kitchenware news june 2012

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BY NANCY POWAGA Consumers are seeking products that enhance their home and cooking experiences. That coupled with the growing trend toward healthy eating suggests that retailers who meet consumer demand by exploring the wide range of home and kitchen textiles will stay in touch with their customers and improve their bottom line. Eco-friendly products are also still top of mind with consumers. In the indoor and outdoor living arenas, www.kitchenwarenews.com Textiles are Getting in Touch with Consumers Continued on Page 15 SPECIAL FEATURE: HOME & KITCHEN TEXTILES SEE PAGE 11-14 BUYERS GUIDE: HOME & KITCHEN STORAGE SEE PAGE 17-20 Continued on Page 21 Continued on Page 12 GIFTWARE: BACK TO SCHOOL SEE PAGE 21-22 Housewares Review K ITCHENWARE NEWS SERVING KITCHENWARE , HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP MARKETS kitchen aprons are particularly popular at the moment. These products combine style and function to create an extremely useful household staple. Aprons are no longer stuck in Mom’s kitchen drawer, but are in style as functional and fashionable apparel. The popularity of 1960s period television shows like “Mad Men” has helped transform the apron from an outmoded artifact to a stylish, retro fashion statement. BY A.J. FLICK Never underestimate the American public’s desire for home-grown goods. After all, eschewing foreign-produced manufactured wares in favor of items produced locally was an early salvo to Great Britain leading to the Revolutionary War. President Barack Obama stressed the importance of American-made products in his 2012 State of the Union Address, stating that the United States “will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt and phony financial ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ More Than Product Label to Many Companies profits ... I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last—an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.” That’s not a new message to many manufacturers, including Hewlett Manufacturing of Linesville, Pa., which has been making diamond-coated knife sharpeners on American soil for more than BY NANCY POWAGA Back-to-school time brings new products and trends aimed at returning students. Students from kindergarten to college can benefit from the convenience, functionality and style delivered by back-to-school products. Manufacturers are producing many products to help keep back-to-school time healthy and inexpensive. In the last few years, parents have made their children scour their closets and desks before buying new jeans, pencils or Back-to-School Spending Rivals Winter Holiday Shopping backpacks, according to the National Retail Federation. Recent NRF surveys have shown that families with children in grades K-12 spent more than $600 on apparel, school supplies and electronics. Last year, total spending on grades K-12 was expected to reach $22.8 billion with K-12 and college spending reaching $68.8 billion—the second biggest consumer spending event for retailers behind the winter holidays. VOLUME 18, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012 THE NEW NYIGF ................................8 SOUTHERN SEASONING...................9 AMERICASMART’S NEW ‘MENU’ ..23 FISSLER, OTHER REVIEWS................10

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Kitchenware News & Housewares Review - Serving Kitchenware, Housewares and Tabletop Markets

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Page 1: Kitchenware News June 2012

BY NANCY POWAGA

Consumers are seeking products thatenhance their home and cookingexperiences. That coupled with thegrowing trend toward healthy eatingsuggests that retailers who meet consumerdemand by exploring the wide range ofhome and kitchen textiles will stay intouch with their customers and improvetheir bottom line. Eco-friendly productsare also still top of mind with consumers.

In the indoor and outdoor living arenas,

w w w . k i t c h e n w a r e n e w s . c o m

Textiles are Getting in Touch with Consumers

Continued on Page 15

SPECIAL FEATURE:HOME & KITCHENTEXTILESSEE PAGE 11-14

BUYERS GUIDE:HOME & KITCHENSTORAGESEE PAGE 17-20

Continued on Page 21

Continued on Page 12

GIFTWARE:BACK TOSCHOOLSEE PAGE 21-22

H o u s e w a r e s R e v i e wKITCHENWARE NEWS

S E RV I NG K I T CH ENWAR E , HOU S EWAR E S AND TA B L E TO P MA RK E T S

kitchen aprons are particularly popular atthe moment. These products combinestyle and function to create an extremelyuseful household staple. Aprons are nolonger stuck in Mom’s kitchen drawer, butare in style as functional and fashionableapparel. The popularity of 1960s periodtelevision shows like “Mad Men” hashelped transform the apron from anoutmoded artifact to a stylish, retrofashion statement.

BY A.J. FLICK

Never underestimate the American public’sdesire for home-grown goods. After all,eschewing foreign-produced manufacturedwares in favor of items produced locallywas an early salvo to Great Britain leadingto the Revolutionary War.

President Barack Obama stressed theimportance of American-made productsin his 2012 State of the Union Address,stating that the United States “will not goback to an economy weakened byoutsourcing, bad debt and phony financial

‘Made in the U.S.A.’ More Than Product Label to Many Companies

profits ... I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprintfor an economy that’s built to last—aneconomy built on American manufacturing,American energy, skills for Americanworkers, and a renewal of American values.”

That’s not a new message to manymanufacturers, including HewlettManufacturing of Linesville, Pa., which hasbeen making diamond-coated knifesharpeners on American soil for more than

BY NANCY POWAGA

Back-to-school time brings new productsand trends aimed at returning students.Students from kindergarten to college canbenefit from the convenience, functionalityand style delivered by back-to-schoolproducts. Manufacturers are producingmany products to help keep back-to-schooltime healthy and inexpensive.

In the last few years, parents have madetheir children scour their closets and desksbefore buying new jeans, pencils or

Back-to-School Spending Rivals Winter Holiday Shopping

backpacks, according to the NationalRetail Federation. Recent NRF surveyshave shown that families with children ingrades K-12 spent more than $600 onapparel, school supplies and electronics.Last year, total spending on grades K-12was expected to reach $22.8 billion withK-12 and college spending reaching $68.8billion—the second biggest consumerspending event for retailers behind thewinter holidays.

VOLUME 18, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

THE NEW NYIGF ................................8

SOUTHERN SEASONING...................9

AMERICASMART’S NEW ‘MENU’ ..23

FISSLER, OTHER REVIEWS................10

Page 2: Kitchenware News June 2012

GENERAL NEWS2 www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW

Wüsthof has announced “defining theEdge,” its new, multi-platform consumermarketing initiative that salutes and alignsitself with edgy young chefs and culinaryprofessionals who share the brand’sdistinction of challenging the status quoin pursuit of excellence.

The premium cutlery brand’scomprehensive initiative began with amicrosite with multi-media content—www.wusthofedge.com—national printand digital media advertising, social mediaand public relations. The underlyingmessage of “defining the Edge” is thatWüsthof knives give home cooks anunparalleled “edge” in their kitchens.

“What ’s truly exciting about our newcampaign is how relevant it is to today’sfood-centric and hyper-connected culture,”said Annette Garaghty, Vice President ofSales and Marketing at Wüsthof-Tridentof America Inc. “Younger adults in

particular are keenly interested indiscovering, sharing and interacting withtheir local, cutting-edge restaurant andfood truck chefs, butchers and favoritefood bloggers. We’re tapping into thispassion by identifying and introducing to consumers risk-taking culinaryprofessionals who are pushing boundariesin their local communities.”

Created by AGENCYSACKS, Wüsthof ’sNew York City-based advertising agency,“defining the Edge” begins by spotlightingthree individuals selected after an extensivenationwide search for under-sung localfood heroes: The Rebel, Richie Nakano;The Poet, Camas Davis; and The Believer,Jonathon Sawyer.

San Francisco-based Richie Nakano is theowner and chef of Hapa Ramen, a pop-upfood stand at the Ferry Plaza FarmersMarket. Later this year, Nakano is opening Hapa, his first brick and mortar

Wüsthof Sharpens Image with New “Defining the Edge” Campaign

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and Cost Plus Inc.have announced that they have entered intoa definitive agreement under which Bed Bath& Beyond will acquire—in an all-cashtransaction—Cost Plus, a leading specialtyretailer of casual home furnishings andentertainment products. The acquisition isexpected to close during Bed Bath &Beyond's fiscal second quarter.

“We are thrilled about the prospects ofwelcoming the Cost Plus team and theircustomers and vendors to the Bed Bath &Beyond family,” said Steven H. Temares,Chief Executive Officer of Bed Bath &Beyond Inc. “Through the combination ofthe highly talented Cost Plus organizationwith our own dedicated associates, weexpect to be able to do even more for, andwith, our collective customers.”

“We are pleased that this transaction willoffer immediate and compelling value to

our shareholders as well as exciting newopportunities to the thousands of peoplewho have helped transform our businessand drive its continuing growth andmomentum,” said Barry J. Feld, ChiefExecutive Officer of Cost Plus. “Oursuccessful merchandising and productcollaborations over the last two years havedemonstrated that our organizations workwell together and that we can make keycontributions to the continued success ofthe combined company.”

Bed Bath & Beyond sells a wideassortment of domestics merchandise andhome furnishings. Domestics merchandiseincludes categories such as bed linens andrelated items, bath items and kitchentextiles. Home furnishings includecategories such as kitchen and tabletopitems, fine tabletop, basic housewares,general home furnishings, consumablesand certain products for children.

Bed Bath & Beyond to Acquire Cost Plus Inc.

ramen noodle restaurant, which will focus on non-traditionalJapanese ramen cuisine usingmodern techniques, such assous vide and low-temperaturestock-making, along with theuse of fresh ingredients fromthe best local farmers.

Camas Davis is founder ofPortland Meat Collective inPortland, Ore. Before learningthe art of butchery, Davis was afood and travel journalist in NewYork City. In 2009, she startedher traveling butchery classesand she is creating a meat-focused Community SupportedAgriculture to help consumers purchasesustainably raised, local meat directly fromsmall Oregon farmers.

Owner and chef of The GreenhouseTavern and Noodlecat in Cleveland,Jonathon Sawyer is cited for havingestablished one of the first sustainable foodrestaurants in that city. He has trainedunder, worked with and collaborated with acclaimed chefs Charlie Palmer,Michael Symon and Sam McNulty. The Greenhouse Tavern is a French andseasonally inspired gastropub with thedistinction of being the first certified“green” restaurant in Ohio. Noodlecat isan American-Japanese mash-up focusedon local ingredients and sustainability.

