shops, online store and Amazon, the new brand is inviting potential stockists to get in touch. See https://www.lifesabeach.org

PROGRESSIVE

13

HOUSEWARES

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:46 Page 14

News

TOP STORY

Goodbye to ICTC

Below: ICTC’s stand at the last Exclusively Housewares.

The Intercontinental Cookware and Tableware Company (ICTC) went into liquidation on January 31, closing its offices and factory in Norwich. The news followed “another poor result for the company in 2018.”

Managing director, Ruth Cutter explained: ”For the last few years business has become increasingly difficult for our organisation and the impact of the recent Brexit vote has made the future even more uncertain.” She continued: “These, along with other market factors have contributed to the decision by the board to put the company into liquidation, which I am sure you will appreciate has not been an easy one. I would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support over the years and wish them all well.”

In addition to the highly competitive marketplace and Brexit uncertainty, Ruth noted several other factors that have contributed to ICTC’s difficulties. These include the shift of independent retailers towards more gift-able products, the closure of cookshops in recent years, and the recent demise of Steamer Trading. In addition, Ruth reflected that (unlike many other housewares suppliers) ICTC’s sales have not been bolstered by a website that sells directly to consumers.

ICTC’s The British Textile Company (originally C’est ça) has been manufacturing in Norwich since 1986. Its innovations included steam grease technology and a heatproof insulated towelling material.

Ruth expressed her extreme sadness at the loss of jobs, with many of ICTC’s staff having served the company for 20 to 30 years.

As a leading distributor, ICTC has carried a wide range of leading housewares brands, some of which are now forging new UK distribution partners (see below).

Tradestock to distribute La Rochère

Melitta pops up at Old Street station Coffee making specialist, Melitta UK hosted a pop-up coffee shop in the illuminated tunnels of Old Street Underground – the world’s first tube station dedicated to innovative retail and immersive brand experiences.

The Melitta Coffee Lounge opened from March 25 to 29, enabling consumers to try brews from Melitta’s Bean to Cup and Filter Coffee machines as well as its Pour Over coffee.

Events at the pop-up shop included advice from health and fitness specialist (and personal trainer extraordinaire) Harry Jameson. Expert barista Celeste Wong, aka The Girl in the Café showed visitors how to make the perfect Pour Over coffee as well as making Coffee-tails, including a delicious Mocha-nut coffee-based cocktail.

To tie in with Melitta’s 111th anniversary, proceeds from the coffee were donated to St Luke's Community Centre, a charity that helps to alleviate poverty, social problems and poor health in the heart of EC1 by offering various services.

Inset: La Rochère from Tradestock.

The brand was previously distributed by ICTC.

Tradestock has taken on the UK distribution for La Rochère, the renowned French glassware company. La Rochère has been producing artisanal glass in the heart of France for more than 500 years, making it the oldest continuously running glass factory in Europe.

Its world-renowned designs include the bestselling Napoleon Bee collection, the popular Versailles collection, and distinctive Lyonnais collection.

“We are delighted to team up with La Rochère, an iconic glassware manufacturer with a very rich heritage,” reports Tradestock’s managing director, Keith Nye. “This partnership strengthens and increases the choice for our customers and perfectly complements the other glassware brands we offer.”

La Rochère will be shown alongside Tradestock’s other brands at Exclusively Housewares in June.

Below: The Deluxe Phantom sensor bin won the Gold Design Award at the recent Canton Fair.

The next generation for waste EKO is bringing a range of innovative bins to the UK market, with 15 different models launching in John Lewis & Partners from the end of March (with wider distribution to follow). EKO has specialised in bins since 1997 and introduced its first sensor bin in 2010.

The Deluxe Phantom sensor bin recently won the Gold Design Award at the Canton Fair. “It is ultra long lasting, opening 20,000 times and has a butterfly lid which makes it space efficient – fitting into nooks and crannies and sitting flush against the wall,” explains Brian Walmsely of EKO UK. With multiple options for recycling across EKO’s range, Brian also highlights the new X Cube bin: “A super premium pedal bin with an antibacterial coating, our unique bag fixer and colour coded compartments to help with recycling.”

Despite the technical gadgetry available, EKO’s research into the UK market shows that colour is the number one reason for choosing a bin. The Titanium Blue version of the X Cube is exclusive to John Lewis & Partners.

EKO manufacturers four and a half million bins each year and has a strong presence in the US, Australia and Japan. The company has also expanded into other categories of innovative homewares, and has launched a new UK website at www.ekohome.co.uk PROGRESSIVE

14

HOUSEWARES

Above: Afternoon tea with Botanic Garden by Portmeirion.

#GetTogether says Portmeirion Group Portmeirion Group has launched a ‘Get Together’ campaign to encourage people to come together more often to share food.

The company is creating point of sale for retailers, with consumers able use the hashtag #GetTogether.

Portmeirion has conducted research (with YouGov) that reveals that just 39% of British adults always eat dinner together with their family. The findings show that despite not eating together, over three-quarters (77%) of families said that they know it’s important, with 74% of those saying they believe it encourages good family relationships.

• Following its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2018, Portmeirion Group has confirmed its tenth consecutive year of record Group revenue, which increased by 5.7% to £89.6m.

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:46 Page 15

News

NEWS IN BRIEF l The John Lewis Partnership has pledged

that it will reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 at the latest, without purchasing offsets. The pledge covers all John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners stores, as well as head offices, distribution centres and other sites. Moreover, the company’s entire transport fleet will be zero carbon by 2045. l Online retailer, ASOS has taken fashion into the home as it diversifies from clothing with the launch of its first homewares range. The collection, which launched on the retailer’s site in February, includes striking animal print plates, recycled glass tumblers in ‘Origami’ shapes, kitchen utensils and brightly coloured bowls and tea towels. l A report by GlobalData entitled ‘UK Retail Parks 2018-2023’ says that housewares stockists B&M, Wilko and The Range rank in the top 10 retailers visited in retail parks across various sectors. l A new range called MoDRN marks a new direction for US general merchandise giant Walmart. The range features nearly 650 high-quality, design-led products for every room in the home, including the kitchen and dining room. MoDRN is split into three collections: Retro Glam, Refined Industrial and Scandinavian Minimal. l A new report from Mintel has found that Amazon’s popularity shows no signs of slowing, with 21% of customers increasing their spend with the online retailer in the last year. Almost nine in ten British consumers shop online at Amazon, with Mintel stating that 86% are Amazon users/shoppers. l Tefal has launched the UK’s first precision cake maker: the Tefal Cake Factory. The SDA has five automatic programmes that set the time and temperature for a perfect bake, enabling the easy creation of all sorts of sweet treats including lava cakes, meringues and cupcakes. l Klean Kanteen’s reusable and plastic-free TKPro flask has won a prestigious ISPO award in the Outdoor category for hiking, travel and camping. ISPO Munich is the world’s largest outdoor and sports equipment trade fair. l According to a new report by ReportsWeb - The UK Homewares Market 2018-2023 - demand for homewares is expected to increase as housing transactions pick up. Kitchenware is anticipated to be the ‘most shopped for’ category, with growth largely driven by the health and wellness trend which has created a greater interest in cooking from scratch. l Independent family-run department store, Tudor Williams of New Malden will close its doors on June 29, after 100 years of trading. John Morris, group md cited rising costs and the tough retail climate. l Tefal ActiFry with its patented 360° paddle is the focus of a multi-level digital media campaign (including Facebook and YouTube) for six weeks from April 1. The digital media campaign is underpinned with a comprehensive range of specially designed in-store POSM.

TOP STORY

Scarlet Opus reveals trends for Exclusively

Below: Part of the Trends display by Scarlet Opus at last year’s Exclusively Shows.

Scarlet Opus, the acclaimed trend consultancy has revealed three trends that will influence housewares over the next year. It will showcase these with displays using exhibitors’ products at this year’s Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical (London Business Design Centre, June 11-12). The trend forecaster will also select products at the show for the ‘Recommended on Trend Product’ award, which will be highlighted to visitors with a new sign on recipient exhibitors’ stands. * ‘Traveller’ is an upcoming trend for Autumn/Winter for those that ‘dare to look ahead with optimism to a calmer more stable era’. The trend is focused on restoring balance, order and correctness, and establishing a new era of transparency. * ‘Fellowship’ is a design trend for Spring/Summer 2020 and is ‘all about the Power of the Collective, rising up together as a community of collaborators’. It prioritises consideration for the planet, farmers, factory workers and materials used. Fellowship is also anti-establishments, favouring a more relaxed comfortable environment and celebrating diversity in our increasing globalised world. * ‘Satori’ is the second design trend for Spring/Summer 2020, focusing on serenity, as well as the importance of real rather than virtual relationships and the preservation of the planet. Consideration and compassion are given to the natural world, and all that has a low carbon footprint. Veganism, biodegradability, and cooking from scratch are all part of this trend.

Scarlet Opus will present two of its highly popular trend talks in the trend hub housed in the Atrium (above Exclusively Electrical) at 10.30am on both days of the shows. Trend experts will also be on hand at the trend displays.

Moreover, visitors can book on to trend tour (via the shows’ website), which will point out the Recommended "on-trend" products and the reasons they are forecast to be on trend.

Visit www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

‘Survive and Thrive’ winner Huus shares top tips As the winner of Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical’s Survive and Thrive competition last year, independent homewares store Huus won a consultation with trend forecasters Scarlet Opus. Huus - a brand and lifestyle concept store that specialises in contemporary home accessories and gifts inspired by North European design – says that it found the experience “extremely valuable.”

The consultation reviewed the store’s layout, Above: Huus is merchandising products outdoors. décor, product offering, website, social media and merchandising and provided recommendations to create a retail environment that is appealing to today’s consumer.

When asked to share three tips gained from the consultation with fellow retailers, Huus’ owners Jane and Ron Dekker advise: “Regularly step back from your business and get input from fresh eyes about your store experience. Keep innovating. Keep strengthening the bricks and mortar customer experience and provide advice which differentiates the business from online stores.”

Huus is making changes to its layout to improve its customers’ experience, “creating an ‘inspirations hub’, which will give us an obvious space away from the counter to have styling and advice conversations with our customers,” say Jane and Rob. They add: “It will also be a space where they can sit and take a look at some of our inspiration sources such as books, magazines and supplier catalogues.” Huus is also working on “a new social media strategy to support our move to be a destination for styling and design inspiration.”

Huus admits that while it is “continually remerchandising the store,” it is now “much more alert to having consistency in the look and feel of the store in line with our branding.”

The store is now merchandising products outdoors, when the weather allows, and is also planning to work with other local businesses to increase the town’s profile to generate more footfall.

PROGRESSIVE

15

HOUSEWARES

NEWS_HW_5_7-8-9_11_13-14-15-16.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 02/04/2019 11:46 Page 16

IHA News Left: Vivienne Cudahy of Auteur (UK distributor for Hip) with Richard Smiedt, founder of Hip, showing the new Clean Straws at the IH+HS.

TOP STORY

Top buyers at ‘vibrant’ Chicago

Sipper stars at Chicago With Speciality Beverages the focus of the Trending Today area of Chicago’s IH+HS (March 2-5), re-usable straws were a booming subcategory at the show.

Exhibitors recognised the rising demand for functional and aesthetic reusable options as the worldwide movement against the use of plastic straws continues to gather momentum.

GoSili’s Guiliana Schwab told PH: “We’ve reacted to demands for longer straws and fatter straws for smoothies, as well as straws contained in a tin so they are easy to carry around.”

Hip’s new Clean Straw received a phenomenal reaction from UK buyers, confirms Vivienne Cudahy, md of Auteur (distributor for Hip). The innovative silicone straw can be unrolled for easy cleaning. Continuing Hip’s hydration and ‘on the go’ themes, the brand also showcased a prototype for a new roll-up water bottle. The brand’s stand itself had eco-credentials as it was made entirely of recyclable cardboard.

Meanwhile, Asobu (by Adnart) intergrates its stainless steel straws with a band of flexible silicone, making the straw bendable and safer than a fully metal straw (should the straw be knocked into the mouth), explained Asobu’s Steven Ross.

The company is also donating 10% of profits from the sales of its Reusable Straws to WWF. In the Inventors’ Corner, D’Vine showed its innovative Wine Aerator straws. Founder Scott Scardino explained: “These straws were created for wine drinkers who do not want to stain their teeth and meet the need for a reusable alternatives to plastic as well as providing an enhanced drinking experience as the design aerates the wine.”

Scott has now created various designs: “Our customers are often young professional women who enjoy going out to restaurants and bars and want to take an accessory that looks good.”

Below: GoSili’s Guiliana Schwab and Mariah Medina at the IH+HS.

Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (March 2-5) attracted a notable turnout of high calibre retail buyers – reportedly the ‘strongest in years’, according to organiser, International Housewares Association (IHA).

The Show was sold-out with 2,205 exhibitors from 43 countries. Its special features included a conference bringing together social influencers/bloggers, an area of smart/connected products with associated talks, and a Trending Today focus on beverage products.

Above: The popular Trending Today event before the show opened.

IHA president Derek Miller commented: “Over and over we heard from exhibitors that the quality of the buyers and attendance of key retailers was the best in years.” He continued: “Exhibitors also noted strong international buyer attendance as well.”

This year’s show included the inaugural ‘The Inspired Home Influencer Conference’, which took place the day before the show opened and brought together more than 145 high-quality social media influencers and bloggers for educational sessions and speed-dating with more than 100 exhibitors.

Beverage products were also in the spotlight before the official start of the show, with the well-attended Trending Today Preview on Saturday morning (as well as an exhibit area within the Wired + Well Expo).

Products for water, coffee, wine and cocktails were all well represented.

