The International Housewares Show is more than just a market displaying thousands of new products for the home–from cooking utensils to cleaning equipment, decorative accessories, tabletop settings, pet supplies and more. In a curious way, the humongous trade show, which runs Sunday through Tuesday at McCormick Place, can serve as a barometer for social and cultural movements as much as business trends.
This year, organizers say, what is very apparent is that the “Cocoon Boom,” the trend toward Americans transforming their homes into personal sanctuaries, continues very strongly in the face of the threat of war with Iraq and an uncertain economy.
So much so that while a sluggish global economy took its toll on many industries in 2001, the worldwide housewares market grew nearly 6 percent to $283.2 billion, with 87 percent of the spending occurring in North America, Western Europe and Asia.
A strong current in this trend is home entertaining.
In stressful times, consumers seek more comfort in their environments and stronger connections with family and friends, says A.J. Riedel, senior partner and founder of Riedel Marketing Group and editor of IHA’s Housewares MarketWatch newsletter. And, from our sneak peeks at what will be introduced this week to buyers for retail stores around the world, housewares manufacturers are banking on consumers seeking products that encourage family togetherness, promote quality family time and support family traditions.
“Anything that provides a more flexible attitude toward eating is going to be hot next year,” says Riedel.
Here is a sampling of products that will be introduced at this year’s Housewares Show and that we think deserve a place in your home.