The Rebel, The Poet, and The Believer areintroduced on www.wusthofedge.com—acreatively designed microsite that anchorsthe new campaign—with engagingbiographical web videos filmed at theirlocal venues. The short biographical videos, which demonstrate how they are defining “the Edge”, are complemented

with technique-oriented cooking videos,such as “How to Butcher a Chicken,”“Summertime Ramen” and “Prepare thePerfect Steak,” as well as recipes, knife skilltips and other related content.

Richie Nakano, Camas Davis andJonathon Sawyer are also featured in aseries of full-page print ads, breaking thismonth in leading epicurean magazines.Digital ads will hyper-target the foodieculture, and follow this audience in itsnatural connection points with a mix ofstatic units, video, rich media, customvideos and content integration.

An integral component of “defining the Edge” will be social media initiatives on Wüsthof ’s Facebook andTwitter platforms, including contests, live chats and opportunities for Wüsthof fans to participate in the nomination of future chefs and other culinaryprofessionals who “define the Edge.” Anational public relations campaigntargeting traditional and new media willalso support the campaign.

General News

Page 3: Kitchenware News June 2012

GENERAL NEWSwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 3

Design-focused products across thegourmet housewares spectrum—frominnovative silicone utensils tocontemporary metal tea service pieces—will be showcased at the second annualedition of the Gourmet Housewares Showat the New York International Gift Fair,Aug. 19-22 at New York City’s Jacob K.Javits Convention Center.

“With great demand for exhibit space fromdesign-driven gourmet housewaressuppliers and early commitments fromleading international brands, the August2012 edition is nearly sold out,” said Marc Delman, national sales manager of the Gourmet Housewares Show. “The Gourmet Housewares Show’spositioning—as to a show-within-as-showat NYIGF, gives exhibitors access to a coregroup of leading housewares retailers, aswell as thousands of specialty stores seekingadd-on sales with upscale products forcooking, dining and kitchen preparation.”

The 2012 edition of the GourmetHousewares Show at NYIGF has beenexpanded to feature 175 suppliers of high-

end resources in cookware, bakeware,kitchen gadgets, kitchen textiles, bar andwine accessories, small electrics, specialtyfood, cookbooks, storage/containers andpicnic/barbecue accessories.

More than half of the suppliers whoparticipated in the inaugural GourmetHousewares Show at NYIGF in 2011 willreturn for the second annual edition.Notable among these are: Aladdin(housewares accessories); Bella Cucina(gourmet foods and ceramics); BlockHouse (Arc and Mikasa glassware); DKB(gadgets and accessories featuring JamieOliver and Zyliss); French Farm (gourmetfoods); Enrico Products (woodenware andcutting boards); Guzzini (Italianhousewares); Harold Imports (housewaresdistributor); Jason Products (placemats);JK Adams (cutting boards); Joseph Joseph(gadgets); Mastrad (gadgets andaccessories); Menus and Music (recipesand music); Nespresso (gourmet coffeebrewing); Oggi (housewares and pantrywares); Paper Product Designs (papergoods and ceramics); Ravi (wineaccessories); Room Copenhagen (Pantone

Design-Focused Brands in Full Force at Expanded Gourmet Housewares Show

and LEGO licenses); Sagaform(housewares and tabletop accessories);Scan Trends (Scandinavian housewares);and TAG (tabletop and housewares).

Several charter exhibitors are alsoreturning to the show with larger exhibitspaces. This includes: Alexandra VonFurstenberg (high-end design servewareand furniture); Core Home (bambooserveware, acrylics and assorted homeproducts); Corkcicle (wine accessories);Picnic Time (picnic accessories) andPillivuyt USA (white ware and serveware).

The 2012 edition also welcomes first-timeparticipation by key suppliers, includingIittala (Finnish home accessories); RobertWelch Design (award-winning cutlery);and Vacu Vin (gadgets and accessories).In addition, several leading brands thathave been absent from the New Yorkmarket will return in August as first-timeGourmet Housewares Show exhibitors:Finum (teas); Ginkgo (flatware andcutlery); Gourmac (accessories andgadgets); Island Bamboo (bambookitchenware); Nick Munro (contemporaryalternative metals); Mepra (Italian flatwareand serveware); and Tannex (housewaresand tabletops).

The second annual Gourmet HousewaresShow best new products display willspotlight new product introductions inthree categories: dining, cooking and

kitchen preparation. A panel of editorswill review all products, select superlativeproducts in each category and designateone product as “Best of Show” based oninnovative design, creative use ofmaterials/construction and use of newmaterials/technology. Winners will beannounced on Aug. 21.

Page 4: Kitchenware News June 2012

GENERAL NEWS4 www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW

Simple Wave LLC, the company thatinvented the innovative Calibowl, wasrecognized with the Export AchievementCertificate for successfully entering newinternational markets from the Departmentof Commerce’s International TradeAdministration. Calibowl is being exportedto Canada, Australia, Korea, Singapore,Scandinavia and the Asia Pacific region.

“Simple Wave has not only done an excellentjob exporting Calibowl, but the companyhas helped both American workers and theenvironment by bringing its manufacturingback to the United States and using 100percent recycled materials to make itsproduct,” said Peter Perez, Deputy AssistantSecretary for Manufacturing.

“We are honored to receive this recognition forexporting Calibowl,” said Jeff Bollengier,President and Founder of Simple Wave. “Weare proud that our product is in demand aroundthe world and we want to thank the Departmentof Commerce for their export guidance.”

Calibowl, a bowl redesigned with patentpending Smart Lip technology designed tokeep food from spilling, received the Judges’Award at the NPE2012 International Plastics

Showcase in Orlando. Molded andmanufactured by Jatco Inc. in Union City,Calif., Calibowl is made of 100 percentrecycled polypropylene and is dishwasherand microwave safe.

When describing Calibowl, the judges wereclearly impressed with the product’s designand functionality. One judge, MichaelPaloian, Founder and President of Integrated Design said, “Unlike the thinplastic bowls seen on most store shelves, thebowl is very sculpted with thin walls and anundercut that helps to keep items fromspilling out, which adds functionality.”Augusto Picozza, Director, Industrial Designof Jarden Consumer Solutions, said, “I spent14 years at Tupperware and I can’t figureout how they molded it.”

An international panel of professionals inthe industry judged each submission. Thejudges considered a variety of criteria,including aesthetic effect, manufacturingquality, innovation, creativity, design,materials, finishing, ease of use, comfortand function.

For more information, go towww.calibowl.com.

SF Housewares Maker Simple WaveExporting Award-Winning Calibowl

TV star, entrepreneur and best-sellingauthor Sandra Lee is launching herexclusive collection of home products,Sandra by Sandra Lee, at Sears and Kmartstores nationwide. The collection includescookware, utensils, gadgets, bakeware,small kitchen appliances, tabletop itemsand storage solutions.

“The launch of the Sandra by Sandra LeeCollection underscores our commitmentto quality and value,” said Nick Grayston,SVP and President, Footwear and Home,Sears Holdings. “Both Sandra’s down-to-earth style and sense of practicality shinethrough in this innovative collection, whichis aspirational, affordable and attainable.”

Acclaimed for her warmth andapproachability, as well as her talent foroffering easy solutions for everyday living,Lee is anticipating a product line and acollaborative effort with Sears and Kmartthat will help customers focus most onwhat’s important to them.

“Launching my collection of homeproducts with Sears and Kmart is awonderful opportunity to continue helpingover-extended homemakers and busy

professionals live their lives beautifullyand simply,” said Lee. “What is equallyexciting is that the ‘Sandra by Sandra Lee’collection will be offered at down-to-earthprices while maintaining the fun,fashionable flair my brand is known for.”

“Sandra’s philosophy of implementing easyideas that create dramatic results isachieved by a ‘keep it simple, keep itsmart, keep it sweet ’ approach thatresonates with our customers,” addedGrayston. “We are happy to be able tooffer the new collection exclusively in ourstores and online.”

The Sandra by Sandra Lee license agreementwith Sears Holdings was entered into bySandra Lee in association with Iconix BrandGroup Inc. The collection retails at a pricerange from $2.99 to $79.99 at Kmart andfrom $4.99 to $139.99 at Sears.

Sandra by Sandra Lee CollectionLaunches at Sears and Kmart

Page 5: Kitchenware News June 2012

GENERAL NEWSwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 5

Bradco Kitchens + Baths will providecustom-made cabinets in all new professionalteaching kitchens located in Sur La Tablestores opening in 2012 nationwide, as wellas the remodel of the kitchen in the store atLos Angeles’ famed Farmer’s Market.

Since its inception in 1972, Seattle-basedSur La Table has become the retaildestination for those with a passion forcooking and a love for food. Sur La Tablesought to have its professional teachingkitchens be exciting, interactive places to

celebrate cooking and showcase the sameunique, quality craftsmanship as theculinary tools it sells. It chose BradcoKitchens + Baths to accomplish this goal.

“Like great cooking, our store design isall about hand-finished details. Fromcustom made rolling pin door handles tofinials, our signature storefront is one-of-a-kind with its own special touch, justlike the mark of a good chef,” saidDoralece Dullaghan, Director of StrategicPartnerships for Sur La Table. “We knew

Bradco Partners with Sur La Tableon In-Store Teaching Kitchens

Bradco Kitchens + Baths would create thebeautiful, inviting, custom look that wouldcomplement our storefront.”

For design industry professionals such asinterior designers and architects, toconsumers looking to build or remodeltheir existing kitchens and baths, BradcoKitchens + Baths offers the mostinnovative design and remodeling availableon the market, hosting a vast selectionfrom top of the line manufacturers aroundthe world. The company’s custom cabinet factory allows for the utmostcustomization and quality control. Inaddition to the wide variety of cabinets,Bradco Kitchens + Baths also offers anarray of countertops, appliances, fixtures,

hardware, lighting and tiles, sourcing themost innovative kitchen and bath productsavailable on the market.