Presenting the ZOS wine preservation system to the US market at the Trending Today Preview event, CellarDine’s managing director Peter Dunne reports that retailers such as Williams Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond, Sur La Table, Cost Plus and The Inset: Peter Dunne of CellarDine with the Grommet have now “either listed the product or engaged in negotiations innovative ZOS wine to trial the product.” preservation system at the Trending Today Other show highlights included trends presentations by Pantone Colour event.

Institute’s Lee Eiseman and the Pantone display, the Student Design Competition winners (including cutting tools for the blind) and Inventors Corner (see Leader and news on HousewaresNews.net).

The recent show was the last to be called ‘International Home + Housewares Show’. (See separate story below.)

The Inspired Home Show 2020 Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS) will become The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market in 2020 (March 14-17).

The new name and lifestyle focus reflects societal trends and is part of the IHA’s expansion of The Inspired Home platform. Derek Miller, president of IHA states: “As the premier home and housewares event in the world, our members, exhibitors and retail attendees expect a Show that reflects current trends and attitudes.”

In addition to IHA’s current website (www.housewares.org), The Inspired Home Show will be supported on a new website found at TheInspiredHomeShow.com * The IHA has appointed PR Direct, run by Sarah Selzer and Mark Chapman, as its UK office. The office is the contact point for those interested in visiting or exhibiting at The Inspired Home Show, and for IHA members interested in the UK market.

Above: The new logo for The Inspired Home Show.

Tom on ‘buying experiences’ “We need to stop looking at objects and start looking at what those objects deliver,” said Tom Mirabile, trend expert for the International Housewares Association (IHA) in this keynote presentation, Top Trends 2019: New Consumer Insights and How to Thrive in the Retail Revolution’ at the IH+HS. He emphasised the increasing significance of buying into lifestyles and aspirations: “People aren’t buying objects, they’re buying experiences.”

Tom provided members of the housewares industry with a series of tenets, which included “Be Flexible” (citing how brands such as IKEA and KitchenAid have reinvented themselves) and “Be Fun” (for Above: Tom Mirabile. example, with amusing advertisements.)

“Be Aspirational” was another of Tom’s tips: “Today’s consumer doesn’t dream of owning, but of becoming.” He continued: “Be Sharable,” for example, by inspiring families to cook and eat a meal together.

Tom’s and other presentations can be viewed on: www.housewares.org/education/presentations-webinars PROGRESSIVE

16

HOUSEWARES

17 Bira.qxp_23 01/04/2019 12:54 Page 17

F

ollowing more tragic headlines about knife crime across the UK, the sale of knives continues to be high on the agenda. Recently we saw the concerning figures from National Trading Standards, which found that 12% of bricks and mortar retailers failed to verify the age of a purchaser and there was a 50% failure rate online.

We fully support the need for better monitoring of the purchasing of knives through the new Offensive Weapons Bill 2017-19, to protect the public but also to Above: Andrew pictured at last year’s Excellence in protect retailers. We are working closely with the Home Office and Met Police however to ensure the Bill is fair and practicable for retailers, who legitimately sell Housewares Awards. everyday sharp objects to their customers.

Asda’s move to no longer sell single kitchen knives and Poundland stopping selling knives completely seem like sensible decisions, as they are less likely to be able to monitor their sales. But independent retailers are much better placed to know their customers and to know if a sale is legitimate or not.

With the right guidance from the Government on how to verify ages and how to refuse a sale, retailers will feel more confident in this area. We support the need for better training for retailers and their employees and welcome a series of training videos that the Met Police and MOPAC are creating to give information to retailers. Our members attended a focus group with them in 2018 in order to give feedback on the training videos. The story boards are in production, so we are hoping it won’t be long before they are available. Until the guidance is available, we continue to remind retailers to treat knife sales in the same way we handle alcohol, implementing a Challenge 21 system and ‘no ID, no sale’.

If you have any concerns about selling knives refer to the guidance on gov.uk and ensure all your staff are aware of their responsibilities.

If you aren’t a member yet but would like the support of our trade association, contact our membership team on 0800 028 0245 or to find out more visit bira.co.uk to keep up to date with new services and the support we provide for independent retailers.

Andrew Goodacre, ceo of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira)

Sign up for July’s ‘Tussle on the Turf’ Members of trade associations Bira and BHETA will go head to head in a friendly but competitive networking golf tournament on Wednesday July 17. The fourth ‘Tussle on the Turf’ event will be held at Stratford-upon-Avon’s The Welcombe Golf Club.

Inset: The Welcombe Golf Bira members Club is a championship from independent standard 18-hole course. cookshops, housewares, hardware and DIY stores are invited to take up the gauntlet to regain the trophy (won

by BHETA for the past two years). Bira’s team will be led out by Vin Vara of London housewares stockists, The Toolshop Group.

Jeff Moody, Bira Direct’s managing director said that the association is very happy to involved again: “This friendly inter-association golf competition is a great opportunity for both to build a better understanding of each other and have fun too.”

Retailer and supplier teams of four can find out more at bira.co.uk/event/golfday2019/ or contact Michael Dark mda.mail@virgin.net.

Business rates concerns Bira has highlighted a lack of uniformity in the way local authorities are implementing the hard-fought 30% discount for businesses with a rateable value below £51,000. Some authorities are automatically applying the discount, while others require a form to be completed by smaller retailers.

Commenting on the different approaches, Bira ceo Andrew Goodacre reports: “Councils have had five months to prepare for the reduction in rates and while some have been quick to act and are automatically applying the discount, others are woefully behind and small retail businesses will suffer as a result. We have also been informed by one of our members that their council has stated that the bills may not be adjusted, which is hugely damaging to the business’ cash flow.”

Bira recommends that independent retailers contact their local authority, (for each of their premises if they have more than one) and establish how their local authority or council intends to implement the rates discounts..

Bira has already written to the LGA (Local Government Association), reminding it to support retail businesses by making it easy to claim the discounts.

Andrew adds: “Together we have fought hard to obtain this discount and it would be a real shame if any business paid more rates than it needed to.”

PROGRESSIVE

17

HOUSEWARES

Above: The future of the high street continues to be debated.

Bira applauds new High Street report Outdated, unfair business rates have once again been flagged up in a report published at the end of February by the House of Commons’ Housing, Communities and Local Government committee, which includes some recommendations put forward by Bira.

Bira’s ceo, Andrew Goodacre (who took part in the inquiry leading to the new report) welcomed the report, stating that Bira “broadly agrees with the findings and recommendations.”

He stated:“It is clear that high streets and town centres will change, and many stakeholders have an important role to play. It requires vision and leadership at a local government level, with funding from central government.”

Andrew continued:“Furthermore, we are pleased to see it being recognised that independent retail businesses will be crucial in providing the diversity and quality retail experience demanded by the consumers.”

While no clear solution is given on how business rates can be reformed, the Committee refers to them as ‘increasingly outdated and far from ideal,’ recommending that Bira’s suggestion for an allowance, similar to an income tax allowance, be considered to lessen the complexity and administrative burden of rates reliefs.

Bira also welcomed the suggestion by the Committee to use funds generated by any new taxation of online businesses to reduce business rates for bricks and mortar retailers, as well as a 12-month rates holiday for those retailers who have seen an increase in their rates following investment in their properties.

Up to 40 mins operating time

Clean your home floor to ceiling with just one charge

1.2

Free up your day with Beldray.

Cleaning the whole home doesn’t have to take forever – with no messy wires to get in the way, there’ss no stopping you. Whizz around from room to nt for every room, with an attachment y. surface, nook and cranny. er work pick-up Whether it’s a quick after eep clean, or a Sunday morning deep let Beldray provide the powerful, consistent suction that every home needs. clean the whole home one charge. And when you’re done, neatly clip the body onto the compact storage hook.

FOR ANY TRADE ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Valentino Ricioppo: v.ricioppo@upgs.com

PH Beldray Airgility.indd 1 18_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

06/03/2019 17:06 03/04/2019 11:06

19 BHETA..qxp_23 02/04/2019 11:39 Page 19

BHETA’s export conference success The Future for International Trade conference on March 12 was a resounding success, described by one delegate as “one of the best conferences I have ever attended.”

The event was organised jointly by BHETA, Gardenex and PetQuip and featured top-level speakers from parliamentary politics, international economic forecasting, international law and trade compliance, worldwide retail trends and digital platforms for export. There were also four insightful case studies.

BHETA executive director, Will Jones, who chairs BHETA’s Export Committee described “a very varied and stimulating agenda presented by excellent speakers to a lively gathering of delegates. “ He stated: “The event not only delivered its serious purpose to help develop and expand international sales but was also inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable.”

The conference began with a unique presentation on the current Brexit negotiations and state of play between the Westminster political parties from John Arnold from UK Government lobbying company, Northern Universal. John’s witty and revelatory insights set the tone for the event’s agenda.

A series of fascinating presentations provided uncomplicated assessments of the opportunities and pitfalls of international trade and were delivered with clarity and humour.

Speakers included Tim Hiscock of Strong & Herd (export procedures and compliance), Lord Ivo Darnley of Rathbones (the worldwide economic situation), Richard Tauwhare of Dechert Solicitors (the legalities of international trade) and Stefano Botter of Euromonitor International on retail megatrends.

The afternoon session comprised case studies and Q&A with experienced and successful exporters WHAM (WhatMore UK), Spear & Jackson, VegTrug and Group 55, followed by an inspirational introduction to digital marketing for export from Sarah Carroll of GrowGlobal.

Tony Grimshaw OBE of What More UK, who was part of the case study panel commented, “Over the years, I have been to and been involved in a lot of these events and this was by far the best.

Everyone I spoke with not only enjoyed the event but went away wiser and inspired.”

Director general of co-organisers Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “Our aim in organising the conference was to assure businesses that - regardless of the outcome of the protracted discussions on our country’s departure from the European Union - there is a raft of expert help and guidance available through our trade associations and associate service providers.”

The event was sponsored by Glee and took place at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Warwickshire, welcoming around 100 delegates including housewares suppliers.

For more information about BHETA and BHETA’s many events, contact the member services team on 0121 237 1130 or visit the website www.bheta.co.uk.

BHETA GfK Index shows retail sales growth The recently released GfK Index from trade association BHETA shows value growth in housewares and small electricals categories. The retail data, which can be accessed by BHETA members, compares the 12 months ending December 2018 with that of 2017.

The total index across all BHETA sectors (Housewares, Small Electricals & Air Treatment, DIY and Garden) has increased by £350M (2.2%).

Top performers in small electrical appliances were hot beverage makers (up 5.6%), followed by deep fryers (up 3%). In cookware and bakeware, pots were up 5.6% and pans up 4.0%. Food and plastic storage was up 5.8%, while crockery/china was up 3%.

Meanwhile, barware excelled, continuing from the hot summer into the festive period, with value sales up by an impressive 8%.

Above: Barware saw good sales in 2018. Image is of Final Touch Champagne cooler from Jeray.

Effervescent addition Sparkling water brand, SodaStream joined BHETA. The company is an UK subsidiary of the Israel-based manufacturing maker of home carbonation products.

Now part of PepsiCo, SodaStream was founded in London in 1903. The company now produces a range of associated products including reusable water bottles as well as syrups and flavours to create a variety of carbonated drinks. It is keen to promote the environmental savings of its reusable bottles.

Will Jones, BHETA’s sector director for housewares and SDAs welcomed SodaStream, describing it as “a great brand with an exciting range and increasingly part of the healthy lifestyle market.”

PROGRESSIVE

19

Above: Spirit carbonated water maker from SodaStream.

HOUSEWARES

Inset: Making connections at Exclusively Electrical 2018.

Exclusively Shows team up with Bira Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical (the BHETA owned shows) and the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) have announced a major new joint initiative for 2019, with the launch of the Exclusively Gift voucher.

Exclusively Gift vouchers to the value of £100 will be sent prior to the shows to Bira direct members who are registered to attend Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical.

The voucher will be accepted by all exhibitors that want to participate in the initiative. Retailers will need to spend a minimum value of £300 net of vat to redeem their voucher, which does not require a contribution from exhibitors.

The Exclusively Gift initiative has been developed following the success of last year’s Bira bonus, which provided an added incentive to visit the show, attracting new, lapsed and regular visitors with a better than expected redemption level.

In a retail sector that remains highly challenging, Simon Boyd, marketing and operations director of Exclusively Shows confirms: “We are delighted to be making a bigger and better initiative by extending the programme to all suppliers making it accessible to all. We are sure that our cooperation with Bira offers buyers a competitive edge and we take pleasure in the fact that Bira has chosen Exclusively Shows as its only show to exhibit at during 2019.”

Jeff Moody, managing director of Bira Direct stated: “Following the encouraging feedback from both members and suppliers last year, as well as the positive uptake of members visiting the show, we are really looking forward to exhibiting at the show this year, supporting members with a truly extraordinary offer.”

The Exclusively Shows return on June 11-12 (London Business Design Centre.

See www.exlusivelyshows.co.uk

Coming soon...

Now 10 models in the collection

www.horwood.co.uk

A brand we all know and love, Kleeneze has been creating and developing products for the home since 1923. Now moving into a new direction, the brand continues to focus on making day-to-day tasks easier, with wide ranges of thoughtfully-designed and high-quality products that provide solutions to everyday chores. From traditional laundry and cleaning staples to innovative and powerful appliances designed with flexibility and top-to-bottom cleaning in mind.

A brand n steeped i history...

20_HW_March April 2019.indd 1 PH Kleeneze2.indd 1

Bringing a pop of colour into cleaning, Kleeneze remind us that caring for our home doesn’t have to be boring. Vivid and bright finishes produce a co-ordinated product range that looks great and makes household tasks simpler.

01/04/2019 15:03 18:11 07/03/2019

FTFL HOLLY WILSON USE .qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2019 18:25 Page 1

Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline

I have spent the morning furiously WhatsApping backwards and forwards with my fellow retailers of Primrose Hill.

We have a group chat where we share advice, local thefts (which have been huge this month) and social events.

