DALLAS— Metallic housewares, muted tones and a sense of optimism were on display from attendees at the recent Dallas Market Center’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.
“I felt the Dallas show was extremely well attended. The energy was upbeat and hopeful,” said Dave West, owner of Brandon, FL-based The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium.
Becky Moore, operations manager at Murphy’s Department Store in Oklahoma City, OK, echoed his sentiments.
“I thought the energy was great and positive at the show. While many were being conservative, we found great new exciting lines and products in both gift and housewares. All in all it was a great January show full of fresh beginnings and inspiring products and ideas,” she said.
Companies brought their latest introductions to the market and metallic tones and muted colors took center stage in housewares product offerings. In beverageware, metallic French presses, beverage dispensers and travel mugs were sporting the finish while metal looks in barware— from rose gold to stainless looks— were top of mind for buyers. Mills were also highlighting the metallic trend as Cole & Mason and a few other companies offered designs that ranged from gold to dark metallic gray. The ChirpyTop wine pourer, from the company that developed Gurgle Pots, also saw a new metallic look, which was just recently launched.
As for color trends, Le Creuset showcased its new line of muted tones— Oyster, which is a gray color and Marine, a more subdued blue tone— and Chantal Cookware Corp. brought out new offerings in a gray fade.
And, said manufacturers, those shopping the market for new housewares were serious about purchasing.
Melissa Ledbetter, housewares marketing manager, Smith’s Consumer Products, explained that Kitchen IQ debuted new kitchen tools at the market and customers were ready to bring them into their businesses.
“It was exciting to see the stores writing orders for several of our new items in Dallas, especially the Deluxe Diamond Edge Grip knife sharpener, designed exclusively for the specialty gourmet market,” she said.
Ledbetter also said that HTI’s Walk The Show format allowed her to have more exclusive time with retailers, something she said was beneficial to the company’s bottom line at the market.
Retailers, too, said that after a tough 2016 in the books, a renewed sense of optimism was felt as they went to work hunting for housewares that would help them have a better 2017.
“Though a number of retailers expressed that 2016 was a troublesome and frustrating year, they were optimistic about looking for new products that expressed and told a story,” West said.
West also noted that many retailers and vendors had conversations about the changes afoot in the independent gourmet retail channel.
“Most retailers and vendors were confident that the new world of retail was going to be different but doable,” said West.
The market also saw its first edition of the Gourmet Gold Awards. Sponsored by HomeWorld Business sister publication, Gourmet Insider, the Gourmet Gold Awards honored housewares in eight categories as well as a Best In Class award. The ceremony took place on January 19 and was hosted by Cindy Morris, CEO of the Dallas Market Center and Gourmet Insider managing editor/HomeWorld Business senior editor Emily Cappiello (see story, page 10).