Committed to the environment, BradcoKitchens + Baths is a leading pioneerwithin the green kitchen remodelingindustry, specializing in the conceptionto completion of eco-friendly kitchen andbathroom remodeling projects that aredesigned around the customer’s lifestyle.Bradco Kitchens + Baths’ non-toxiccabinetry, made with Purebond zero urea-formaldehyde plywood and manufacturedby Columbia Forest Products, is beingused in all Sur La Table locations, as wellas in all of Bradco Kitchens + Baths’custom work.

Global Views, a premier manufacturer offine decorative accessories, lighting,furnishings, wall art, area rugs and more,will establish a major new corporate presencein Atlanta with a 13,000 square-foot flagshipshowroom opening in July, said Jeffrey L.Portman, Sr., President and Chief OperatingOfficer of AmericasMart parent AMC Inc.

The Global Views showroom is amongmany recent and upcoming additionsexpanding AmericasMart’s home, rug, giftand apparel franchise, which continues inits role as a global marketplace after morethan 51 years of master-planned growth.Its 7-million square foot facility houses theworld’s single-largest collection of productunder one roof and is the preferreddestination for retailers and designers fromevery U.S. state and more than 90 countries.

Secured under a multi-year commitmenton floor 14 of AmericasMart BuildingOne, the new Global Views corporateshowroom is under construction for grand-opening events scheduled to occur withthe July 11-18 Atlanta International Gift& Home Furnishings Market. Thisdesign-driven resource will significantlyadd to AmericasMart’s large and growinghome furnishings and home accentsproduct mix.

“Global Views helps define the directionof our growing design-driven productpresentation on floor 14,” said DavidSavula, AMC Executive Vice Presidentin charge of all AmericasMart home andgift leasing. “The scope and depth of itsproduct lines and the unmistakable lookand feel of its brand align perfectly withthe design environment we are creatingon this signature floor.”

With its new showroom on track for theJuly 2012 debut, Global Views joins a longline of the home furnishings industry’s mostcelebrated brands located on 14th floorcorporate showrooms, including CenturyFurniture, Currey & Company, AmbellaHome Collection, Port 68 and many others.

Housewares OfferingExpand with GlobalViews at AmericasMart

Page 6: Kitchenware News June 2012

GENERAL NEWS6 www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW

BY A.J. FLICK

When is a tumbler not a tumbler? Whenit’s a golf tee holder, squirrel feeder—evena sand castle maker. At least, that ’saccording to dozens of loyalTervis tumbler fans whoresponded to a contest to comeup with alternate uses other than containing hot and cold beverages.

Last year, Tervis did a similarcontest with its smartcup.

“It’s been a great way to engageour fan base,” said Mellisa Allen,E-Commerce Director for Tervis.“Sometimes, it ’s a matter of us keepingup with them, not them with us.

“Over the years, we’ve heard a tremendousamount of stories about how consumersare using the tumblers in many differentways than just drinking drinks,” Allen said.

The tumbler contest was launched onTervis’s Facebook page, with more than100 fans chiming in with their ideas onalternate uses. Tervis had monthly winners

who won $100 to spend on Tervisproducts, leading up to a grand-prizewinner who won an all-expenses paid tripto the Tervis facility in Florida.

The grand prize winner, Susan Trader ofNew Hampshire, used the Tervis tumblerto make sand castles with her daughter,Oliva, submitting a photo to show howwell it turned out.

“The photo itself evokes emotionsimmediately,” Allen said.

One reader suggested using the tumbleras a bottle-warmer for baby formula,

Consumers Find Alternate Uses for Tervis Tumblers—From Storage to Sand Castles

which Allen could personally relate towith her own baby.

“We loved to hear the stories of howconsumers personalized their Tervistumblers to capture a name on them oruse them to ask a question—or pop thebig question and ask someone to marrythem,” Allen said.

“One idea we thought was superclever that we never thought ofis a woman who strung her yarnthrough the hole in the lid andused it so that her knitting ballwouldn’t roll away,” Allen said.

Storage ideas from fans includedholding golf accessories such astees or balls, keeping measuredrecipe ingredients together,feeding squirrels with peanutsand presenting giftware.

“The possibilities are endless,” Allen said.“One fan filled up the tumbler with variousseasonings, which is especially good whenyou’re grilling meat. You can shake theseasonings out of the tumbler. The Tervistumbler, which comes with a lifetimeguarantee, is more durable than regularseasoning shakers on the market.”

To see what other ideas Tervis fans cameup with, visit www.tervis.com/community/alternate-uses.

Dallas Market Center and Classic Concepts,a leading manufacturer and distributor offurniture and textiles, is opening a showroomat Dallas Market Center—World TradeCenter 5-530—encompassing more than9,000 square feet.

The showroom will debut during the DallasTotal Home & Gift Market, June 20-26.

Classic Concepts manufacturers anddistributes reclaimed and eco-friendly solidwood furniture, decorative pillows, beddingand rugs. There are three divisions at ClassicConcepts: classic home furniture, classichome rugs and the Villa home collection.The new showroom will showcase productsfrom all three divisions offering buyers aunique shopping experience.

Classic Concepts is partnering withHomeStyle, a leading sales agency in thehome décor and lifestyle industry, to helprun the Dallas showroom.

Classic Concepts OpensDallas Showroom

Reportlinker.com has announced that a newmarket research report on the householdappliance industry is available.

The global outlook series on householdappliances includes a collection of statisticalanecdotes, market briefs and concisesummaries of research findings. The reportoffers a bird’s eye view of the structure of theglobal household appliances industry, providingan easy guide to facets of the industry.

Illustrated with about 16 fact-rich market datatables, the report also provides a rudimentaryinsight into major product markets, definitionsand classification, in addition to the fast factsabout the ongoing consolidation amongretailers, the intensifying competition broughtabout by the ingress of new entrants, newopportunities in Asia, the impact of technology,changing consumer preferences and othernoteworthy trends/issues. Also included is acompilation of all recent mergers, acquisitions,and strategic corporate developments.

In addition to the global market scenario, aregional level of discussion designed toprovide a prelude to prevalent marketscenarios in major countries culminate inbuilding a macro-level perception of theindustry. Regional markets briefly abstractedinclude North America, the United States,Mexico, Japan, Europe, Germany, Italy, theU.K., the rest of Europe, Asia, China, India,Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, SouthKorea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, LatinAmerica, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezuelaand the Dominican Republic.

The report also includes a well-indexed, fact-finder directory listing the addresses and contactdetails of 772 companies worldwide. For moreinformation, go to www.reportlinker.com.

Household ApplianceIndustry Focus of Market Research Report

Page 7: Kitchenware News June 2012

IN THE ISSUEwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 7

O N T H E C O V E R

KMN HOMEKMN Home DrawerDecorwww.kmnhome.com

PREPARAPrepara Ice Balls[tel] 888.878.8665www.prepara.com

FRANMARAUltimo Wing Corkscrew[tel] 800.423.5855www.franmara.com

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PRESIDENT Lee M. Oser

We’ve had some good news from the National Retail Federation, which is passing onstatistics collected by the U.S. Census Bureau about growth in retail sales for the monthof April. According to the Census Bureau figures, April’s retail sales were up 0.1 percentfrom March 2012 and 6.1 percent above last year.

The National Retail Federation notes that this marks 22 consecutive months of retail salesgrowth, and that’s giving retailers reason for optimism as they gear up for the summerseason. April’s figures were softened by this year’s early Easter and unseasonably warmweather, which inspired consumers to start their spring shopping for clothing and newly-released electronic items as early as February and March. Overall, although the CensusBureau doesn’t pay particular attention to sales of kitchenware and housewares, we sawsome good sales numbers in related categories. For instance, in the electronics categorythat includes home appliances, retail sales were up slightly from February to March (themost recent month for which statistics are available). General merchandise stores showeda 4.4 percent increase in sales for the first four months of this year over the same periodlast year, and furniture and home furnishings stores showed an 8.8 percent increase for thefirst four months of this year over the first four months of 2011.

It’s not quite time to start singing “Happy days are here again,” since there’s a lot ofuncertainty in the marketplace about whether these signs of recovery will continue, butthen again, a 22-month trend upward is nothing to frown about. Neither is the trend thatAJ Flick writes about in the story that starts on page one of this issue, which is that we’reseeing a resurgence in pride regarding goods “Made in the USA.”

We predict that over the next year, more Americans will be looking for those signs andbuying accordingly, and we urge retailers to support those manufacturers who are providingAmerican jobs and making quality products by letting your customers know that the moneythey spend in your store can help keep jobs within our shores while they bolster yourbottom line as well.

Lee M. Oser, Publisher

publisherfrom the

from theeditor

G’day! Let me start by saying how awesome it is to be part of Oser Communications Groupworking on producing Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. The people are fabulous andfrom all I’ve heard, it’s a vivacious magazine with an informed, loyal and friendly readership.

Now, let’s start at the beginning.

I was born and raised in Tucson, Ariz., but have spent the last 13 years or so in Melbourne—Australia, not Florida. While living there, I had the great pleasure of interviewing a(gorgeous!) celebrity chef, Ed Halmagyi (Fast Ed) for Melbourne City Newspaper; samplingworld-class cuisine while living in the heart of Melbourne; watching a large group ofkangaroos race over pristine land with an Aussie sunset as the backdrop; discovering a bitof the outback in the form of the monolith Uluru; listening to the uncanny call of kookaburras;swimming in the Great Barrier Reef; basking on a beach populated by powder-soft, whitesand; and floating over Melbourne in a hot-air balloon. God has truly blessed me.

On the professional front, I am a writer, editor, designer and strategic marketer withinterests that include handwriting analysis (watch out if you send me a handwritten note!),forensic psychology, tennis, reading (especially the Bible as I’m a Christian), swimming;dancing, travel and all things food.