However the current hot topic is the dreaded Business Rates. Everyone has received their revised bills this week and there is a mixture of relief and desperate tears but certainly everyone is angry at a flawed system.

Dire rates W

e are in the Borough of Camden and we get a pretty poor service, and that’s being generous! We have a high crime rate with scooter thefts, violent muggings and shop theft but in the two years I’ve been there I’ve never seen a police officer or community support officer on the beat. In Stokey I see them almost daily.

Rateable values soared in Primrose Hill last year. Mine went from £18,500 to £45,750! I’m very lucky that I still fall under the threshold for relief so my bill has actually been marginally reduced but most of my fellow traders were not so lucky. A cafe two doors down from me that trades from a 83sqm floor had her RV increase to £101k and is now paying £43k in business rates but she doesn’t even get her waste collected for this (as Camden won’t let us put it out on the street until after 6pm). Such madness!

We have had four units (cafes and shops) close on the street so far this year and it is going to be nigh on impossible to get an independent business to take the units as the rents are extortionate as well as the increased business rates. Greedy landlords and councils will kill the street and then what will happen? It will be full of charity shops or empty units and then people will stop coming to the area to shop and everyone else goes out of business. It really is desperate times but the general public is still pretty oblivious to it and either ask for a discount while shopping or say they can buy it cheaper online as they cannot see the hidden costs.

This - mixed with the pressures of, dare I say it, Brexit - are really pushing my fellow retailers to wonder why they are doing it. I fluctuate between wild panic and being totally calm when it comes to Brexit. I’ve registered for my EORI number so I can

Above & left: Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.

import from Europe but that is about all I’ve done.

Suppliers are asking for pre orders, suggesting longer lead times, increases in costs of over 20% - but no one knows! So I’m trying to ignore the scaremongering and just hold my nerve until we actually see what we are faced with. My buying is unpredictable at the best of times and March is not the best month to be stockpiling stock, even if I had the space to store it!

That’s not to say that I’m not looking at my supply base, and where my product is made, and trying to make sensible tweaks and forecasting where possible.

So, on a more positive note, it’s all about increasing sales to fight the increased costs. I am trying to add more stock to my Trouva sites and grow that side of the business. I

PROGRESSIVE

21

HOUSEWARES

have also fallen out of love with Instagram as a promotional tool but I probably need to up my game again as it is certainly an influential platform. I then need to put more time into promotion and enticing people into store. Easter should be the perfect time to kickstart this.

We have an annual contest every Easter normally a classic ‘decorate an egg’ contest.

This becomes quite a nice community event and the kids love to see their creations in the window. It does leave the shop smelling slightly less fresh than normal though!

Also on the ‘to-do’ list is implementing a store discount card to reward my loyal customers for shopping with me. It’s an easy thing to implement with my POS system, Vend. I just need to get on and do it.

Story of my life! Too much talking, not enough getting on with things, so on that note I’ll leave you. Good luck out there everyone!

Holly Wilson is the owner of two cookshops in North London: Prep Cookshop in Stoke Newington, and Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.

22-25 Retail Barometer 2019.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 13:10 Page 1

The 2019 Retail Barometer readings

Independent

survivors

Uncertain times

Independents are proud to be surviving – and in many cases prospering – in a very tough retail climate with the help of good staff, enticing promotions and proactive social media activity. 2018 will be remembered for its warm summer, the rising importance of ditching single-use plastic, and the continued saga surrounding Brexit.

So what was it really like for independent cookshops and housewares stockists? What were the key positive and negative influences?

How did categories perform? What’s the future outlook?

Progressive Housewares presents the results of the 14th edition of the Retail Barometer, organised by PH and HousewaresNews.net in conjunction with Bira.

Declined 32.5%

32.5%

Now in its 14th year, the Retail Barometer 2018 survey was open to all independent cookshops and housewares Increased significantly 8% stockists to create a full picture of independent housewares retailing in today’s turbulent climate.

For the majority of independent retailers, business Declined significantly 8% was the same or better over the last year compared to the year before. This at least breaks the downward Increased slightly 13.5% trend of recent years. While 46% of respondents fared Same 38% ‘worse’ last year compared to 2017, in the previous two Retail Barometers this figure went above the half way About the same 30% mark (53% and 54% ‘worse’ respectively-see table).

Looking back at overall expectations at the beginning of 2018, while some 39% of independents were looking forward to ‘marginal Independent view: “Until growth,’ in reality, 26% achieved there is a level playing field Significant growth 5% growth. Moreover, only 26% had on taxation, bricks and Major decline 5% anticipated decline, which sadly mortar stores are going to does not match the 46% that lose out to online. Brexit fared ‘worse’. uncertainty and austerity are Slight decline 30% However, showing that some killing independent UKindies definitely had a good year’s based businesses.”

Marginal growth 30% trade, some of those who did experience growth specified increases of at least 10% for 2018. last year’s Also on the positive side, a fifth of respondents saw an increase ‘challenging’ (no longer in the top four). in average sales last year with another 20% experiencing a stable The other most frequently descriptors are: ‘uncertain’,‘worrying’ ‘basket value’ compared to the average sale in 2018. This reflects and ‘difficult.’ With the majority being negative terminology, the an increase in consumer caution when compared with recent years most positive words used to describe today’s housewares industry when the majority has experienced stability or increase. are : ‘solid,’ ‘steady’ and ‘surviving’.

Expectations of the year ahead are evenly split. Some 35% are Looking further ahead, 24% feel positive about the future of optimistic for growth, while roughly the same number are independent cookshops and housewares retailers in the next three expecting to hold the line while the final third are anticipating a to five years, more than the 18% in last year’s Retail Barometer. decline in business this year compared to 2018.

The figures are more tempered than a year ago How has your business fared over the last year? when 76% expected their business to grow PH looks back at four years of Retail Barometer data: marginally or stay the same, compared with 65% 2018 vs 2017 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 2015 vs 2014 this year.

Better 26% Better 31% Better 41% Better 49% When asked for one word to describe the Same 28% Same 16% Same 5% Same 21% housewares industry at present, one word has risen Worse 46% Worse 53% Worse 54% Worse 30% to top the list: ‘struggling’. This has taken over from

8%

BASKET VALUE?

8%

13.5%

38%

30%

Year ahead?

30%

30%

PROGRESSIVE

22

HOUSEWARES

5% 5%

22-25 Retail Barometer 2019.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 13:11 Page 2

The 2019 Retail Barometer readings

What were the main factors that had a positive effect on business in 2018?

What were the main factors that had a detrimental effect on business in 2018?

1 – Staff 2 – Promotional activity 3 – New customers 4 – Diversification outside housewares 5 = Online/website 5 = Enhanced window displays 7 = New housewares products 7 = Social media 9 – Eco-friendly products (eg encouraging less single-use plastic)

1– 2– 3– 4– 5– 6– 7– 8– 9–

Lower footfall Competitive websites The UK economy Uncertainty and/or price rises following the Brexit vote Higher staff costs Suppliers selling directly to consumers Parking issues Business rates Expansion of housewares products in supermarkets

(Respondents were asked for their top three most positive and three most detrimental influences, in order, and responses were then weighted according to first, second, third choices in order to compile these lists).

The positives: people power

The negatives: falling footfall Lower footfall was the main negative factor on independents’ business in 2018 (as it has been for the past four years). One Retail Barometer respondent elaborates: “The loss of banks and post office in the town plus Brexit and austerity have sharply reduced footfall in our town.”

Unsurprisingly, there is also recognition of consumers’ migration to online shopping. ‘Competitive websites’ stepped up a place to be the second most negative factor for 2018 (see list).

The UK economy and uncertainty/repercussions surrounding Brexit were the other dominant negative influences on business.

It would seem that consumers were not necessarily buying their housewares with their grocery shops in 2018. The ‘expansion of housewares in supermarkets’ had less of an impact on independents last year, slipping down to ninth place in the negative list (from second in 2017).

Commenting on rising staff costs (the fifth most negative influence), one respondent explains that the increase in the minimum wage does not just effect those on minimum wage as “everybody else still wants to retain the differential so all staff costs increase.”

However, looking into 2019, the vast majority of independents will keep their current staff levels, with just 8% looking to recruit. However, almost a fifth are looking to reduce their number of workers.

A potential entrant to future ‘negative’ lists is highlighted by another respondent’s comment: “The Offensive Weapons Act 2018 will be devastating to our business!”

It is not just John Lewis – switching its name to John Lewis & Partners in 2018 - that recognises that ‘people power’ differentiates a retail business. Independents in this Retail Barometer say that ‘staff’ was the main factor that had a positive effect on business last year. ‘Staff’ just beat ‘Promotional activity’ (the previous year’s Attention seekers top answer).

Enticing customers with discount promotions was overwhelmingly ‘Diversification outside housewares’ has climbed to be the fourth the most popular means of promotion or advertising used by most positive factor, while the benefit of ‘new independents in 2018. Nearly housewares products’ has slipped down to 80% offered special discounts Popular promotions joint seventh place (from joint fourth in 2017; last year, up 20% from 2017.

What promotions or advertising did you run in 2018? second in 2016 and top in 2015).

(See ‘Popular promotions’ list). (with % of those who are engaged in them) The significance of online/websites has The second most popular increased (joint fifth positive factor, up from means of promotion is social 1 – Discount promotions 78% eighth in the last Barometer. Meanwhile, media, now used by 68% of 2 – Social media 68% ‘eco-friendly products’ are a new positive independents (which has 3 – Leaflets 41% factor (see list). increased by 7% since 2017).

4 – Press advertising 38% TV cookery programmes continue to be Meanwhile, as more 5 = Loyalty cards 24% cited by consumer media for encouraging independents employ more 5 = Competitions 24% home cooking and, in particular, bakeware tactics to engage 7 = Web advertising 22% sales. However, it would seem that customers, web advertising 7 = Collaboration with other retailers /businesses 22% independent cookshops and housewares and competitions are new 7 = Gift voucher scheme 22% stockists are not experiencing much in the to this year’s top ten list 7 = Free gift promotion 22% way of additional sales anymore. TV shows of promotions. are having far less impact on sales for So what was the most useful indies than a few years ago. They are only 12th in the line-up of in attracting footfall and/or generating sales? In this section, well positive influences to trade over the last year, whereas back in 2015 over a third (37%) of respondents say social media is most they shared second place. This does not mean however that TV effective, whereas only 19% said discount promotions. programmes are not impacting, just that the upsurge in sales that Facebook is the most used social media channel (with 74%) was so noticeable when the likes of Bake Off was building in of respondents using it. Instagram is next most popular (used popularity has become the norm. by 21%).

PROGRESSIVE

23

HOUSEWARES

22-25 Retail Barometer 2019.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 13:11 Page 3

The 2019 Retail Barometer readings Below: Hobbs The Kitchen Shop in Penzance made big efforts to cut out plastic last year.

Going greener

Concerns about the environment influenced consumers’ buying habits last year according to 65% of Retail Barometer respondents.

‘Sustainable and environmentally friendly products’ are the most frequently mentioned area of product diversification by cookshops and housewares retailers in the Retail Barometer.

Some 62% of respondents say that in 2019 they are ordering more products that reduce ‘single use’, while 16% are ordering products that have less packaging.

The ultimate ‘hero’ products of 2018 also reflect a greener outlook to consumer spending. While the overall list is diverse, the top three could be seen as eco alternatives: Chilly’s bottles, Ecoffee Bamboo Cups and the Kilo Euroscrubby from CKS, where consumers are buying into a reusable pan or vegetable scrubber that also brightens up the kitchen sink.

One respondent comments: “Our Plastic Free campaign had great resonance with our customers, so we will continue to champion causes that effect everyday lives.”

11% 30%

35%

l 86% think that online operators in the housewares sector (such as Amazon) are a threat to independent cookshops and housewares stockists. The majority of these (49%) describe this as a ‘serious threat.’ However this is lower than the previous Retail Barometer when 63% said online operators were a ‘serious threat,’ l Housewares suppliers selling online directly to the public is regarded a threat by an overwhelming 92% of respondents (with 47% describing this as a ‘serious threat.’) The remaining 8% regard suppliers’ direct sales neutrally. l The continuing expansion of supermarkets in housewares is seen as a ‘serious threat’ by 34% and a further 52% as a ‘threat’ (totalling 86%, compared to 91% in the previous Barometer). l More indies are ‘neutral’ regarding the impact of housewares in garden centres: 45% (which has risen from 13% two years ago).

However, garden centres are still regarded as ‘serious threat’ by 22% (compared to 16% in the previous Barometer) and as a ‘threat’ to a further 33%. l When asked which of these factors poses the biggest threat to their business, the large majority (66%, up 9% from the previous Retail Barometer) highlight online, with many of these citing Amazon specifically. A further 14% cite housewares suppliers that are selling online directly to the public, which is more than those picking supermarkets as the biggest threat.

Unsure 24%

24% Eco Alert

The competitive market

No 11%

Independent view: “It seems to me tha have entered a new era in retailing whi t we ch has very little to do with the golden yea rs of consumerism and in which any significant growth will go to those who able to grab the fleeting attention of theare public and not have to be saddled dow the traditional routes to market of the n by past.

Innovation, flexibility and communication will drive the industry.”

Yes, significantly 30% Yes, marginally 35%

Brexit blues The UK’s departure from the EU will have a negative effect on independents’ business in the longer term according to 40% of respondents, while a further 40% is uncertain of the effects.

Just 9% do not anticipate any effects, while 11% think the results of Brexit will be positive.

One respondent comments: “We sell a reasonable amount to Europe so Brexit will be a pain.”

Another states: ‘As a Remainer, Brexit is a nightmare and has had a major impact on supply costs and consumer confidence. The Government has created a cliff edge scenario that has caused a lack of investment in the country.’

Above: ‘Cancel Brexit’ was on the wish list

If you had a magic wand?

