Award-Winning Design Eyes A Bigger Prize

Created by HomeWorld Business in 2003, the housewares industry’s first dedicated design competition returns for its 12th installment with a new host partner, the Las Vegas Market. Winners in the 12 product awards categories will be announced January 24 in a special ceremony during the Winter Las Vegas Market at IMC’s World Market Center Las Vegas.

Independent Judging

For some, a refresher might be helpful on how and, more importantly, why to enter this annual celebration of housewares ingenuity.

First the “how.” It’s easy. 

Go to housewaresdesignawards.com; review the entry criteria and eligibility; complete the online entry form; and pay the $125 fee per entry (see the story on page 8 and the entry brochure in the July 18 issue for more details). 

Enter as many eligible products in as many categories as you like. Judging by an independent panel of designers, retailers and other design experts takes place with the administrative support of Las Vegas Market in mid-November.

Now the “why.” That may not be as easy to justify for some at a time when entering an awards competition might not seem very high on the list of business priorities for companies competing in this challenging new retail marketplace.

Innovative Process

That challenge actually provides an impetus for finding a little time and spending a little money (the lower $125 entry fee acknowledges the need for everyone to be more cost efficient) to put your best new designs in the running for an award.

It’s about more than winning a trophy to display in a conference room or lobby. Although that’s a nice prize, an indelible symbol of excellence, the Housewares Design Awards competition is about validating innovative process as much as innovative product. 

It encourages and recognizes this industry’s determination to create highly stylish and highly useful products that make a difference in people’s lives and in retailers’ sales.

It can energize an organization with hope that its development, marketing and sales efforts are worthy of more than pre-ordained price slots.

It’s a chance to stand apart from competitors in the best possible way, because you have created a better mousetrap whose real value is measured in satisfied customers.

Certified Impact

The announcement in this edition of the official kickoff of the 2017 Housewares Design Awards coincides with HomeWorld’s annual Impact Merchants report, which honors extraordinary buyers and merchandisers. These retailers embrace the inventiveness produced each year by the housewares industry. They understand the ultimate prize of award-winning design should be evident at checkout.

Competing for the distinction certified by the Housewares Design Awards is another way to keep your eye on that bigger prize.

Good luck.