In fact, food and related topics are so much a part of my life that if you chat with me formore than 10 minutes, it will definitely be discussed. I also have a love of gadgets andtrends, so I’m truly looking forward to bringing new and interesting articles and productreviews to you.

I welcome the opportunity to be of assistance to you. Feel free to drop me a line at any time at [email protected].

Renée [email protected]

june 2012contents

2 GENERAL NEWS

8 ONE ON ONE

9 RETAILER PROFILE

10 PRODUCT REVIEWS

11 SPECIAL FEATURE HOME & KITCHEN TEXTILES

17 BUYERS GUIDE HOME & KITCHEN STORAGE

21 GIFTWARE BACK TO SCHOOL

23 AD INDEX

23 UPCOMING EVENTS

H o u s e w a r e s R e v i e wKITCHENWARE NEWS

S E RV I NG K I T CH ENWAR E , HOU S EWAR E S AND TA B L E TO P MA RK E T S

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One on One

BY LORRIE BAUMANN

Q: Congratulationson being named tohead up the NYIGF.Can you tell us more

about your background and what you’rebringing to the show?

A: I’m very excited about my new role asNYIGF director. For the last four years, I’vebeen manager of NYIGF, and while I havebeen involved in furthering the Fair’sstrategic vision, I’ve been primarily focusedon day-to-day sales, marketing, managementand operations. In my new role, I will havegreater responsibility for strategicdevelopment and brand positioning. Lookingback a bit further, I’ve been at GLM for 20years and have worked on a variety of thecompany’s tradeshows.

Q: NYIGF is in the midst of a multi-yeartransformation. Please tell us more aboutwhere you are in that process and what thefuture will bring.

A:We are at the halfway mark in our three-year strategic reorganization of NYIGF. Atits completion, in summer 2013, NYIGFwill be reorganized into four comprehensivemarket collections—NYIGF Home, NYIGFLifestyle, NYIGF Handmade and NYIGFNew—which will offer buyers a navigableand efficient shopping experience. Thisreorganization will position NYIGF as thedefining U.S. marketplace for fashion-forward and design-driven home, gift and lifestyle resources.

In summer 2012, we enter the third phaseof the “Focus Forward” strategicreorganization, with repositioning of threeproduct divisions—Baby & Child,Handmade® Global Design and New York’sNewest—to new locations within the JacobK. Javits Convention Center. The summermarket also welcomes the return of the secondannual Gourmet Housewares Show® atNYIGF and the introduction of ArtisanResource™, a new, complementary tradeshowthat will run concurrently with NYIGF.

Q: How do these changes at NYIGFcorrespond to what’s happening in the world marketplace?

A:We are keeping our finger on the pulse ofindustry, and on consumer trends, and thisis what informs and drives our reorganizationstrategy. NYIGF will continue its overallemphasis on design-driven, fashion-forwardand unique products, and we’ll also expand,or contract, specific product categoriesaccordingly. For example, one of the firstelements of our reorganization was theintroduction of a new Baby & Child division,which ties-in with growing consumerdemand for well-designed products forinfants, children and their families.

Beyond specific product categorization,NYIGF’s overall organization willcontinue to focus on creating efficienciesfor buyers and suppliers. For example,adjacencies of complementary productcategories and grouping of related productsallows time-crunched retailers to effectivelyand efficiently shop at the show. At thesame time, we are developing newtechnological solutions to help buyers plantheir visit and to make sourcing andshopping more effective.

Q: How is the marketplace responding tothe incorporation of the GourmetHousewares Show into NYIGF?

A: The debut of the Gourmet HousewaresShow at the summer 2011 NYIGF was well-received by exhibitors and attendees alike.This iteration of the Gourmet HousewaresShow maintained the show’s originalcharacter while extending its breadth anddepth through integration into a largermarket.

The result was a focused and well-curatedcollection of cooking, dining and kitchenwareresources with relevance to the home andlifestyle retail audience as well as the corespecialty gourmet retailer. The GourmetHousewares Show’s adjacency to hundredsof ‘gourmet-relevant’ suppliers in NYIGF’sTabletop, Accent on Design® and GeneralGift divisions also facilitated cross-marketopportunities for buyers and suppliers.

Although we positioned the GourmetHousewares Show at NYIGF specifically asa third quarter buying opportunity, many ofthe exhibitors want exposure to NYIGF’sindependent specialty store attendees on ayear-round basis. As a result, many of thesesuppliers are choosing to participate in boththe winter and summer editions of NYIGF.

Q: How is last year’s change of ownershipfor GLM going to shape NYIGF’s future?

A: GLM’s acquisition by ProvidenceEquities does not impact the day-to-daymanagement and operations of NYIGF.However, on a corporate level, GLM isincreasing its investments in newtechnologies that will enhance the showexperience for exhibitors and attendees.Details will be announced soon.

Christian FalkenbergNYIGF Director and GLM Vice President

Daniel Humm, who has created a specialedition cutlery collection for VictorinoxSwiss Army, was given the 2012Outstanding Chef in America award bythe James Beard Foundation.

Humm is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of the three Michelin star-ratedEleven Madison Park in New York City,which was recently ranked among the 10best restaurants in the world on the SanPellegrino 50 Best Restaurants.

The James Beard Foundation hands outthe most prestigious culinary awards inthe United States and is celebrating its25th anniversary. Humm, 35, is amongthe youngest winners of the James Beardaward. Critics on both sides of the Atlantichave regarded Humm as one of thebrightest up-and-coming culinary talents.

Humm, Chef Sponsored byVictorinox Swiss Army, Wins James Beard Award

Page 9: Kitchenware News June 2012

RETAILER PROFILEwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNEY 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 9

BY RENÉE PURDIE

A Southern Season is a 60,000 square footChapel Hill, N.C., institution and one of thelargest gourmet specialty stores in the UnitedStates. From the heady aromas of the coffeeand tea department to the “Wall of Chocolate,”there are seeminglyendless, delectabledelights for foodies.Wine lovers are alsocatered to as the winedepartment is reputedlythe biggest in thesoutheast and wellknown for its varietyand selection. In thegrocery department,you can always find theperfect snack, sauce oringredient. The houseand home departmentis a gadget guru’sheaven and has aisleafter aisle of cookware,glasses, china and more.Other departments include bakery, cheese,deli, specialty food and gift and floral.

A Southern Season also hails the popularWeathervane restaurant, which showcases anever-changing menu of creative, seasonal fareusing many of the store’s specialty products.The menu encapsulates A Southern Season—the South with a modern twist—with dishessuch as lemon-brined fried chicken, shrimpand grits and duck confit hash.

In 1975, A Southern Season opened its doorsas a tiny coffee roastery in North Carolina’sResearch Triangle of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. Owner Michael CooperBarefoot started his business with an intenselove of quality food, common sense that issadly uncommon these days and a budgetthat was somewhat shy of a shoestring. Inthe beginning when the official hours were9 a.m. to 9 p.m., his doors sometimes didn’tclose until after midnight when he reachedhis sales goal. Today, A Southern Seasonemploys more than 250 people and enjoyssales approaching $25 million.

Customer enthusiasm and demand for a moreextensive selection of gourmet specialty fooditems prompted a move to its larger EastgateShopping Center location in 1978. Excellentproducts and good, old-fashioned southernhospitality and customer service allowed ASouthern Season to expand the tiny shop to28,000 square feet in 1992. Around that time,the N.Y. Times’ beloved food writer CraigClaiborne labeled A Southern Season “wallto wall and floor to ceiling, a visual andgustatory delight.” Today, A Southern Seasonis located just around the corner from itsoriginal spot and boasts a loyal local, nationaland even international following.A Southern Season was named one of

America’s most outstanding retailers by theNational Association of the Specialty FoodTrade (NASFT) at the International FancyFood Show in 2004. It was also included inRetail Superstars: Inside The 25 BestIndependent Stores in America 2009 by

George Whalin and hasbeen featured in TheNew York Times, Travel& Leisure, SouthernLiving and GourmetRetailer as well as beingprofiled on FoodTVNetwork, The GolfChannel and TurnerSouth.

Online since 1997, thecompany website featurescurrent catalog selectionsas well as store specials;Weathervane (its flagshiprestaurant) menus; amonthly newsletter; acalendar of in-store

events and employment opportunities. Froma separate 92,000 square foot facility in

A Southern Season Hillsborough, N.C., ASouthern Seasonoperates a mail order ande-commerce business,along with CarolinaCupboard, a wholesaledistributorship. Annualmail-order catalogsremain the single largest marketing tool,reaching more than amillion customers acrossthe country.

In its current location, A Southern Seasonfeatures Culinary Lessons at A SouthernSeason (CLASS), a state-of-the-art cookingschool with plans to offer at least 250class/demonstrations featuring approximately50 visiting culinary experts and 25-30celebrity chefs each year. Recently ASouthern Season hosted the launch of the“Tuscan Sun Cookbook” by Frances Mayes.In her own scrumptious words, “whilewaiting in line, you could sip prosecco,Vermentino, or a red from the Maremma,all poured by wine guru Dean Coglaiti. Thestaff passed crostini from our book, and overin the food section, they served Tuscan Ribs,Garlic Soup, and Pears with Mascarpone.

Great scents drifted around the store! ASouthern Season, if you don’t know it, is avast food and wine emporium–you want aningredient, a certain pasta or risotto, a specialhot pepper jelly, or cheese straws? Here it isin the solid South. Of course they ship.”

A Southern Season blends down-homesouthern hospitality with a keen eye fornew, quality products. It’s actually not anexaggeration to say that if you cannot findit at A Southern Season, it probably doesn’texist. Visit www.southernseason.com tofill your life with culinary delights in theform of sensational products, recipes,cooking classes and much more.