When asked what to change about the housewares industry with one wish, the majority of Retail Barometer respondents focus on the internet, with most wishing for ‘a level playing field across bricks and mortar and internet retailers,’ and others wanting to ‘limit online sales.’

The wish list also includes a reduction in direct selling by suppliers, and for more collaboration between suppliers and independents. For example: ‘It’s about time suppliers looked after the independents before they disappear from the high street.’

Meanwhile, some indies wish for a reduction in costs, including business rates.

One respondent would use a magic wand to: ‘Encourage retailers to be less aggressive in respect of price and ask the question, “Are you actually making a profit selling it for that price!”

for independents. (Photo: Helen Dunning) PROGRESSIVE

24

HOUSEWARES

22-25 Retail Barometer 2019.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 13:11 Page 4

The 2019 Retail Barometer readings

Independent view: “I’m bored with saying this but some suppliers are hammering the final nail into the high street by selling direct or to internet businesses like Amazon, Wayfair and Very. It has to stop before it is too late.”

Inset: Glassware sales increased for 41%.

Photo courtesy of LSA International.

Category outlooks

Sector by sector in 2018 Category

Growth

Stable

Decline

Bakeware Barware Cake decorating Cast iron cookware Casual dining Ceramic-coated cookware Children’s products Glassware Knives Mugs Non-stick cookware Oven to tableware Preserving Small electricals Stainless steel cookware Storage containers Textiles Tools and gadgets Waste management

15% 22% 13% 09% 16% 16% 13% 41% 29% 21% 12% 10% 25% 13% 21% 44% 19% 19% 23%

64% 52% 40% 35% 56% 36% 65% 44% 56% 58% 61% 55% 56% 71% 64% 44% 58% 69% 42%

21% 26% 47% 56% 28% 48% 22% 15% 15% 21% 27% 35% 19% 16% 15% 12% 23% 12% 35%

The star performer in 2018 was storage containers for food and drink, which includes water bottles – reflecting consumers’ rising demand for reusable products instead of Independent view: “Where have all the customers gone? single-use plastics. This category saw an increase People can be quite rude. They are always trying to knock for 44% and remained stable for a further 44%. me down on prices or they wander round the shop and Also on the drinks front, glassware has been compare prices at the same time online on their phones strong for many indies, with 41% seeing before deciding it is cheaper to buy online even though increased sales in 2018 (up from 19% seeing an they have the product they want in their hands!” increase in 2017).

Perhaps thanks to the hot summer of 2018, barware picked up for some respondents, with 22% reporting increased sales (compared to just 4% in 2017).

Cast iron cookware continues to show decline for the majority, Meanwhile, tools and gadgets showed stability or growth for 88%, although at 56% this was the case for far fewer than the 87% who small electricals for 84% and bakeware for 79%. cited this downward trend in the 2017 Retail Barometer. (See the Last year, stainless steel cookware outshone non-stick as the type table for ‘Sector by sector in 2018’). of cookware showing most growth (stable or increasing for 85%).

In addition to environmentally-friendly products, food and drink (including ‘gift food from local makers’ and homebrew) were areas of diversification in 2018.

Meanwhile, when asked to name a particular ‘hero’ product for 2018, one independent retailer picked its own ‘homecake cake and coffee’, which has also been helping to boost footfall.

38%

Inset: Classes at Cookmate Cookery School, run by Cookmate Worcester.

FUTURE THOUGHTS

What achievement are you most proud of?

The achievement that most independents are proud about is ‘still being here’ or ‘surviving.’ Some highlight that they are ‘doing well,’ growing, or continuing to be ‘profitable’, increasing turnover or improving margins. Some are proud to be up to date with bills or to have no debts.

Besides these, starting or developing events, demonstrations and cookery classes are among the achievements of 2018.

PROGRESSIVE

Weak 38%

11%

Very weak 11%

3%

Very positive 3%

21% 27% 25

HOUSEWARES

Positive 21% Neutral 27%

PRINCESS/SMARTWARES GROUP ADVERTORIAL

Discover your home possibilities with Princess “Princess is all about bringing European kitchen and home trends to the UK, with a whole range of fabulous, beautifully designed and affordably priced products,” Sarah Large, UK marketing manager, Smartwares Group We all know that spending quality time with family and friends is hugely important – both in terms of happiness and ensuring that you can master that elusive work, life balance.

Princess is passionate about appliances, but its stylish products themselves also elevate the daily routine of cooking and cleaning into a series of memorable moments.

Finding kitchen and cleaning products that save you time and money enabling you to do just that is nothing short of essential in today’s hectic, modern world. But what if you could also combine this with items that are so beautifully designed that they add a touch of lifestyle elegance to your home – and have been created with innovation and clever features very much in mind?

Sarah Large, UK marketing manager for Smartwares Group – owners of the Princess brand - says: “A key focus for Smartwares moving into 2019 is to increase the company’s profile within the UK. This comes built on years of outstanding business success and experience in Europe, and also central to this plan is launching our Princess brand in Britain.

“Princess is all about bringing European kitchen and home trends to the UK, with a whole range of fabulous, beautifully designed and affordably priced products across kitchenware, floor care and climate-based items.

Well now you can, because hugely successful European home and kitchen brand Princess is about to take the UK by storm, bringing its reputation for imaginative design and affordability with it alongside a huge range of pieces that have a luxury feel as well as tapping into the latest technology.

Live Smart, Cook Smart, Clean Smart

Princess is one of seven distinct brands owned by the Smartwares Group, and all excel at producing tech-savvy, affordable products across safety, lighting and home.

Other brands include: Tristar, Smartwares, Topcom, Byron, Campart and HomeWizard, and all are based under one roof in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

For more information visit: www.smartwaresgroup.com PROGRESSIVE

26-27_Princess_Smartwares.indd 26

“One vital point of difference about Princess is the brand’s unparalleled ABOVE: Princess launched expertise its robot vacuum to great with fun acclaim in 2018, and it comes with App or manual control. and social cooking products. This is a trend that is only growing in TOP: The Princess brand popularity and is all about elevating celebrates its 25th home dining, and this perfectly anniversary this year, and is encapsulates the mastery of the launching within the UK. Princess portfolio of items for the home. There’s a good reason why LEFT: Princess leads the European homewares field when it comes to we have a more than 30% market social cooking products, like the share in this category in Holland.”

Table Chef Pure.

26

HOUSEWARES

03/04/2019 11:11

PRINCESS/SMARTWARES GROUP ADVERTORIAL delight consumers with clever features and multi-purpose functions, plus affordable price points ensure that comfortable living is within everyone’s reach.

Putting the fun into cooking WHILE DINNER PARTIES were the height of sophistication in decades gone by, inviting people over for dinner in fashionable homes is now all about the European and Far Eastern trend for ‘social cooking.’

Products that Princess will be bringing to the UK market, include its fantastic selection of blenders, juicers and mixers, ‘aerofryers’ that heat up much quicker than an oven and ensure healthy, time-saving cooking with no oil required, the brand’s incredible robot vacuum, a range of cordless vacuums and the new Smart Fan.

It’s about elevating home dining with some culinary flair and kitchen theatre, and Princess are the continental experts with an envied reputation in this field.

The Smart Fan is truly an up-to-the-minute heating item. It’s premium design includes three variable speed settings, set timers and schedules, and the ability to control it via an App or virtual assistant – being compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.

Princess cornered the social cooking market way back when the company invented the baking plate, and now the brand is bringing its expertise to the UK. “With social or fun cooking, whatever you prefer to call it, the host only prepares the food before the guests arrive,” Sarah Large explains. “The host then cooks at the table – or the invited diners cook their own food.

Princess’s robot vacuum was launched last year and comes with App or manual control, meaning you can set it off whizzing across the floor while you’re not at home, and intelligent mapping with smart sensor technology meaning you can use it in the most efficient way.

“Princess’ amazing product portfolio in this homewares niche includes fondues, raclettes, cooking plates and table grills.”

With the Princess range of social cooking products, consumers can treat friends and family to cheese or chocolate fondue, an amazing table chef experience where everything is grilled in front of them or perhaps the ultimate multi cook meal – perfect for curries and chilli.

Building on the success of the robot vacuum, this year Princess is set to launch four new cordless vacuums. The clever cleaning designs feature an integrated brushless motor for enhanced power and durability, a light frame that moves effortlessly but is simple to empty, and also converts to a handheld cleaner for hard to reach parts of the home.

“As well as producing mouth-watering food, our products look beautiful on the centre of the dining table,” Sarah adds. “From the bamboo base to the sleek handles, Princess’ social cooking heritage is all about the ultimate dining experience.”

This year the Princess brand will be exhibiting for the first time at Exclusively Housewares, being held on 11 and 12 June, at London’s Business Design Centre.

Sarah says: “Without a doubt Exclusively Housewares is the leading trade show in the UK and it’s the perfect platform to introduce Princess at. We will not only be showcasing key products but also the sheer breadth of our ranges.

Another reason why this year is set to be so significant for Princess, is that 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the brand.

Founded in Breda in the Netherlands back in 1994, Princess has since cornered the market in terms of home innovation and the ‘kitchen theatre’ of fun cooking. It offers a wide range of different household appliances across 20 categories and its items are sold across the globe, with households in a whopping 63 countries owning and loving them.

“We will also be demonstrating some of our more ‘niche’ pieces, including the air fryer and our amazing social cooking products. We can’t wait to meet with retailers and get their feedback on Princess’ fabulous range of products.”

For more information visit: www.princesshome.eu

Princess take the latest home and kitchen trends and translate these into exciting products that not only capture the joy and imagination of family life, they also surprise and

ABOVE: The Princess brand boasts a range of social cooking items, including beautifully designed fondues.

LEFT: The Princess 221215 Hand Blender is the very essence of clever, multi-functional design.

Quirky kitchen THE PRINCESS BRAND doesn’t only dream up desirable products that make life easier and your home look great, there’s almost always an ingenious design twist thrown into the winning mix as well.

your chosen fruit, and an innovative shaped cone suitable for any and all citrus fruits.

Think sleek kitchen creations and cleaning marvels that solve lots of problems at the same time, and multi-functions that you soon wonder how you ever coped without.

The very definition of imaginative design is the Princess 221215 Hand Blender, that is made from sleek stainless steel, and has a clever speed touch control integrated in the handle. You can adjust the speed easily by simply pressing and releasing the button, and read off the speed level thanks to blue indication lights.

Take an air fryer that perfects the unique combination of hot circulating action and optimum temperature to not only enable you to fry, but bake, grill and roast as well.

This multi-functional blender chops, mixes, whisks and purees, thanks to the included accessories, so whether you’re looking to scatter your culinary creation with herbs or effortlessly whip cream, this nifty gadget has all the answers.

Or what about a semi-professional juicer that has a cast aluminium lever arm ensuring you squeeze every single last drop of juice from

And its dishwasher proof, easy to clean and comes with a handy storage station. What’s not to love!

PROGRESSIVE

26-27_Princess_Smartwares.indd 27

27

HOUSEWARES

03/04/2019 11:11

Tableware_MUK.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 14:08 Page 28

Tableware focus

Inset: Royal Doulton’s Bowls of Plenty provides the perfect vessels for the artistic arrangement of healthy foods.

The

creative table With eating occasions that span from casual to dramatic dining, consumers increasingly want to show their personal style and originality when they set their tables. PH looks at some of the latest tabletop ‘stories’ and ways in which the tableware industry is encouraging its consumers to get creative.

Bowls for contented living Royal Doulton is embracing the ‘Hygge movement’ of making time to create peaceful moments and create a sense of contentment with its recent launch, Bowls of Plenty. Senior market manager, Antony Robson recognises that connection and comfort are at the “forefront of more casual lifestyles and food now needs to look photogenic for sharing on social media.”

Antony highlights the need for tableware to complement today’s food trends. He states: “Bowl shapes are increasingly designed without a lip,” providing a frame for the food, while the rise of international cuisine and ‘nourish bowls’ are “helping to create a feast for the eyes as well as tastebuds”. Antony describes the new collection from Royal Doulton (with its “perfectly imperfect shapes”) as “visual, tactile and practical.”

According to statistics from 2017, sales of bowls have increased by 5% compared to a 12% decline in the sales of plates. Food preferences – including diets, wellness and healthy portion-control - combined with the rise of casual dining habits have boosted sales of bowls.

Antony emphasises that bowl food and

associated recipes are trending on social media: “Colourful photo-ready and Instagram meals are perfectly arranged in a bowl.” Furthermore, the stoneware used in the Bowls of Plenty range fits consumers’ desires for naturally crafted products.

The collection includes a range of different sized bowls, nesting bowls, a low serving bowl, nesting jugs and accompanying plates. With bowls sold in sets of four, Antony notes that: “The range gives people confidence to mix and match.” Autumn will

Inset: Pieces of Apricot tableware in combination with Golden Orbit – from Porcel.

PROGRESSIVE

28

HOUSEWARES

see the addition of boxed sets and pasta and serving bowls.

Royal Doulton’s recent launches also include Coffee Studio, which (states Antony) addresses “the trend for wanting to create the perfect coffee brews at home, and know where your coffee comes from.”

The range includes a cup for every coffee drink along with small plates for the accompanying snack. Its single mugs are gift packaged in coffee bean styled brown bags.

Fine dining with a difference Hand-painted gold finishes are often associated with fine dining ranges – an area of expertise that is flourishing for porcelain specialist, Porcel.

The Portuguese manufacturer recognises that consumers are keen to combine different collections. “We follow colour trends closely and consumers buy into inspirational colour accents to add to their existing tableware to create a new style for their table,” explains Filipa Ricardo, designer for Porcel.

Filipa cites the “perfect combinations” of Porcel’s new Apricot range with its Golden Orbit gold range or platinum Pantheon range. The porcelain expert uses social media to show difference combinations that can be achieved from its ranges.