Retailer Profile

Page 10: Kitchenware News June 2012

BY A.J. FLICK

A vacuum sealer is probably somethingthat most of us don’t realize we couldreally use until we have one. Years ago, afriend got one and couldn’t stop talkingabout how helpful it was in her kitchen.But she cooked a lot more than I do, andI didn’t figure that someone like me (Icook from scratch from three to five nightsa week, depending on how industrious Ifeel) would need one.

Michael Symon’s Live to CookProfessional Advantage Vacuum Sealerhas definitely changed my mind. It arrivedprepared as the Weston folks do for a tradeshow: with a shriveled Nerf footballencased in flexible plastic and a handfulof fluffy marshmellows stored inside acanister. When freed from the plastic, the Nerf football immedaitely came backto life. It ’s the opposite with the

marshmallows; they are fluffy whenhoused in the airless canister, but whenair is let inside, they shrivel. Greatdemonstration! (The marshmallows stilltasted fresh.)

The most obvious thing, to me, to use avacuum sealer for is to marinate. To befrank, I don’t often have the patience tomarinate, especially those meats thatrequire overnight marinating. I forgetabout turning the meat over and,sometimes, the dishes spill. With thevacuum sealer, you can marinate in theplastic bag or canister. The idea of liquidsin the plastic bag intimidated me, so Istarted with the canister (canisters areoptional and sold separately).

I put the meat and marinade into acanister, making sure the rim and lid wereclean and dry; put the lid on, inserted the

Scotty, Seal Me Up: Vacuum SealerPacks Healthy Eating

hose attachment into the ports onthe sealer and lid. After that, it ’sjust a matter of setting the dial onthe canister lid to “seal,” pressingthe accessory button on the sealerand waiting until a beep tells meit’s sealed. To check the seal, youcan pull on the lid; if it ’s sealedproperly, it won’t budge. Afterdisconnecting the sealer, it ’s readyfor the fridge. Two hours later, themarinated meat is ready to cook after justdialing to “open”.

Eventually, I felt comfortable enough thatI could marinate in the plastic bags. Thebig difference (other than the canister, ofcourse) is using the “pulse” sealing mode,so that liquid doesn’t leak into the sealer.

Then I found my favorite use for thesealer: keeping lettuce fresh! Accordingto a chart provided with the sealer, youcan keep meats sealed up to three yearsin the freezer, flour up to two years atroom temperature and lettuce up to twoweeks. Really? I know I should eat moresalads, but my refrigerator crisper often

Product ReviewsPRODUCT REVIEW www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW10

contains, well, less-than-crispy veggieswhen I don’t get to them in time.

With the vacuum sealer, I can makesalads—seal them either portion-controlled in bags or in bulk in a canister,and not worry that there are scienceexperiments or unhealthy lunches—andhave them waiting for me when I’m ready.

The Michael Symon Live to CookProfessional Advantage Vacuum Sealer byWeston retails for $199.99. A set of twocanisters (1½ and 2 quarts) retails for $24.99($12.99 and $14.99 each, respectively).Weston also sells vacuum bags in varioussizes. For more information on the vacuumsealer or other products in the line, please goto http://michaelsymon.westonproducts.com.

BY A.J. FLICK

Oh, sure, there are all kinds of high-techgadgets that you can get for your kitchen,but sometimes, you just need a good, ol’skillet to get the job done.

Cat Cora by Starfrit’s Hard Anodized FryPan promises to be “twice as tough asstainless steel and made of hard-anodizedaluminum�allows for searing at hightemperatures and deglazing like a superstarchef!” The specially textured, non-sticksurface is supposed to make “cooking a

breeze and clean-up a chore worthfighting for.”

So I thought of one of the stickiest thingsto cook: something with a sweet-and-soursauce. Unfortunately, my sister’s recipe forWaikiki Meatballs is somewhere in a boxin storage, so I foraged for another stickysauce and found one perfect for the CatCora fry pan because it goes from stovetopto oven.

I sautéed six chicken breasts, cut into

Cat Cora Fry Pan Handles Sticky Sauces, Cleaning Chores

chunks, with a spritz of olive oil (for taste)and set it aside. Then I introduced ½pound of honey, ¾ cup lemon juice, ¾cup tomato puree, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cupvegetable oil and 1 Tbsp. dry mustard tothe Cat Cora fry pan�stirring until it wasa lovely, gooey mess,�threw in the sautéedchicken and put the pan in a 350-degreeoven for about 15 minutes.

Yes, the Cat Cora fry pan is oven safe

and you can even use it under the broiler.

It was a tasty entree and, later, I had notrouble cleaning (more like wiping) theCat Cora fry pan. As promised, the panis also great for deglazing.

The Cat Cora by Starfrit Hard AnodizedFry Pan retails for $32.95 (8"), $45.95(10") and $51.95 (12"). For moreinformation, please visit www.catcora.com.

BY A.J. FLICK

Those Voltaggio brothers sure make usinga Fissler Vitaquick pressure cooker looklike fun. Each time they had ademonstration at Fissler’s booth at theInternational Home + Housewares Showin March, the aisles were blocked on threesides. Apparently, Fissler heard thatMichael Voltaggio (the younger, moretattooed brother) was going throughpressure cookers every three months at hisLos Angeles eatery, Ink. So the companybrought its esteemed Vitaquick to himand, before long, Michael and Bryan wereexperimenting to find out what they couldcook next in the Vitaquick (admittedly,not every experiment was a success).

Seeing the Voltaggios cook and doing ityourself is another thing. Pressure cookerscan be intimidating. I remember being a kidand hearing incredible screeching, thinkingthat the world was ending—but it really, wasjust a pot roast in my mom’s pressure cooker.Fissler has redesigned the pressure cooker.The Vitaquick doesn’t make you want tostart running for a bomb shelter. Unlike mostof us, it stays silent under pressure.

The Vitaquick has two settings: speed(that’s my kind of cooking) for stews andsuch and gentle for fish and desserts. It’seasy to “lock and load” the Vitaquick; youknow it’s locked by a clicking sound anda window turning from red to green in

You Don’t Have to Be a Voltaggio to Master a Fissler Vitaquick

the handle. After that,cooking is a matter of settingthe burner on high, takingit down and waiting for theblue button to rise to thecorrect setting for your dish.

As with all pressure cookers,you need to be mindful of your use of liquids and wait until the cooker is depressurized beforeopening. With the Vitaquick, you can takethe pan off the heat and let it cool downnaturally (for stews and longer-cookingitems) or run cold water over the lid untilthe indicator rod retracts.

I progressed from a meat stew, which cameout great, to a chicken in a white winemarinade with pasta. I’m not yet at theplace where I can throw anything into thepressure cooker and be reasonably sure it

will be edible, but Fissler is close toreleasing a cookbook by the Voltaggios forthe Vitaquick. Fissler was kind enough topass along a few recipes, including Arrozcon Pollo (Rice with Chicken), which Imade in about half an hour, start to finish.

The Vitaquick can be used on all stoves andis dishwasher safe. Suggested retail pricevaries, depending on size. For more aboutthe Vitaquick, please visit www.fisslerusa.com.

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VOLUME 18, NUMBER 6 JUNE 2012

H o u s e w a r e s R e v i e wKITCHENWARE NEWS

S E RV I NG K I T CH ENWAR E , HOU S EWAR E S AND TA B L E TO P MA RK E T S

textileshome & kitchen

Page 12: Kitchenware News June 2012

HOME & KITCHEN TEXTILES www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW12

Textiles(Cont. from Page 1)

Susan & Veronica produce cutting edgeaprons for every kitchen. Susan Prager ofSusan & Veronica said that glitter andsparkles will be in style for this fall. As aresult, Susan & Veronica has producedthe Free Spirit apron as part of its MixtressCocktail Collection.

This apron, specifically designed forhosting, has a sweetheart neckline with arhinestone trim. Attention to detail is keyin apron design. Prager said, “Susan &Veronica aprons are special because they’restrapless. This is especially helpful forpeople who spend a lot of time cookingand have noticed the straps onconventional aprons get in the way—inhair, on arms.”

An updated apron fit has been vital tomoving the trend into the modern kitchen.Susan & Veronica’s strapless aprons create asilhouette fit on any shape. In addition, Susan& Veronica hopes to advance the apron byintroducing designs with abstract andmodern versions of the standard floral print.

“We didn’t want to produce another floralprint,” Prager said. “Instead, we designedsomething modern and edgy.”

Molly Sedlacek of Jessie Steele said apronsaren’t just for women. “We have a men’sbarbecue apron made of denim clothfollowing a cowboy, western theme. Theseaprons also feature an attached bottleopener.” Jessie Steele also produces siliconeoven mitts designed with pan holders. Thesemitts are perfect for the high temperaturesassociated with outdoor cooking.

Similarly, aprons aren’t just for grown-ups. Infantissima produces smocks for thesmallest cooks. The company’s toddlerlaminated smock is perfect for the littlechef, artist and Play-Doh fanatic. Thesmock features a tie back that makes itmore difficult for toddlers to pull off thegarment. With these products, allmembers of the family can help out inthe kitchen. For little boys, Jessie Steeleoffers matching denim cloth aprons in itsmen’s chef cut.

Of course, the category of kitchen textilesincludes more than just aprons. Productsrange from seat cushions to towels,tablecloths and oven mitts. Kitchentextiles are used for a variety of purposesand come in a variety of styles.

According to Katie Hlavinka, speakingfor Peking Handicraft, bright colors andgraphics are in style for this summer andfall. The company, whose productionincludes kitchen, wine, and guest linens,aims to create one of a kind living spacesand variety to suit every taste.

The Homer Laughlin China Co., makerof best-selling FIESTA Dinnerware,recently announced a new partnershipwith Town & Country Living for acollection of kitchen textiles and tablelinens. David Beyda, chairman of Town& Country Living, said, “Our loyal retailpartners will be very pleased with thecolorful and unique ways that we arecoordinating with FIESTA to give

consumers breadth of product choices anda wide array of never before seen homedécor accessories.”