Tableware_MUK.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 14:08 Page 29

Tableware focus

A touch of silk Rococo Silk, the latest pattern for the V&A range of tableware from KitchenCraft combines eighteenth century history with modern casual dining shapes.

The floral pattern is adapted from a design for woven silk from around the 1730s. The original design comes from Anna Maria Garthwaite's expansive collection of designs in the V&A that record the Huguenot silkweaving industry in London and capture the essence of eighteenth-century Rococo style.

Anna Maria Garthwaite was born in 1690 and became one of the leading pattern drawers in the English silk industry, despite the likelihood that she did not receive the formal technical training usually considered necessary to take up such a profession. She produced as many as 80 commissioned designs a year for master weavers and mercers. She lived and worked in Spitalfields, London from about 1730 until her death in 1763. Anna Maria’s interest in natural form-and her talent for depicting it--characterises her designs.

The Rococo Silk tableware collection was launched by KitchenCraft at Spring Fair and Ambiente.

Inset: V&A Rococo Silk from Kitchen Craft.

Endless possibilities

Inset: Table styling with Freeform’s Duo and Connect.

Introduced last autumn, Freeform’s new Duo and Connect collections offer “endless possibilities for stylish table dressing,” states Gary Archer, head of sales for Freeform from Tradestock. “You can create your own look and style with your tablemats and table centrepiece, and it is very simple,” he adds.

Duo features a collection of reversible faux leather tablemats in rectangular and oval shapes, a folding, spacesaving tablemat and the classic Freeform tray, which can be used as a tablemat as well as a tray.

Meanwhile, Connect provides a series of connecting pieces in faux leather backed with cork. These can be used as coasters or linked together as trivets (flipping over to the heatproof cork) or as tablemats and centrepieces. The collection encourages consumers to mix and match with colours, texture and shapes.

Gary observes: “The ingenuity of this concept creates something of a talking point and so it’s not just about connecting table accessories, it’s also about connecting people around the table creating convivial entertaining.”

Inset: The limited edition TAC Stripes teaset – part of the collection from Rosenthal that celebrates the centenary of Bauhaus.

Rosenthal loves Bauhaus German porcelain manufacturer Rosenthal is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus design movement with a diverse collection of Bauhaus-inspired tableware this year. The company has good reason to mark the occasion given its close links with Bauhaus.

The Bauhaus movement began in 1919 when Walter Gropius founded a school with a vision of bridging the gap between art and industry by combining crafts and fine arts. Many years later, in 1963 Walter received an enquiry from Philip Rosenthal, son of the company founder and visionary chairman of the Rosenthal board.

Philip asked Walter to design the new Rosenthal production site. This became a revolutionary and modern industrial building reflecting Bauhaus.

In the late 1960s, Walter also designed the iconic TAC teapot and teaware, named after The Architects Collaborative (his Boston office). Maik Hagemann, marketing services manager for Rosenthal reflects: “TAC has been in our collection since 1969 and still looks very modern.” This design icon is now being launched as a limited edition with a Stripes motif.

Other anniversary product, Stripes 2 tableware uses the roof of the Rosenthal factory, designed by Walter (with its exposed concrete and glazed mosaic tiles) to create its design.

PROGRESSIVE

29

Rosenthal’s celebration of Bauhaus also involves collaborations with various leading designers, including London’s Bethan Laura Wood.

Bethan’s TAC Rhythm collection is an interpretation of Walter’s TAC shapes with a pattern and vibrant colours that are inspired by the weaving workshops of Bauhaus.

“The colourful motif is reminiscent of overlapping warp and weft threads,” says Bethan. “I wanted to strike a balance between Gropius’ strict shape and my idea of design. I like things bright and colourful.”

This autumn, Bethan is also launching the limited edition Tong teaset, which is “inspired by the shape of the handle of the TAC teapot,” explains Rosenthal’s Maik Hagemann. He adds: “This collection is very innovative as no-one has mixed colour in one piece like this – it involves a very complicated production process.”

Another of Rosenthal’s collaborations sees an interpretation of the Triadic Ballet (an experimental ballet by Bauhaus designer, Oskar Schlemmer in the 1920s) by designer Hiromichi Konno. Hiromichi has created Acts, which features stackable sets of bowls whose shapes echo the shapes of the ballet dancers’ costumes.

Rosenthal launched its Bauhaus centenary ranges along with other new tableware collections (including Junto, with striking new aquamarine reactive glazes and multiple bowl options) at the recent Ambiente.

HOUSEWARES

30_HW_March April 2019.indd 30

01/04/2019 13:30

Tableware_MUK.qxp_Grid 30/03/2019 10:18 Page 31

Tableware focus

Inset: Arranged in a ‘flat lay’ arrangement (loved by social media) – Denby’s new Blue Haze features artisan style painterly effects and striking reactive glazes.

Blending natural tones with much-loved blue tones, Blue Haze is also a modern take on Denby’s classic Imperial Blue which celebrates its 30th birthday this year.

Denby’s top trends Denby outlines five top food and drink trends to ‘elevate’ entertaining in its new consumer brochure, which also focuses on the ‘stories’ surrounding Denby tableware and its production: • ‘Authentic’ – Consumers are cooking more authentically and seeking out unusual ingredients, and are buying capsule collections of key pieces to suit the occasion or menu and to mix in with existing sets.

• ‘New fashioned entertaining’ – The trend for relaxed and informal gatherings means sharing plates and bowls have become particularly popular, as well as demand for ‘having ceramics with a story’ (rather than everything that matches.)

• ‘Brew’ – The elevation of tea and coffee to new levels – infusions, slow coffee, barista-style drinks at home, which, of course, need to be enjoyed using the perfect drinking vessels.

• ‘A Bowl Food revolution’ – Denby boasts over 25 bowl shapes, suiting all types of global cuisines and dining occasions.

• ‘Flat lay’ – Denby recognises the stellar popularity of the ‘flat lay’, ie Instagram friendly photo style, which is taken and shared by consumers and bloggers on social media.

Treasures from the sea Brits’ enduring love of the bounty from the sea and coast is apparent in two new ranges that were particularly well received at this year’s Spring Fair and Ambiente.

Sophie Conran has added Shells to her multi-award winning Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection (launched 13 years ago). The new collection is designed for sharing and includes a platter, a set of four shell shaped plates and a set of two chip and dip bowls.

Sophie told Progressive Housewares about her inspiration for the new products: “Whether I go on holiday, or simply for a walk, I always come back with my pockets full of things – seed pods, interesting leaves, sea shells, pebbles, you name it. In fact, I have a huge collection at home from all over the world that I’ve been collecting since I was a child. I think of them as little treasures that are full of memories. It was the shells that I have collected over the years that inspired my latest collection for Portmeirion.”

She reflects that her love of nature extends back through her childhood: “Growing up, my dad, Sir Terence Conran always called me over to look at this or that. I love the natural world, while being very observant of the physical world too.”

Sophie likes the “sculptural” and yet “very simple” features of shells and is delighted with “the wonderful tactile shapes” of her new tableware additions. She adds: “I think it will particularly appeal to people who have got homes by the sea, and those who love to serve and eat seafood.”

Meanwhile, Dish of the Day from DMD received a “fantastic response” at Spring Fair, introducing vibrant pink and orange to complement oceanic blues and greens. “Dish of the Day includes bigger pieces and bright, bold artwork that appeals for informal, mezze style food to share,” comments Rob Blackwell, DMD’s director of sales. The collection has a large fish platter and three bowls as well as small plates, with further additions likely.

Above: Shells, the newest launch in the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection.

Left: Following the coastal trend – Dish of the Day from DMD.

PROGRESSIVE

31

HOUSEWARES

HOME & KITCHEN | OUTDOOR LIVING | FOOD SERVICE

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT CERAMIC!

Melamine Tableware

Outdoor tableware needn’t be boring! We have continued to develop and refresh our range of melamine tableware for 2019. Created using the latest technology featuring intricate designs, glazed and finished by hand. It looks and feels just like ceramic with the added ability to resist breakage, scratching, chipping. All pieces are dishwasher safe.

www.eddingtons.co.uk 32_HW_March April 2019.indd 32

01/04/2019 13:33

The Creative Table example.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:15 Page 33

Eddingtons’ best-selling egg-cup pails have had a makeover! The packaging has been upgraded to a more gift focussed presentation and by customer request; all plastic packaging has been removed from this range to deliver a more sustainable product range with recyclable packaging. Made from durable powder-coated steel, they’re built to last. The vintage style egg bucket comes complete with a stainless-steel handle making them a great addition to any kitchen table. There are seven different designs to choose from.

All sets comprise of four egg bucket style egg cups in the new style hanging pack.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Bring the touch of summer to your home with Sabichi St Tropez collection. Inspired by the beautiful French Riviera coastline, St Tropez dinner set serves the coastal vibes straight to your dining table. Featuring red and blue banding around the rim, this range includes dinner plates, side plates and cereal bowls that serve four people. Blue and red tones are a classic nautical colour palette, a timeless addition to your kitchen. St Tropez range is amazing for dinner parties, family get-togethers or for everyday

Tidy up your kitchen with the tactical tools from Brabantia’s Tasty+ collection – a

casual dining.

complete new series of nearly 70 high quality kitchen utensils in soothing

Sabichi

colours. From spoons and spatulas to openers and a garlic press in yummy

Tel: 0208 799 7417

yellows, reds, greens, greys and pink. Lots of the tools can do two jobs, saving

Web: www.sabichi.co.uk

you time, space and washing up.

Brabantia Tel: 01275 810600 Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

Whatever the occasion, the enduring Artesà collection, with its rustic, endearing blend of beautifully crafted natural materials, will always set the scene perfectly. Whether dining indoors or out, the striking and functional pieces within the collection help to create a table setting like no other - from new serving boards and platters to a host of on-trend serving pieces, accessories and exquisite centrepieces, Artesà offers a striking and functional option to create the most memorable of dining experiences.

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

It’s never been more important to look after our lovely planet.

With everyone finally realising just how much of a negative impact plastic can have, UPGS is making reusable cool with the stylish and vibrant Kayan Bamboo range. Made from natural bamboo fibre, the range provides a BPA-free alternative to traditional plastic serveware and dinnerware in an eye-catching and on-trend print. Lightweight yet still durable, switching to bamboo is a great way to do your part for the environment with products you can use and reuse time and time again.

UPGS Tel: 0161 934 2268 E-mail: customerservice@portobellomugs.com Web: https://www.portobellomugs.com/ PROGRESSIVE

33

HOUSEWARES

The Creative Table example.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:15 Page 34

Freeform® has recently introduced a new range of reversible faux leather coasters designed to coordinate with, or mix and match with, other Freeform® Duo lines and offering endless possibilities for expressing individual style for dining and entertaining. In the same choice of classic and contemporary colours and featuring the same highquality faux leather and precise hand-stitching, the pure clean lines of these coasters are simple and stylish – the epitome of the brand which takes creative table styling to new heights.

Freeform® by Tradestock Tel: 01823 661717 E-mail: sales@freeform.co.uk Web: www.freeform.co.uk

Eddingtons has developed and refreshed its range of Epicurean Melamine for the forthcoming year. After looking at new trends and designs emerging within the UK and across the world; it has created three new exciting collections. The Rio Corte, Amazon Floral and Coastal collections are in stock and available now, together with the ever popular Alfresco and Stoneware range. Created using the latest technology featuring reactive glazed hand finishes. It looks and feels just like ceramic, however the Epicurean Melamine resists breakage, scratching, chipping and is dishwasher safe.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 686572 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

Australian artist Pete Cromer is the latest artist to collaborate with Maxwell & Williams and his latest collection will bring the table alive with his creative artworks. Based on Victoria’s Surf Coast, Pete is renowned for his signature use of colour and texture. Each colourful piece in the Pete Cromer collection is based on an original artwork featuring a selection of Australian animals re-imagined in colourful collages. The bright and playful range includes mugs and coasters in 12 different, yet very compatible designs, which makes them also very collectable.

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.creative-tops.com

Captivate Brands is only just starting its second year on the market in 2019!

Ranges on show at both Spring Fair and Ambiente include three star brands from this last year – Bakehouse & Co, Kitchen Pantry and Venn – as well as new range Artisan Street (pictured). All the ranges are based around the core ethos of Captivate – brands and products which bring together durable professional quality and optimum practicality.

Captivate Brands Tel: 01386 421622 Web: www.captivatebrands.com

Elia is pleased to launch a new contemporary pattern to its already extensive Cutlery range that has become synonymous with quality and style; Pendula. Mirror finished in 18/10 Stainless Steel this delightful range exudes elegance and charm. With a shapely handle that curves up to the delicate neck of this exquisitely streamlined new range, Pendula embodies the ethos of Elia cutlery design, as a piece that truly elevates the dining experience through design and tactility.

Elia 0208 998 2100 E-mail: sales@elia.co.uk Web: www.elia.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

34

HOUSEWARES

ambiente review.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:12 Page 35

R

E

V

I

E

W

Stay on-trend with this contemporary and coordinated collection from Beldray. Making household chores stylish, the range features a durable ironing board with a pure cotton cover, alongside the matching laundry basket and collapsible clothes airer with yellow accents.

UPGS Tel: 0333 577 9820 E-mail: customersupport@beldray.com Web: www.beldray.com

Pictured is KitchenCraft’s new MasterClass range of soft grip tools, which are designed to offer a more intuitive and tactile cooking experience. The ergonomic MasterClass comfort grip handle provides a soft, secure grip, allowing you to take more control whilst cooking and a thumb hold aids hand motion and helps to provide a perfect balance. Premium chrome accents add a final touch of style across a choice of long and short handled stainless-steel utensils as well as a selection of nylon-headed tools.