Innovative materials such as matte weave,woven vinyl and metallic lace are alsobeing used to create placemats, rugs andother items for the home. New York baseddesigner Sandy Chilewich is founder andcreative director of Chilewich | SultanLLC, a company managed with herpartner and husband, Joe Sultan.

For the last three decades and with two distinct businesses, Chilewich has reinterpreted underutilized andoverlooked manufacturing practices.During the last 12 years, Chilewich hasdesigned innovative textiles for numerousapplications. Best known for her placematsand floormats, her materials can now be seen on iPhone cases, bags and other products.

Numerous studies show consumers havereacted to the struggling economy by eatingin and staying home more. That fact aloneprovides retailers with a reason to provideconsumers with home—indoor andoutdoor—and kitchen textile products thatthey can utilize to enjoy home and hearth.

PEKING HANDICRAFTHOME DÉCORHand-crafted fashions from PekingHandicraft are perfect for decoratingbeach homes or for the beachenthusiast! Peking Handicraft’sextensive collection of home décoritems range from hook pillows with rugsto kitchen and guest towels. Whetherconsumers are looking to decorate a beach house or prepping to host a crawfish boil or lobster bake, Peking Handicraft has a beautifullyembroidered towel or hook pillow tomatch the occasion. With bold, colorfulprints, or subtle earth tones, every styleis sure to be satisfied by what PekingHandicraft has to offer. PekingHandicraft products are available inmore than 4,000 niche gift shops, aswell as most department and specialtystores in the United States and Canada.

Peking Handicraftwww.pkhc.com

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HOME & KITCHEN TEXTILESJUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 13

HOWARD PRODUCTSBUTCHER BLOCK CONDITIONERWooden cutting boards, butcherblocks and countertops are makingquite a comeback. Offer yourcustomers what they need to helppreserve and protectthese specialwooden surfaces.Use of any vegetableor cooking oils totreat or finish acutting surface willreek of a rancid,spoiled oil odor aftertime. HowardButcher BlockConditioner is ablend of naturalwaxes and food-grade mineral oil. Thepenetrating qualityof the oil along withthe water-resistant traits of beeswaxand carnauba wax rejuvenates thewood and prevents drying andcracking. The waxes also help repairknife marks and protect the wood bykeeping the mineral oil in and themoisture out. Howard Butcher BlockConditioner offers a high-qualityoption in a clean, upscale package—the perfect fit for any retailer sellingkitchenware items. It is ideal foreveryone from the gourmet chef whoowns expensive butcher blocks to thehealth-conscious mom and herbamboo cutting board. HowardButcher Block Conditioner comes in acase containing six 12-ounce bottles.Suggested Retail Price: $8.99

Howard Products, Inc.[tel] 800.266.9545www.howardproducts.com

TOOCKIES SCRUB CLOTHSPerfect for the practical person,Toockies® multi-purpose scrub cloths,which come in a set of two, are hand-knit—by a woman's co-op using FairTrade practices in Calcutta, India sothey benefit those who make, sell, buy,use, and gift them as well as ourplanet—from certified 100 percentorganic cotton and jute. The knitpattern is perfect for scrubbing stainlesssteel appliances, glass stovetops, highchairs, leather and much more withoutscratching or using toxic cleaners. Theyare not absorbent because they aremeant to be scrubbers; however, theydo become absorbent over time andfrequent machine wash/dry. Thecotton works best damp—just place itunder running water, roll like a carpet,strain, scrub and add to your wash.The jute is more abrasive when dry andcan be used on your fine cookwarewithout scratching. These scrub clothsare earth friendly, socially responsibleand time tested—dating back to theearly settlers. Recycle as potting meshor add them to your compost.

Sinko Corp.[tel] 408.371.3007www.toockies.com

JACK RABBIT CREATIONS APRONSThese beautiful 100 percent cottonaprons are whimsical, colorful displaysof the Jack Rabbit Creationsphilosophy of creating heirloom-qualitytoys and gifts that adults and kids alikelove. They are called “Oh My PeachPie” aprons and their tag line is “don’tmess the dress”. They are fantastichostess gifts. All of the products at JackRabbit Creations are updated twistson classics, with original art andamazing packaging. At Jack RabbitCreations, they prefer to use wood, tin,cotton and other natural materials fortheir designs, favoring a “no batteriesrequired” approach.

Jack Rabbit Creations[tel] 404.876.4225www.jackrabbitcreations.com

PI‘LO LINEN NUMBER NAPKINSPi‘lo linen number napkins, as well aseverything else in the collection, arehand made by either Heather Shawor one of her female helpers. Thatpersonalized care and attention todetail is shown in this lovely set of linennapkins embroidered with the wordsone through four. They are perfect fora family to keep track of their napkinsor for a very beautiful table set forguests. Each napkin is 20" x 20". All itemsare created carefully and responsiblyin the hope that each item will bepassed down to future generations asfamily heirlooms.

pi‘lo[tel] 416.735.7456www.pilo.ca

SUSAN & VERONICA STRAPLESS APRONSSusan and Veronica have created aline of contemporary aprons thatrepresent their philosophy that stylebegins at home. They incorporatetheir love of the latest fashions, hottestmusic, dinner parties, spin and yogaclasses, living green, humanitariancauses, careers and the well-deservedday at the spa. The featured Va VaBloom SugarBomb apron will bring thebeauty of your garden into yourhome. Other aprons include GoodCatch SugarBomb, an adorable newseafood print that is a summer must-have; the signature Sugar Bomb apronmade of comfortable, lightweight 100percent cotton, with a sweetheartneckline and ruffle trim that is fittedthrough the bodice with side ties andpockets; and the Free Spirit Mixtresscocktail apron, which is perfect forthe happy hour hostess.

Susan & Veronica[tel] 347.781.4149www.susanandveronica.com

LINENME TEA TOWELSoft, elegant and functional, thisbeautiful pure linen tea towel is areal helper in a kitchen. Highlyabsorbent, lint free and easy care, itis ideal for drying your dishes andcounters. A gorgeous color will addstyle to any kitchen. An elegant linenapron can be matched. Set of 2towels 17" x 28". Made of 100 percentsoft, prewashed linen.

LinenMe [tel] 312.233.2929www.linenme.com

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JESSIE STEELE APRONSJessie Steele aprons have a cross-generational appeal that evokesdesigns from the past, yet unlikevintage items they are figure-flattering for today’s woman. Thefinal cuts fit sizes 0 to 18. The apronsare named after 20th centuryactresses evoking memories of asimpler, idealized time. They arecharacterized by play—bringing “joyof life” into the home and enhancingAmerica’s revived love affair withgreat food—and meaning: thekitchen being the heart of the homeand a core place for family bonding.With this philosophy in mind, JessieSteele offers timeless mother-daughter styles. The featuredDancing Dots Doris Apron hasadjustable ties at the neck and waist,a side pocket and ruffle detail. Madeof 100 percent sturdy cotton.

Jessie Steele[tel] 877.953.7743www.jessiesteele.com

BARBARA SHAW GIFTS’ EYE-CATCHING APRONSThe colorful, thematic apron designsoffered by Barbara Shaw Gifts makea statement that you are not afraidof bold colors or flavors. BarbaraShaw’s designs fuse the ancient withthe most modern. Her colors, patternsand themes inspired by Jerusalem, her heritage and the surroundinglandscape. Shaw decided to start hercompany as she was looking for giftsfor friends and couldn’t find what shewanted to buy, so she decided tomake her own. Barbara Shaw Gifts isa Jerusalem-based gift shop thattakes pride in being the best sourceof online Judaica, contemporaryIsraeli Gifts and Jerusalem themedgifts. Whether you’re looking for awedding gift, baby gift, a Bar or BatMitzvah gift or a Passover orChanukah gift—they have a uniqueJewish or Israeli gift for you.

Barbara Shaw Giftswww.barbarashawgifts.com

CHILEWICH RIB WEAVE PLACEMATS BLACKThese elegant black rib weaveplacemats will add texture and graceto any modern table. Chilewich’sdistinctive product line of vinylplacemats and floormats can be seenin homes and better restaurantsaround the world. Chilewich has anextensive range of table décor andmodern placemats that are stylish,contemporary, durable and easy-to-clean. For timeless, durable designs,Chilewich is a rich source.

Chilewich[tel] 706.422.8160www.chilewich.com

COYUCHI HAND TOWELSCoyuchi hand towels are made withthe same quality, care and fine detailas its bedding. The towels are loomedfrom pure organic cotton, in colorsdrawn from earth, water and sky. Softand thirsty, they’re designed to dryquickly hung across the kitchen sinkand in the dryer. Twill woven for softnessand drape, these medium-weighttowels (550 grams per square meter)wash easily and dry quickly. A rolledself-hem helps them hold their shapewash after wash. Coyuchi cotton is 100percent organic, and is sourced andwoven in India. Hand towels (20" x 40")are available in Graphite, Ivory, White,Taupe, Juniper, Terra Cotta, Mustard,French Blue, Dusty Aqua, Mulberry andGreen Tea color options.Suggested Retail Price: $20

Coyuchi[tel] 888.418.8847www.coyuchi.com

SFERRA LINEN NAPKINSSFERRA, the 120-year old purveyor ofluxury linens for the home, wants youto know there’s an app for that! Its newapp, Linen Colors by SFERRA, allowsthe user to snap a photo of a dinnerplate pattern and quickly see severalcolor options of pure linen napkins thatmost closely coordinate with the colorsin the dinnerware. Custom-sizetablecloths, in all 101 colors, are alsoavailable on a special order basis. Theapp is available free of charge in iTunesfor both the iPhone and the iPad.Sferra’s clever embrace of moderntechnology makes it easier than everto select the perfect pure linen napkinsto go with dinnerware of any décor.