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Interior design brand Brabantia celebrates its 100th birthday in retro style this year, with the relaunch of the iconic Patrice print. The 1969 flower print blooms this spring on the most successful products of today: Bo Touch Bin 11+23L; the newIcon 30L Pedal Bin; a Roll top Bread Bin; and of course a 1.4L Canister.

Brabantia Tel: 01275 810600 Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

Create homemade sauces and purees with the Kilner® onelitre Sauce Press Jar Set. Simply fill the hopper with desired ingredients and turn the handle to puree the ingredients directly into the Kilner® Jar below. Included is a practical stainless steel hopper that screws directly onto the Kilner® one-litre Preserve Jar and a stainless steel one-piece lid.

Ideal for making tomato and apple sauces and also perfect for making baby food.

The Rayware Group Tel: 0151 486 1888 Email: sales@rayware.co.uk T&G launched plenty of creativity, innovation and newness at Ambiente 2019 including the featured new Giant serving boards, these elegant and substantial boards make a great centre piece when entertaining providing the finishing touch to a table or entertaining space or look great hanging as a statement in the kitchen! To add to T&G’s woodware collections a selection of stylish wooden boards for entertaining and serving, new salt and pepper mills with a fresh modern look ‘Halo’ and ‘Sphere’, giving tables and worktops a luxury on trend look.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

PROGRESSIVE

35

HOUSEWARES

36_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

02/04/2019 16:17

ambiente review.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:12 Page 37

Brabantia is expanding the ever successful Bo Touch Bin family with the equally beautiful Bo Touch Bin, 60L and Bo Touch Bin Hi, 60L. Perfect for larger households; they prove that a big bin can be a great addition to your interior, and that practical can be beautiful. Both bins are available in 60L or 2x30L models and of course there is a range of stunning colours to choose from.

Brabantia Tel: 01275 810600 Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

R

This year simplehuman introduced a new rechargeable liquid soap pump to the range - in a stylish brass finish. Identified as a top trend, 2019 is the year we welcome brass accents into our homes. Adding warmth, brass is an appealing alternative to steel accents. Further brass introductions include a 45L pedal bin with an innovative liner pocket, a 4.5L bathroom bin and wall mounted sensor mirror.

Simplehuman Tel: 01491 875 974 Web: www.simplehuman.com/uk

E

V

I

E

W

Add a touch of colour with Beldray bathroom accessories. Vibrant patterns and hues combine to create a co-ordinated and stylish finish, perfect for updating the bathroom and keeping ahead of the latest trends.

UPGS Tel: 0333 577 9820 E-mail: customersupport@beldray.com Web: www.beldray.com

French manufacturer Pebbly showcased its extensive range of stylish bamboo accessories including chopping board and the ever-popular magnetic toaster tongs! Also, some stunning new lines wer unveiled at the show. Pebbly is among the eight brands distributed in the UK by PHAKitchEssentials that were on show in Frankfurt and Paul Hargreaves was at the show! Other brands included Stasher, CellarDine, Cuisipro/Kitchen Grips, Uutensil, Graupera and Vaello Campos.

PHA KitchEssentials Tel: 0151 651 2265 E-mail: sales@phassocs.co.uk Web: www.phakitchenessentials.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

Introducing Zoku’s new double-walled stainless steel bottle. Whether you prefer your drinks piping hot or ice cold. The bottle makes sure cold beverages stay that way for up to 40 hours. And hot beverages do not lose steam, maintaining heat for up to 12 hours. Designed to take a hit, this double-walled bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel, yet remains easy to carry with removable paracord. BPA and phthalate free.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4600 Web: Web: www.burton-mccall.co.uk

37

HOUSEWARES

Gia 38-39_41.qxp_Grid 30/03/2019 11:02 Page 38

International retailer focus

Left: An old bath is used as a display feature at Jumbled.

Below right: A view of 9Design, Poland’s furniture and housewares store.

World leaders

At March’s International Home + Housewares Show, five Global Honorees were announced from the 30 national gia winners, in addition to digital commerce and visual merchandising winners.

PH takes a tour of these world leaders in housewares retailers, spanning Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Japan and Australia.

Commitment to excellence Global honoree: Jumbled, Australia Joyfulness and surprise “Jumbled is a vibrant space filled with all the things that bring me happiness and joy – home, fashion and coffee,” says Pip Brett, owner of Jumbled, situated in Orange, New South Wales.

Pip thanks the power of social media (particularly Instagram and Facebook) for the growth of her retail outlet (a small store that opened in 2012). She renovated an old masonic hall in 2016, creating new space for three separate stores: Jumbled for homewares, iglou for women’s fashion, plus a café. While three distinct spaces, there are no physical barriers to the stores.

There are several living spaces set out in

In 2000, the gia (Global Innovation Award) programme was established by its global sponsors and organisers, the IHA and International Home + Housewares Show (IH+HS). The programme fosters and rewards innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing (see news). This year marks the highest number of national gia winners from around the world – to see the full spectacular line-up go to www.housewares.org/show/gia-retail-winners.

The Global Honorees were selected following evaluation on several retail criteria by the gia expert jurors and a panel of co-sponsoring housewares magazine editors from around the world.

the store so that consumers can get a feel for how products might look in their own homes. Jumbled sources many unique products with some exclusive collaborations with makers. Hanging displays of greenery, flowers, birds and branches add to the vibrancy of the store.

“We use our visual merchandising to evoke emotions and create an element of surprise,” says Pip. For example, an old bathtub is planted with greenery and used for displays.

Jumbled emails a downloadable artwork to its mailing list on quarterly basis as

What the gia expert jurors highlighted: • The floor plan promotes exploration – a treasure hunt.

• Seamless omni-channel experience - very good on social media.

• The point of sale is wireless, customers can use iPads for shopping, so there is no restriction at counters.

• Jumbled involves staff in decision making, with breakfast brainstorming sessions daily – providing a working environment where staff feel empowered, motivated and inspired.

recognition of ongoing support. It also produces an e-magazine to inspire and educate.

Winner of the gia Digital Commerce Award: 9Design, Poland Omni-channel experience 9Design’s website was built in a minimalistic and aesthetic way, with attention not just to product information but to delivery information and options. The retailer has created a virtual walk through its showroom, where consumers can click on products they like in order to buy them online. It also has its own digital magazine.

Inset: Tableware at Jumbled.

PROGRESSIVE

38

HOUSEWARES

Gia 38-39_41.qxp_Grid 30/03/2019 11:02 Page 39

International retailer focus

Inset: A view of Germany’s S-Kultur.

Top left: Fresh produce enhances a display table at S-Kultur.

Global Honoree: S-Kultur, Germany The perfect hosts With origins dating back to 1833, S-Kultur was established as a modern household goods store with a luxury Café Bar in 2003. In 2007 it incorporated a Weber BBQ shop with cooking and BBQ seminars, and in 2011, the retailer opened its cookery school. S-Kultur has two stores, including its new flagship store that opened in Gunzenhausen in 2016.

The store’s Café Bar (situated at the front) draws in footfall, while providing customers with opportunities to discover new products and see events that are taking place in the cookery school.

“We see ourselves as hosts, inviting our visitors and fans to be inspired with all the senses, be it our Café Bar, our cookery school or our household goods store,” says owner Stefan Denzlinger.

What the gia expert jurors highlighted: • Well thought out concept: very clean store providing a culinary experience and great store design.

• There is a feel of newness, with table settings and decorations renewed every week.

• There is a true passion for grilling and barbecue – integrating barbecue in the store concept and experience, with a unique café experience, steaks to buy to cook at home. Outside catering adds visibility in the community.

• 200 events per year at the cookery school, inspiring and educating customers about grilling and barbecue, with ‘how-to’ classes and recipes.

• Late-hour shopping, engraving and personalisation services.

Global Honoree: Porland, Turkey Inspiration for the table Porland is a leading porcelain manufacturer with stores including ‘the largest store in the industry’, a 2730 m2 shop in Instabul’s Vialand Shopping Centre. It introduced a new retail store concept in 2017, offering kitchenware, home decoration and bathroom products.

The store incorporates attractive living spaces called ‘inspiration zones’. Besides inspiring displays, these areas are also used for kitchen related workshops and activities such as blogger meetings. Porland uses natural colours in its store design, reflecting the natural materials used in porcelain production, including blue ceilings and columns, grey walls and peaceful green areas.

The retailer uses fragrance to complement its displays, for example flower scents where artificial flowers are on display, and sounds, such as seagulls and sea sounds around a presentation of coastal themed products.

‘A unique shopping experience’ includes digital display units where customers can select products on a tablet computer and see an exact life size projection on a table.

Above: The Porland store uses imagery to draw consumers’ eyes, along with aspirational table settings.

Below: One of Porland’s window displays.

PROGRESSIVE

What the gia expert jurors highlighted: • A store where nothing is left untouched.

• Inspirational and aspirational windows and interior, with great use of large-scale imagery at the entrance and throughout the store.

• Provides a next-generation, next-level omni-channel experience, blending the digital and physical space (including projection tables, with apps to see your own table with your selected products).

Customers can customise their own china and have access to social media channels in-store.

• Dedication to weddings, with a special wedding app.

• Beautiful wrapping and packing materials.

39

HOUSEWARES

Home re-imagined

Home Re-imagined

PLAN YOUR MARKETING NOW! The features list is now set for Progressive Housewares in 2019 – you can find this at ProgressiveHousewares.co.uk or contact us to find out more.

Don’t forget, HousewaresNews.net is the NEW digital resource to the trade. Since launch it has generated huge open rates.

Plus, plans are afoot for the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2019, with plenty of opportunity to be involved.

Get in touch to find out how we can help make it a great year ahead for your business.

Advertising and commercial opportunities: John Barry advertisement manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk EKO’s mission is to continuously innovate and redefine homeware.

Rob Willis publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk

EKO specialises in the design and manufacture of award winning recycling and sensor bins, and a growing range of innovative housewares.

Emma Cain product pages editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk

www.ekohome.co.uk sales@ekohome.co.uk

40_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

Canton Fair Gold Design Award Winner 2018

Editorial and content opportunities: Jo Howard editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

02/04/2019 18:23

Gia 38-39_41.qxp_Grid 30/03/2019 11:04 Page 41

International retailer focus

Global Honoree: Bahne, Denmark “The perfect playground” A family business, Bahne was founded in 1965 and now has 20 stores (that have increased in size from an average 500 m2 to 1000 m2). Its core business is kitchenware, design and interior although, in recent years, fashion and furniture have grown as part of the overall offering.

Bahne’s unique store in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen is “the perfect playground for creating the ultimate kitchen, gift and fashion store,” notes owner, Jacob Bahne. It • Holistic approach with the target group in includes a vast wall painting by a mind, mixing home and housewares local artist, and a huge wooden with fashion. house in the design department of • The entire store changes every three months with the seasons. the store, which is used to show • Different themes, areas and feelings are new products and trends. There is created, supporting an exciting customer experience, including the graphic wall, also an area for popup events, which sets a theatre stage. and customers can browse the • The use of raw wood gives a sustainable feel, and the store uses beautiful lighting. internet and make online purchases in the store.

What the gia expert jurors highlighted:

Top: The wall painting creates a dramatic backdrop at Copenhagen’s Bahne.

Above: Glassware on display at Bahne.

Global Honoree: Futako Tamagawa Tsutaya Electrics, Japan Electrical hub

Above: Coffee-making products at Japan’s Futako Tamagawa Tsutaya Electrics.

Below: Signage leading to cooking products.

While the business dates back to 1983, the current store ‘for lifestyle solutions’ opened in 2015, with ‘Food’ and ‘Living’ areas on the first of its two floors, selling small electrical appliances, household products and food.

Sales of books and the instore café are key to driving footfall. Customers are encouraged to feel at home, reading a book with a cup of coffee. The central kitchen area is also used for daily food events. Over 240 café seats are also used for electrical product demonstrations, talks and music events.

As the gia expert jurors highlight, the store includes a large amount of greenery with large plants around its café, emphasising “the human factor.”

What the gia expert jurors highlighted: • The store is a true cultural hub – people want to spend time there and keep going back.

• This is a hospitality driven store, with emphasis on service – it describes its ‘concierge service’ (and has hired cruise personnel to work in the store as part of the concierge service, not just sales people).

• Beautiful, educational displays.

• Good directional, educational, lifestyle signage.

PROGRESSIVE

41

Right: Real flowers and floral products blend into the art hanging in La Cuisine’s window.

Winner of the Martin M Pegler Award for Visual Merchandising: La Cuisine, The Netherlands Artful windows Reproductions of three famous paintings by Dutch masters (exhibited in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, including Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid) were the focal point for La Cuisine’s winning series of windows.

La Cuisine’s owners, Dagmar and Martijn Spekreijse linked the imagery in the paintings with their products on sale, such as crockery, wine glasses, water jugs and a cheese fondue.

“The paintings combine with products so they become a piece of art,” noted gia expert juror, Anne Kong at the IH+HS presentation on Innovative Retail Trends 2019.

Dagmar and Martijn took over La Cuisine (in the small town of Tubbergen) in 2003 and undertook a large-scale renovation of the shop in 2017. With a Coffee Room, Wine Bar and Rituals (Home & Body) section, they now present the shop as a ‘brand store’ (rather than a cookshop and tableware store) ‘where blurring is the trend.’

See www.housewares.org/show/gia-retail-winners

HOUSEWARES

p.00-00 Cookware 2pgs.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 10:25 Page 1

Market focus

From ingenious design tricks that enhance not the consumer cooking experience to cookware finishes that wouldn’t look out of place in a fine jewellery store, PH talks to a range of industry leaders to find out what’s currently heating up the hob.

Temperature’s rising

Inset: Heritage Danish cookware range Scanpan (from Haus) has just introduced the STRATANIUM + collection, based on two years of technological development and with the help of chefs. It promises elite non-stick, wear resistance and unique frying properties.