SFERRA[fax] 732.225.9235 www.sferra5star.com

PEKING HANDICRAFT LINENSHand-crafted linens from PekingHandicraft are perfect for adding atouch of elegance or humor to yournext happy hour! Peking Handicraft’swide variety of kitchen and guest linensincludes everything from wine puns toFrench themes. Whether it’s a ladies’night filled with cocktails, a wine tastingwith friends or simply a French-themedkitchen, Peking Handicraft has a linento match the occasion. Available inmore than 4,000 niche gift shops, aswell as most department and specialtystores in the United States and Canada.Suggested Retail Price: Under $15

Peking Handicraftwww.pkhc.com

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Marketwatchmade in USA

Made in U.S.A.(Cont. from Page 1)

half a century. Founder Harlan D. Hewlettinsisted his products be Made in the U.S.A.,a tradition carried on by his son, Brian J.Hewlett, Vice President, and daughter-in-law, Linda Hewlett, Sales Director.

“He loved and believed in his country,”said Linda Hewlett. “That’s just the waythe family has always been. We areAmerican born and raised. My husbandhas an aunt who traces the family back tothe Revolutionary War. My daughter is amember of the D.A.R. because of that.

“We get our steel in Ohio. Our plastics aremolded in Erie. We make everything elsein Linesville,” Hewlett said. “Everything ismade within a 40- or 50-mile radius.”

As a manufacturer and world traveler,Hewlett knows the benefits of globalization.

“But we’ve got to tend to our own gardenfirst, then we can help our neighbors,”she said. “If you’re helping your neighborsfirst, then it ’s a long journey back andyou’re forgetting about what’s made righthere in America.

“People are finally waking up to the factthat we can’t afford to be a throwawaysociety. We might as well buy the goodproduct, the American-made product,which generally says high quality,” saidHewlett, whose family also avoids buyingproducts made in countries known toemploy slave labor or other substandardbusiness practices.

Packaging on Hewlett products, includingits popular Jewelstik, includes a Made inthe U.S.A. label. When HewlettManufacturing began going to trade showsabout 10 years ago, it was so importantto the company that it tout its American-made products that a U.S. flag was partof the display.

“I’ve seen businesses who have spent anawful lot of time outsourcing products toChina now running a marathon to comingback here,” Hewlett said. “Our businesshas increased tenfold.”

According to a recent survey by TheBoston Consulting Group, 37 percent ofU.S.-based manufacturing executives atcompanies with sales above $1 billion and48 percent at companies with $10 billionor more in revenues plan to reshoreoperations or are considering it.

Executives cited labor costs (57 percent),product quality (41 percent), ease of doingbusiness (29 percent) and proximity tocustomers (28 percent) as motivators. Inaddition, 92 percent said they believe that

labor costs in China will increase and 70percent said “sourcing in China is morecostly than it looks on paper.”

“These survey findings confirm our ownanalysis and what we are hearing frommajor companies,” said Harold L. Sirkin,a BCG Senior Partner and co-author ofthe firm’s “Made in America, Again” series,which began last year. “Companies arerealizing that the economics ofmanufacturing are swinging in favor of theU.S., for goods to be sold both at homeand to major export markets. This trend islikely to accelerate starting around 2015.”

According to the Obama administration,signs over the last two years thatinsourcing is growing include 3.2 millionprivate-sector jobs created, Americanexports totaling $2 trillion as of Octoberand the addition of 334,000manufacturing jobs—the strongest two-year period of manufacturing growth sincethe 1990s.

Linda Lewis of Galesburg, Ill., was alltoo aware of Obama’s emphasis onAmerican-made products after hementioned her hometown as an exampleof an area hard-hit by outsourcing.

“From the moment I invented myproduct,” said Lewis of her multi-usefunnel/nipple, Flipple, “I was absolutelycommitted to make sure that everythingI did was done within the United States.All of my sourcing—everything fromtooling to the product prototype—wasdone here in the United States.

“That was going against all the advice Iwas given,” Lewis said, “that I needed togo overseas. But experience has proventhat corporate America can be competitivehere in the United States. I have a productthat can be made in the United States ata competitive price.”

Lewis said manufacturing and marketingthe Flipple from the ground up waschallenging enough in itself, much lesseven thinking about involving any overseasfacility.

“I couldn’t imagine how hard it would beif I were outsourcing,” Lewis said, citingtime lost communicating with foreigncompanies, traveling overseas andimporting costs.

Not only has Lewis made sure that the Flippleis packaged with a Made in the U.S.A. label,she recently signed on with a PR firm,Chicblvd Inc., that sent out an email blastpromoting clientele with American-madeproducts. Already, Lewis has had a half-dozencalls from the email blast.

“That tells me people are very interestedin American products,” Lewis said.

Bob Caldwell Jr., President of Spartanburg,S.C.-based Bridgewater Candle Co., hasfocused on local sourcing since the companybegan in his parents’ back yard in 1974.

“It’s important that we provide jobs inthe United States,” said Caldwell, whosecandles were included on Chicblvd’s emailblast as well.

Bridgewater produces all of its fragrancesin-house, which helps it protect itsproprietary trade secrets.

“That’s really been the foundation of whywe’re based in the U.S. as opposed tojobbing out overseas, to maintainproprietary technology as well as maintainjobs,” Caldwell said.

The manufacturing process goes mucheasier, Caldwell said, when all of theemployees—from customer sales toaccounting—are within reach.Bridgewater employs 250 Americans.

Caldwell said U.S.-based manufacturingensures quality products.

“People have gotten burned on imports

that haven’t met quality expectations,”Caldwell said. “For most of the world,Made in the U.S.A. represents quality.Made in the U.S.A. can be trusted forquality, especially in light of all the recallsthat have happened over the last five years.”

All signs point to an increase ofAmerican-made products over the nextfew years.

The Boston Consulting Group’s surveyshowed 67 percent of respondents inrubber and plastic products, 42 percentin machinery, 41 percent in electronics,40 percent in computers and 35 percentin fabricated metal products said theyexpect that their companies will reshoreproduction from China to the U.S.

“Generation after generation, how manypeople can trace their parents comingover here as immigrants two, three orfour generations ago?” said LindaHewlett of Hewlett Manufacturing.“America was built on a certain set ofstandards and beliefs. We have alwaysbelieved in that and we have alwaysbelieved in America. It ’s still the bestplace in the world to live.”

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Marketwatchmade in USA products

ECOSMART BY ARCHITEC POLYFLAXSERVING BOWL AND SPOONSPolyflax serving bowls and serving spoonsdeliver a new level of sophisticateddesign to the world of eco housewares.The stylish bowl and spoons feature thepatented polyflax and polypapermaterial developed by EcoSmart by Architec. Made from recycledtranslucent polypropylene with flax huskor cellulose content suspended inside,the material produces an amazing-looking surface that is unique to eachbowl and spoon. The bowls and spoonsare manufactured in the U.S.A.Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 (bowl),$9.99 (spoons)

Architec[tel] 800.659.9786www.architecproducts.com

NEWMETRO DESIGN JUICELABNewMetro Design demonstrates itsstrength in developing smartly designed,solution-based kitchen products with thelaunch of JuiceLab, a manual-style citrusjuicer that simply and effectively extractsthe maximum juice with minimum effortfrom lemons, limes and oranges. TheJuiceLab has a sturdy reamer, whichaccommodates pretty much every sizecitrus fruit and a well-designed, tight-fitting strainer that catches most pulpduring juicing. For added convenience,a separate measuring cup also doublesas a lid, allowing you to seal thecontainer and store any leftover freshlysqueezed juice in the refrigerator withouthaving to pour it into a separate vessel.Made in the U.S.A., completely BPA-free, 100 percent recyclable anddishwasher-safe.Suggested Retail Price: $17.95

NewMetro Design[tel] 800.624.1526www.beaterblade.com

KITCHENHAPPY SNAPINow more than ever, Snapi® is “the funway to serve food” as KitchenHappy™nearly doubled kitchen fun by addingthree colors to its family of single-handservers. Designed to serve big-bowl faresuch as salads and pasta with onehand, Snapi now comes in seven colors:grape, tangerine and mango, alongwith the original ice, kiwi, watermelonand berry. Snapi is available in point-of-purchase counter, floor and clip stripdisplays that accommodate all sevencolors. Each Snapi also comes in bulkpackaging and includes a hang tagready for replenishment on customdisplays. Made in America. It has a convenient open/close lockingmechanism for easy storage and isBPA-free and dishwasher safe.

KitchenHappy[tel] 248.453.5177www.kitchenhappy.com

PREPARA ICE BALLSPrepara—the company known for itselegant and innovative kitchen toolsand accessories—presents Ice Balls, aningenious alternative to the typical icecube tray. These spill-proof sphericalmolds makes perfect two-inch roundorbs of ice and also become thestarting point for an endless list of funand original homemade, ice-infusedrecipes. Put the fruit or the herb ofchoice in the Ice Ball, close it up, fill itwith water—or juice, or any otherbeverage—through the convenientopening seal on top, throw them in thefreezer and voila—the perfect “ice-breaker” for a party! Since the ice theyproduce is completely sealed andwon’t absorb odors from the freezer,Ice Balls are the easiest way to createfresh and pristine ice. Ice Balls come infour fun and stylish colors: lime, lemon,raspberry and tangerine. Invented,developed and designed in the U.S.A.Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 (pack of 4)

Prepara[tel] 888.878.8665www.prepara.com

VITA-MIX PROFESSIONAL SERIES 300Vita-Mix Corp., the leader inprofessional-grade blender innovation,introduces the Professional Series 300,the next generation of blending thatprovides the ultimate blendingexperience. Featuring a new design,quieter blending, full variable speed plusa pulse feature, the Professional Series300 delivers high-performance blendingin an attractive, timeless design. TheProfessional Series 300 is available in rubyand onyx finishes. It includes aninstructional DVD featuring Chef MichaelVoltaggio and a hardbound cookbookwith more than 200 recipes. Made inthe U.S.A. with 70-percent U.S. contents,the Professional Series 300 comes witha full 7-year warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $529

Vita-Mix[tel] 800.848.2649www.vitamix.com

ECOSEATILE SEACOASTERSFirmly committed to recycling andreuse, EcoSeaTile’s collection ishandmade in Southern Maine. Madefrom waste shells recovered fromseafood processing and jewelrymaking plants, EcoSeaTile’s productsare designed to create an eco-friendlylink with the sea. Cleaned, crushedand set by hand in a clear resin,SeaCoasters have a cork backing tokeep any table surface safe. With twodistinct groupings available, theAtlantic Collection features mussel,oyster, lobster and scallop fragmentsand the Pacific Collection featuresabalone, mussel and mother of pearlshell fragments.