I

n years gone by pots and pans were merely a means to an end, a cooking vessel that went straight back in the kitchen cupboard after cleaning. But now cookware can mean so much more than just a way to put something on a plate.

From substrates that are lighter than ever before to impeccable finishes that elevate simple saucepans to a lifestyle feature, and cooking containers that are designed with both environmental issues and health demands in mind – cookware is breaking the mould in multiple ways.

Iconic cookware brand Tefal remains a market leader and the year ahead is looking jam-packed with a range of new product launches to come.

“One current major UK cookware consumer trend is the increasing market penetration of induction hobs,” says Stefan Kaczmarczyk, marketing manager housewares group for SEB UK. “Tefal regards induction cookware as the future, and also connected to this is the growth in titanium coated cookware.

Titanium is as strong as steel but much less dense, and is therefore important as an alloying agent with many metals – including aluminium.” Tefal is launching a new range of titanium cookware in 2019 with the optional finish of stone effect (another consumer trend).

The current cookware trend for stonecoated finishes and eye-catching materials is one not lost on Simon Oliver, housewares sales director for RKW and the Tower cookware brand.

“Stone-coated products are currently booming in cookware,” Simon reveals.

“Tower has several stone-coated ranges, including Cerastone ceramic non-stick as well as Infinistone and TruStone. All are attractive-looking products as well as being good practical performers.

“This trend is about design-led cookware, where saucepans can match the rest of the kitchen. This can be to

Inset: Circulon from Meyer Group launched three new collections at Ambiente.

PROGRESSIVE

42

HOUSEWARES

do with textures as well as colour, and we’ve had great success with our Rose Gold collection that launched last year. It’s available in white or black with accents of rose fold and we’ve launched Marble Rose Gold this spring.

“Another new range for us is Glitz. It brings glamour to those who want to make a true statement in their kitchen, and will be a focus for the Exclusively Shows.

“The cookware market is excelling at the moment with technology that can create heat-resistant, design-led coatings, allowing us to create a look – like Ice Diamond, Marble Rose Gold or Glitz – that performs brilliantly too,” says Simon.

Aluminium cookware is currently the name of the game for BergHOFF UK, and the company is adding to its cookware collection this year with the updated Leo range.

Paula Leggett, director of marketing, says: “Last year our cast aluminium GEM cookware really struck a chord with consumers looking for ease-of-use and versatility, with several pieces in the range having removeable handles.

“Now we’re adding to our Leo range, which means we have cookware across all our collections.

“Leo’s aluminium construction means it’s lightweight and provides quick and even heat distribution.”

p.00-00 Cookware 2pgs.qxp_Grid 02/04/2019 10:25 Page 2

Market focus The Cookware Company reports that healthy cooking and convenience are both currently consumer drivers within the competitive cookware market, with one pot cooking particularly popular, having been inspired by high-profile chefs including Jamie Oliver and the Michelin-starred Tom Aikens.

This particular trend sits perfectly with the company’s award-winning cast aluminium Featherweights range.

“One of the most important developments for The Cookware Company this year is the launch of a third toxic-free brand in the Blue Diamond range,” reveals global sales and marketing spokesman, Dieter Naessens.

“We wanted to create a brand with all the same excellent properties and pedigree as GreenPan and Greenchef, but that would work well as an ‘As Seen on TV’ collection.

One of the newest cookware collections on the block for Meyer Group, is Circulon Excellence. The Circulon brand has been around for more than 30 years, and is uniquely crafted with a Total non-stick system. It comes with built in circular hi-low grooves that require little or no oil for cooking.

“Circulon is so confident of its product performance that we promise the consumer a lifetime of cooking joy,” says Clare Holland, Meyer’s trade marketing manager. “The brand has recently undergone a complete overhaul including new packaging.”

Meanwhile, new Prestige Diamond Shield (as showcased at Ambiente) will be available from May. “It consists of three frypans and speciality pieces are also available. The diamond non-stick is a brand-new formulation and even contains diamond dust particles making it super tough, heating up both evenly and quickly,” says Clare.

The major cookware focus for DKB Group this year is around the Zyliss brand’s forged aluminium Cook Ultimate range. The collection has recently

expanded into saucepans and stock pots, while the original frypans have been awarded the coveted Good Housekeeping Institute accreditation.

“The technology behind Ultimate has resulted in a longer-lasting non-stick with no oil or butter required,” says Amrita Badh, DKB spokesperson for Zyliss. “The ‘nothing sticks’ ceramic reinforced three-layer coating gives the best bonding and abrasion resistance so it’s suitable for use with metal tools and dishwasher safe. We think the GHI accreditation will also resonate with consumers.”

Anton Vermunt, regional manager for West and Central Europe and Africa for German brand Fissler, says that during his 33 years working with the company he has seen consumer kitchen habits change dramatically.

“Today’s consumers are more adventurous.

They travel more and want to replicate the taste of local cuisines at home,” he says.

“Frying pans are one of the most used kitchen products, and after years of research Fissler have developed a new range that combines outstanding non-stick properties with extreme scratch resistance in one.”

The new ‘adamant’ line from Fissler comes complete with sealing made from silicon carbide particles, whose hardness is compared to that of stone.

Another cookware collection continuing to grow in strength is Horwood’s Stellar

Inset: Tower cookware’s stunning Rose Gold collection brings statement, design-led saucepans to the kitchen.

The tough stuff Ultimate Products’ brand portfolio includes the Salter Diamond Tech cookware range, and senior buyer Katie Maxwell says there is now a growing demand for cookware that stands the test of time and still looks great.

“With increasing environmental awareness, we’re seeing consumers expecting products that last – marking a big change from the throwaway mentality,” Katie explains. “Our Salter Diamond Tech range features a durable non-stick coating which is seven times stronger than other non-stick ranges, is metal utensil safe and dishwasher suitable. This kind of longevity combines with the trend-led diamond design to create a product range which really sets itself apart from the rest of the market.”

Rocktanium, which again slots in with consumer desire to cook with less oil.

“The range’s grill pan will dry cook food, keeping all food residue away from the contents and is a breeze to clean,” says James Robinson, marketing manager. “Also your kitchen is never big enough; hence the introduction of the Rocktanium 30cm wok, that uses the same easy clean non-stick surface, but in a family size – ensuring healthy homemade good for several meal times.”

Inset: The Cookware Company’s new Blue Diamond range is the latest addition to its collections.

PROGRESSIVE

43

HOUSEWARES

Cookware.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:08 Page 42

Fissler’s new Adamant pan range combines excellent non-stick properties with extreme scratch-resistance. The ADAMANT sealing contains silicon carbide particles, whose hardness is comparable to that of stone. It gives the pans their novel surface, with a tangible texture and a raw look that is reminiscent of cast-iron pans. Surfaces with a profile provide much better protection, making their owners especially resilient and long-lasting. The robust coating isn’t their only unique quality, their outstanding heat output allows the pans to support crispy roasting with no sticking.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.com

Whitford has recently launched its new range of speciality, high-performance non-stick coatings.

Enduring Elegance Collection: Twelve new coating colours for unique, sophisticated and timeless cookware. Eclipse® HB PEEK: The latest development in the Whitford product range.

Characterised by extreme hardness, outstanding abrasion and scratch resistance combined with highquality nonstick performance. This coating has been specially designed for the most demanding use, from home kitchens to professional chefs. Whitford is exhibiting at Exclusively Housewares, Canton Fair, Zuchex Show, and Household Expo.

Whitford Tel: 01928 571000 Web: www.whitford.com Haden has developed a sophisticated and technical cookware collection to make the culinary experience professional and stylish. This range of Haden Perth Goldstone pans have an eye-catching gold speckle interior which offers a superior non-stick performance needing very little or even no oil when cooking. Made from toughened forged Aluminium and PFOA free, a balanced even heat distribution gives a chef’s cooking experience. The range is perfect for all the budding home chefs and those looking to make healthy and delicious meals a thing of today.

Sabichi Tel: 0208 799 7417 Web: www.sabichi.co.uk

New from Le Creuset is the Cast Iron 20cm Balti Dish available in Volcanic, Marseille Blue and Soleil. Perfect for cooking delicious fusion-style recipes and launched as part of the Le Creuset SS19 Freestyle campaign’s collection.

It’s unique enamel finish offers unrivalled durability and ease of cleaning and looks beautiful when presented at the table. The Balti Dish is covered by a no-compromise Lifetime Guarantee.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

High performance cookware with a stylish touch, the Salter Diamond Tech range features a revolutionary coating that requires little or no oil so you can enjoy delicious meals guilt-free. Seven times tougher than standard non-stick, the scratch-resistant coating is metal utensil safe and the forged aluminium body is incredibly durable. The diamond design soft-touch handles complement the diamond effect coating for a truly contemporary and sophisticated look.

UPGS Tel: 0161 934 2268 E-mail: customerservices@salterhomewares.com Web: www.saltercookshop.com

PROGRESSIVE

44

HOUSEWARES

Cookware.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 13:08 Page 43

Spring fair 2019 will see the cutlery collections in the Stellar and Judge brands rewrapped, 3 great new products added to the runaway success Stellar Rocktanium, and the popular Judge Radiant expanding with the launch of “Radiant black”. The cutlery rewrap reflects the appeal of Judge to the family market and Stellar for its suitability for casual and formal dining, and as gift with its’ keep safe gift and storage box. Notable for retailers is that designs and pack sizes are smaller on shelf and will be easily identifiable.

Horwood Tel: 01179 400000 Web: www.horwood.co.uk T: 01256 462341 E: sales@western-house.com

Zyliss is extending its Cook Ultimate range of forged aluminium frypans with the launch of cookware, including the three-piece set pictured here.

The technology behind Ultimate has resulted in a longer-lasting non-stick, with no oil or butter required. The ‘nothing sticks’ ceramic reinforced threelayer coating ensures optimum bonding and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for use with metal tools and dishwashing. Zyliss will appear on the DKB Household stand alongside its other flagship brands including Cole & Mason and Ken Hom. Zyliss Tel: 0870 160 1319 Web: www.zyliss.co.uk

Le Creuset’s Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole is a cooking icon, providing unrivalled cooking results thanks to its superior even distribution of heat. It offers extreme versatility of use, not only from hob to oven to table but also for cooking everything from stews and soups to roasts and pies, and even breads and cakes. The brand has released a special communication programme this Autumn Winter to highlight the benefits of its most iconic, versatile cookware including new point of sale materials for instore displays and four online videos featuring the key benefits of its different shapes of Casseroles as well as the Grillit®.

Le Cresuet Tel: 01264 343909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

45

HOUSEWARES

Lodge cast iron cookware combines the safest and purest sources of iron, state of the art moulding technology and electro-statically sprayed pre-seasoning, you can be sure that the value is unsurpassed. Even heat distribution, excellent heat retention and supreme durability combine to ensure a legendary cooking performance. The impressive range includes Skillets, Griddles, Grill Pans and Dutch Ovens, all of which can be used on induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen hobs, as well as being oven safe.

Eddingtons Tel: 01488 68657 E-mail: sales@eddingtons.co.uk Web: www.eddingtons.co.uk

The Spring shows started 2019 off with a bang for the celebrated Master of Asian Cooking Ken Hom, including a complete new look on wok packaging and styling, new ranges and ‘new and improved Ken Hom Classic’ products. The packaging in particular is a real departure and each piece includes the striking iconic portrait of Ken by Christian Develter.

Ken Hom Tel: 0870 160 1319 Web: www.kenhomwoks.co.uk

What's Cooking For Men in The Kitchen .qxp_50-51 02/04/2019 15:58 Page 48

What’s Cooking?

FOR MEN IN THE KITCHEN? Four independent retailers share their bestsellers that make great gifts or self-purchases for men that like to cook, eat, entertain or drink coffee!

Liane Phillips, owner, Marchmont Hardware, Edinburgh A popular local independent cookshop and hardware store in the Marchmont area of the city, attracting a wide range of customers including students, retired and professional people for over 20 years.

Pizza Scooter from Eddingtons

This is a typical ‘blokey’, fun kitchen tool and it’s a great impulse buy.

Bambroo Mugs from Dexam

These practical reusable travel cups come in a good range, including manly colours.

Zeal Silicone Duck Tongs from CKS

These fun toaster tongs are shaped like duck beaks and are another good impulse buy.

Dreamfarm Garject from Forma House

The Garject is a quirky tool for the kitchen that works well and appeals to men.

12-inch Spun Iron Frypan from Netherton Foundry

Made in Britain, these traditional spun iron frying pans with wooden handles are rustic and artisan looking.

Blowtorch from Eddingtons

Blowtorches are a massive man thing - they make a great toy for the kitchen! We just had a customer come in to tell us he is now making perfect crème brulee thanks to the blowtorch his wife bought for him.

Left: A rustic, traditional frying pan from Netherton Foundry - this pan will take the strain of any intense cooking sessison.

Above: This Dreamfarm garlic press from Forma House provides both function and gadgetry appeal for those men who want to make a statement in the kitchen.

Alison Hobbs, sales assistant and visual merchandiser, Potters Cookshop, Hockley Pottters Cookshop in this small Essex town is the current Bira Cookshop and Housewares Retailer of the Year and gia UK winner.

Dinnerware from Le Creuset

This contemporary new range comes in six colours that complement each other so you don’t have to buy one colour. The Flint and Blue colours are particularly manly and are selling well already.

Signature Knife Block Set with Sharpener from Robert Welch Designs

A set of key knives that looks smart and modern without a massive footprint, with a handy built in sharpener.

Cole & Mason Precision+ Regent and City Concrete Mills from DKB

Smart looking modern mills that are new in and already attracting attention.

Corkcicle Canteens from Auteur

The elegant Walnut Wood, Gunmetal and Navy canteens are popular for men – great for commuters, runners, and those ditching plastic bottles. They keep drinks cold for 25 hours or hot for 12 hours.

Vodka Paddle from LSA International

This is a good gift - a statement piece for dinner parties, bringing vodka shots to the table.

Maxwell & Williams Marblesque from KitchenCraft

This black and white smoked glass tableware range is reasonably priced and looks striking.

Left: Robert Welch Designs provides the perfect balance between aetsthetics and function.

It’s Signature Knife Block Set with Sharpener has strong counter appeal.

PROGRESSIVE

46

Right: LSA’s Vodka Paddle is a statement piece for any dinner party/get-together. A ‘musthave’ for any serious host.

HOUSEWARES

What's Cooking For Men in The Kitchen .qxp_50-51 02/04/2019 15:58 Page 49

What’s Cooking?

Matt Long, director, Buff of Cowes, Cowes Attracting tourists and locals on the Isle of Wight, Buff of Cowes stocks a great range of design-led kitchenware, homewares and gifts.

Stojo Brooklyn 12oz Collapsible Cup from Auteur

Fill up in the coffee shop (no single-use cups!) - when you have finished the Stojo collapses flat so it fits neatly in your pocket or bag and won't leak coffee dregs all over your stuff!

Umbra Udock Tablet Stand from Umbra

Super sleek folding tablet stand – great to use for checking recipes while you're cooking.

Forest & Forge 8” Cooks Knife from Dexam

Exquisite British made cook's knife, with olive ash handle from sustainable forests in Yorkshire. An amazing gift for a keen cook.

Corkcicle Shaker from Auteur

Covetable double walled cocktail shaker – keeps your cocktails frosty and sure to impress your guests when you mix them up a mean mojito.

Stellar Rocktanium 30cm Frying Pan from Horwood

The Rocktanium range's super non-stick gives you great results whether it's a fry up or a frittata.

The Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer from Bookspeed

The essential cookbook inspiration for weekday dinners – everything goes in one roasting tin.

Right: Whether it’s following a recipe or watching the latest drama on catch up this tablet stand from Umbra will save time and energy and leave one hand free for the beer.

Left: Horwood’s Stellar Rocktanium 30cm Frying Pan has superior non-stick qualities which will suit even the most chaotic cook.

Mandy Cohen owner, etc..., North Berwick Great design and bright colours for your kitchen, home and life, etc… describes itself as a ‘ltttle shop with big ideas’ in Scotland’s North Berwick.

Signature Knives from Robert Welch Designs

Men seem to love a knife – the bigger the better! These knives are great quality and surprisingly affordable.

Dreamfarm Garject from Forma House

Brilliantly designed and reassuringly hefty, this garlic press just works.

Nuance Wine Finer from F&H

Our favourite gift for the man who has everything – it’s unlikely he has this. One of those things that our customers come back to again and again.

Spiegelau IPA Craft Beer Glasses from Riedel

These glasses were designed in conjunction with brewers and really do make a difference.

MoccaMaster Coffee Maker from Technivorm-Moccamaster

This filter coffee maker is designed and assembled by hand in the Netherlands, by coffee lovers for coffee lovers.

LotusGrill from GMK

Quick, lightweight, portable and smokeless, this BBQ goes from the balcony to the garden to the beach or campsite.

Right: The perfect entertaining item for the man who ‘claims’ to have it all - the Nuance Wine Finer from F&H willl help create the perfect ambience.

Left: A practical soltution to small spaces or barbecues ‘on the go’ - GMK’s LotusGrill alows the BBQ King to have his moment in any situation!

PROGRESSIVE

47

HOUSEWARES

48-49.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 15:55 Page 48

What’s

cooking for

Men in

Grill and chill with Bamix! The ideal gift for any BBQ fan, the revolutionary wand food processor has a versatility that replaces many kitchen appliances. Bamix can cut, chop, puree, mix, whip, whisk, beat and more. The Processor, which is included allows you to grind and chop ingredients quickly with no effort, ideal for preparing dips and marinades to wow your guests. The pack includes all four blades giving you endless possibilities for your creations. The Grill and Chill model comes complete with a stunning recipe book which includes fantastic BBQ recipes plus an apron to stay clean.

Burton McCall Tel: 0116 234 4611 E-mail: sales@burton-mccall.com

The kitchen

Answering the demands of today’s male home cook is the Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel range. Featuring the latest hi-tech, multi-layering technology each pan heats quickly spreading heat evenly and gently from base to rim for perfect results.

Suitable for use on all heat sources, including induction, it will cook-up and impressive storm in the kitchen. Covered by a 90-day Money Back promise and Lifetime Guarantee.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Displaying sleek, stylish lines, the Century SevenPiece Knife Block Set is the perfect piece of kit for men to indulge their passion for both cooking and precision engineering! The set comprises six essential knives, all fully forged from high quality German steel with super-sharp stainless-steel blades and ergonomic handles containing an element of fibreglass. The knives all come with a 25-year warranty and are housed in an eyecatching acrylic block, finished off with mirrorpolished stainless-steel and FSC certified Brazilian black Jabotà hardwood.

Tramontina UK Tel: 020 3176 4557 / 020 3176 4558 E-mail: contact@tramontinauk.com Web: www.tramontina.com

One of the latest brands to join the KitchenCraft stable - the innovative and renowned Chef ’n, brings an exciting dimension to kitchen tools and gadgets that men will relish. Chef ’n® innovation continues to produce cutting edge design that allows home cooks to spend less time prepping and more time enjoying! In the Chef ’n® kitchen, gadgets don’t require a battery or demand much counter space to make an impact – they are simple, elegant and super functional, and most often the smaller the tool the bigger the punch that’s what we call ‘Tasteful Ingenuity’!

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

With its combination of style, function and quality, the MasterClass brand offers perfect tools for the man who sees the kitchen as his foodie workshop! Perfect for men to indulge in a combination of favourite things - a love for cooking, gadgets and an easy life, the ingenious Edgekeeper knife range features high quality stainless steel knives with a taper ground cutting edge and a self-sharpening safety storage sheath, so each time the knife is removed from the sheath, it sharpens it ready for use!

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk PROGRESSIVE

48

HOUSEWARES

48-49.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 15:56 Page 49

Apollo Housewares is delighted to introduceits new collection of Spun Bamboo which is beautifully finished in three complimentary colours: ‘cream’, ‘black’, and Apollo’s exciting new ‘custard yellow’. With a collection of 10 pieces: bowls, tablemats, and trays, they will certainly enhance the dinner table or add that finishing touch to the home throughout the year.

Apollo Housewares Web: www.apollohousewares.co.uk

R

E

V

I

E

W

Keeping drinks cold is Corkcicle’s speciality canteens keep your drinks cold for 25-plus hours or hot for 12, and tumblers keep your drink cold for nine-plus hours and hot for three hours.

Launching new collections for 2019 including Snowdrift, featuring greys and whites with a cloud-like appearance, and the Neon Collection bringing the summer tropics to your hydration and brightening up your bag with a soft-touch finish. The collections are available in a range of sizes from nine-oz to 25oz Canteens, to 16oz Tumblers and 12oz stemless glasses, great for water, coffee, cocktails or wine!

Auteur Tel: 01869 338751 E-mail: sales@auteurlimited.co.uk

Cole & Mason, the iconic British mills and seasoning brand which is part of the DKB Household group, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019 with a host of new product development, including the launch of the Precision+ grinding mechanism. It appears on four new mills collections, including the Lyndhurst Ash Inverta pictured here, and rolled out across the C&M Precision range in the coming months. The enhanced Precision+ mechanism releases more pepper per turn, reduces blockages and offers a more consistent performance.

Cole & Mason Tel: 0870 160 1319 Web: www.coleandmason.com With real excitement T&G was proud to win Gift of the Year 2019 in the Kitchen & Dining category with ‘Ocean’ a range inspired by the love of the sea and supporting Plastic Oceans UK. The featured range includes ceramic storage with fish detailing, wireware baskets and trivets, shaped wood boards, cork pot stand, tablemats and coasters. The range created a real buzz on the stand and engaged everyone in a conversation to rethink plastic and consider what we can all do to help prevent pollution in our seas.

T&G Tel: 01275 841841 Web: www.tg-woodware.com

In a contemporary grey palette, Denby’s handcrafted ceramics bring artisan values and urban aesthetics to a collection of bowls, plates and platters. Character pieces include a handless mug for herbal tea, toothbrush or pen holder, a ceramic tile coaster and tactile ridged bowls. Styled by Life, Studio Grey has all the quality and functionalities of Denby’s premium stoneware and is as perfect for stylish entertaining as it is for everyday dining.

Denby Tel: 01773 740770

PROGRESSIVE

49

HOUSEWARES

New Products p50-IBC.qxp_Layout 1 02/04/2019 16:01 Page 50

New Products

Viners Dune Cutlery Set features beautifully contoured handles, which fit perfectly within the hand, providing optimum comfort. Taking inspiration from our British coastline, the sculptured design offers a modern, yet timeless feel to your dinner table. Dune is crafted from finest quality 18.10 stainless-steel to produce hard-wearing and rust-resistant cutlery that comes with a 50-year guarantee.

The Rayware Group Tel: 0151 486 1888 E-mail: sales@rayware.co.uk

Anniversary House is delighted to announce a new licensed range for 2019! Peter Rabbit™ joins the line-up of much loved traditional British licenses. The home-baking led range focuses on Beatrix Potter’s original lovable characters that have charmed and enchanted us for generations. Lines include a Cookie Cutter Set, handmade Sugarcraft Cake Toppers, Resin Figurine Cake Topper, Cupcake Cases, and Cello Bags for gifting those homebaked treats.

Creative Party Tel: 01202 590222 Web: www.creativepartyltd.com

New to the Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel range is the Large Multi-steamer (pictured). Perfect for steaming larger quantities, it has two looped side handles for easier lifting when full and a heat-resistant glass lid. The clever stepped-base design allows the large Multi-steamer to fit all Le Creuset saucepans and casseroles with a 20cm, 22cm, or 24cm diameter.

Le Creuset Tel: 01264 343909 Web: www.lecreuset.co.uk

Dutch homeware brand Brabantia commemorates its centenary in 2019 with the new, festive Celebration Ironing Board. The boards are dressed-up in a festive 100% cotton cover with a golden confetti print, combined with a crisp white frame. The Celebration Ironing Board comes in two sizes: the B board, measuring 124x38cm with a steam iron holder and the C Board, with a 124x45cm worktop and a holder for your steam unit.

Brabantia Tel: 01275 810600 Web: www.brabantia.com/uk

PROGRESSIVE

50

HOUSEWARES

Lesser and Pavey offers a new range of drinking flasks that are both attractive and totally practical for sporty and busy people’s everyday lives. These 750ml metal drinks flasks come in three different styles, each style is three assorted colours Metallic, Marble and Floral. They are most importantly BPA free and have an affordable price point.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 E-mail: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/LesserPaveyLtd

New Products p50-IBC.qxp_Layout 1 28/03/2019 12:16 Page 51

New Products

For today’s aspiring bakers, Prestige has announced another helping hand in the kitchen with the launch of its new Dura Bake range. Designed for families who love to bake, the innovative new range is non-stick both inside and out. It’s tough and durable and the reinforced non-stick means bakeware products are guaranteed to last for years to come.

Featuring warp resistant roll rims, the Dura Bake range is oven safe to 220 degrees/Gas Mark 7. The Dura Bake range includes a small/medium/large roaster, oven and crisping tray, round cake tin, loaf tin and 12-cup bun tin.

Meyer Group Tel: 0151 482 8180 Web: www.prestige.co.uk

September 2018 saw the Dyson Cord-free Vacuum added to the Casdon Little Helpers collection. This cordless vacuum is a direct replica of the life size Dyson and has been specifically designed to be true to life, right down to the last detail. The model features working suction, spinning beads, realistic sounds and twist and turn action just like the real thing. Designed with the same bright colours as the real-life vacuum, kids will be able to feel all grown up by pretending to clean house just like mummy and daddy as well as developing essential life skills.

Casdon Tel: 01253 766 411 E-mail: toys@casdon.co.uk Web: www.casdon.com

Not forgetting the mornings, the happy couple sat together after the wedding, making a perfect gift is this set of two wedding ring mugs, a real novel gift for the happy couple to receive. The handles of the mugs represent wedding rings, one displaying the wording in diamante – a gift that will last years and remind them every day of their happy coming together. Other fine china mugs by Lesser and Pavey carry the wording of Mr and Mrs, Hubby and Wifey, The Boss and The Real Boss, Mr Right and Mrs Always Right, Lordship and Ladyship and Handsome and Gorgeous.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 E-mail: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/LesserPaveyLtd

PROGRESSIVE

51

HOUSEWARES

Combining sustainability, functionality and style, Natural Elements introduces its eco-friendly range, which embraces natural materials to offer a stylish, sleek unique organic feel to the home whilst being kind to the environment. In a range of feel-good colours, the collection offers items made from bamboo fibre or other natural materials in order to reduce use of single use plastics in our kitchenware. The range includes travel mugs with a recyclable silicone ribbed sleeve grip, bread bins, storage canisters and a lunchbox seal in airtight freshness, as well as compostable food/freezer bags and sandwich/snack bags.

KitchenCraft Tel: 0121 604 1111 E-mail: sales@kitchencraft.co.uk Web: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Spring, Summer Weddings have always been steadfast occasions to be marked with the exchange of gifts between a couple and those that attend the ceremony in celebration of two people uniting in marriage. This new range of coloured glassware by Lesser and Pavey is perfect for such occasion, bright, happy colours, touching on the shades of floral gardens and warmth of the occasions. These quality, practical, and affordable wedding additions are part of the brand new ‘Let’s Party’ range.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 E-mail: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/LesserPaveyLtd

LIVE BOLD. LIVE RETRO.

Brabantia (UK) Limited Tel: 01275 810600 Email: sales.uk@brabantia.com

OBC_HW_March April 2019.indd 1

01/04/2019 12:59