EcoSeaTile[tel] 207.244.4466www.ecoseatile.com

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BUYERS GUIDEhome & kitchen storage

These classic French canning jarsand terrines are known as Le Parfait(the perfect). This popular productline includes six sizes of jars and sixsizes of terrines. The sturdy, well-made jars are mostly used forcanning of fruits, vegetables,pickles, preserves and pie fillings.The tapered terrines are mostly usedfor canning of meat and fish pates.The jars and terrines are designed to maintain a vacuum after the packingprocess is completed. They are extremely reliable and very easy to use.These jars and terrines are widely used in France and other Europeancountries. Le Parfait jars and terrines are also popular for use as homestorage containers for tabletop uses and for packing other items thatdon’t require a vacuum. They have many household storage uses andcan be resealed for a lifetime of use. Some of the other products thathave been marketed successfully in Le Parfait are candles, bath salts,body creams, scrubs and lotions, candy, nuts and popcorn. The clarity ofthe glass makes the product highly visible.

Bannex[email] [email protected]

Le Parfait French Jars and Terrines

The European-style twixit!® bag clipsare handy for resealing most bagsof food whether frozen or fresh,bakery goods, liners in cracker orcereal boxes, your favorite bag ofcoffee beans and much more. It'sdesigned to tightly reseal and keepsbagged contents fresh for months.It's easy to use: simply close the cliparound the open end of the bag.Use on all types of bags—paper orplastic. The twixit! is made of durableplastic for years of use. In fact, it’sbeen tested to open and close more than a million times. This Swiss-designedproduct is food-, freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The twixit! hasa memory; if the twixit! gets misshapen, just run it through the dishwashercycle (or immerse in boiling water) and it will return to its original shape.Available in five sizes, it will fit just about any bag on the market. The twixit!performs better when closed around a bag that has been scrunched ratherthan folded.

Linden Sweden[tel] 608.756.8741www.lindensweden.com

Linden Sweden twixit! Bag Clip

Weston Products has partnered withCelebrity Chef Michael Symon tocreate the “Live to Cook”Professional Advantage VacuumSealer. The Professional AdvantageVacuum Sealer is one of the mostrecent additions to the “Live toCook” product line. With a 210-watt,fan-cooled motor, this vacuum sealer delivers 23" HG vacuum strength andis designed to prevent overheating for consistent, reliable sealing. Thisvacuum sealer is equipped to meet any home chef’s needs, featuringmarinate, manual seal and accessory modes. Its brushed stainless steelfinish makes it an attractive addition to any countertop. Accompanyingthe vacuum sealer is a line of Professional Advantage vacuum canistersand vacuum cags in attractive retail packaging for a completemerchandising solution. They are ideal for quick marinating of fresh foodsand flash pickling.Suggested Retail Price: $199.99

Weston Products LLC[tel] 800.814.4895www.westonproducts.com

Weston Live to Cook Vacuum Sealer

Corkscrew. Foil cutter. Cap lifter. TheUltimo Wing Corkscrew does it all soyou don't need three gadgetscluttering up your drawers! This new,patented corkscrew from Italy is thefirst ever to have a built-in foilcutterand still include a strong bottleopener. Of course, this wingcorkscrew is also the strongest and isa dream to use. Just squeeze the twobuttons on the top to engage the cutting wheels to remove the foil capsuleoff the top of the bottle. The corkscrew comes in an all chrome, black orburgundy body.Suggested Retail Price: $8.99

Franmara [tel] 800.423.5855www.franmara.com

Ultimo Wing Corkscrew

The smart rack adjustable andfoldable dish rack is an innovationthat makes using your dish rackpossible for any combination ofpots, pans, glasses, dishes andvirtually anything you clean in yoursink. The four rows of prongs collapseto cater to the different shapes andsizes of all your kitchenware. Slidethe drying tray out from underneathfor glasses and mugs; collapse allfour rows for pots and pans, or stack dishes, cups, bottles and more all atthe same time. The rack completely folds into itself for quick andconvenient storage.Suggested Retail Price: $34.99

Full Circle[tel] 866.259.0727www.fullcirclehome.com

Full Circle Smart Rack

KMN Home DrawerDecorInventor Keith Nielson has designed a system for organizing kitchen drawers that makes finding utensils a snap forcooks, and offers orderly and attractivestorage to please any household neatnik. DrawerDecor keeps kitchen utensils suchas spatulas, ladles, and ice cream scoopsfrom shifting when a drawer is opened orclosed. Unlike generic-sized cutlery or-ganizers made of wood, wire or moldedplastic—or thermoformed trays which require consumers to choose the correct size—Nielson's design uses a non-slip rubberymaterial that is tacky to the touch, completely adjustable and easily rinsed clean.Available in KMN Red, sky blue, lime, orange and iris.Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 (16-piece starter kit)

KMN Homewww.kmnhome.com

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BUYERS GUIDEhome & kitchen storage

Lena Bergström Uman HomebagsLena Bergström’s Uman Homebags—storage baskets handmade from wool—are as robust as metal boxes. The functionis as evident as a wood-fetcher or a basketmade of wood chippings, but that’s wherethe similarities end. Material and shape areso harmonious and show such a beautifulbalance between fashion and the rag-mat’s timeless appeal. Lena Bergström’slong experience in designing textiles andglass is readily apparent. The leather handlemeets the wool with a couple of bold rivets.The black interiors lend weight and give theimpression of a cast-iron vessel. Simple yetsumptous, these homebags will enhanceany area.

Design House Stockholm[tel] 845.731.9566 www.designhousestockholm.com

Sensible Designs SpiceStor Organizer SpiceStor Organizer is an easy and cost-effective way to efficiently store andquickly access spices in your kitchen cab-inets, pantry shelves, drawers or on doorsor walls. Most standard, round spice bottles are compatible and can be insertedinto clips that are mounted on SpiceStorpages. The clips can be mounted with pre-applied sticky foam tape in a variety of different layouts onto the SpiceStor pages. Each double-sided populated page occupies about 4 1/2" of horizontalcabinet space. Adjacent units can bemounted side-by-side and do not require additional clearance. Installing multiple pages per cabinet allows easy expansion when there are large numbers of spices. Basicinstallation requires no tools. The optional hanger can be easily taped to the shelf (orscrewed down using the provided screws). Different size pages (full, half and quarter) andextra (large and small) clips are available (sold separately). SpiceStor Organizer is a highquality unbreakable product made in America using recycled/recyclable materials.

Sensible Designs[tel] 708.267.8924www.spicestor.com

NeatDeskOrganize and store all of your importantpapers and electronic recipes in one safe,centralized location. Save all old andpossibly faded written family recipes aswell. The NeatDesk digitizes recipes, foodguides, shopping lists, business cards,receipts—you name it. By scanning theminto Neat’s software, NeatWorks, the keyinformation is automatically extracted andfiled for you. Every word is madesearchable using parsing technology.Instead of printing out mountains of recipesfrom your favorite message boards orwebsites, import e-documents intoNeatWorks. Neat allows you to create your own folders, as you would with a traditionalelectronic filing cabinet. Chefs and foodies alike can file all of their recipes and culinary-related documents based on their personal organization style. File recipes by types,ingredient or occasion.Suggested Retail Price: $399.95

NeatDeskwww.neat.com

FridgeX Tomato & Onion Storage ContainersThe new FridgeX Tomato, Onion storagecontainers preserve onions andtomatoes longer than traditional plasticstorage pieces consequently savingconsumers money that would be lost onspoiled food. Because it is made of FDAapproved non-toxic silicone, it is one of the most eco-friendly and durablefood storage sets on the market. Thecontainers are lightweight, virtuallyunbreakable and stain-and odor-resistant. In bright yellow and orange,they are also a super cute addition toany kitchen. You can even bake in them,as they are non-stick and able to withstand heat of up to 430°. So yes, a handystorage piece for tomatoes and onions, but also a fun, baking piece for individual-sized cakes or aromatic baked tomatoes.Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 (4-piece set)

FridgeXwww.fridgex.com

Conquering kitchen clutter is easywith Everyday Kitchen from IslandBamboo™. Offer your customersorganization and casual luxury withthe pictured suite of solutionsincluding dish rack, paper towelholder and utensil caddy. Each is sold separately. The dish rack is areinvented classic that is spacesaving and versatile and folds flat forstorage. It has specially engineeredgrooves to hold Island Bamboo’slarger ¾" thick cutting boards, aplatform for drying glasses and a removable utility box for utensils, spongesor extra dish towels. Dispense just one towel at a time with the paper towelholder featuring a towel guard to keep towels from unwinding. Smartlydesigned, perfectly portable and built to last, the utensil caddy keepsutensils close at hand with five compartments to efficiently organize napkinswith everyday flatware or bamboo cutlery for outdoor dining. Suggested Retail Price: $11.99-39.99

Island Bamboo[tel] 949.492.9921www.islandbamboo.com

Island Bamboo Everyday Kitchen

Yube CubeWant storage solutions that are attrac-tive as well as easy, personalized andsustainable? Yube betcha! Yube is theultimate modular furniture system, offering personalized variations to bestsuit one’s individual style, space andbudget. Each Yube Cube features foursides—composed of a frame and outerpanels made of eco-friendly materials—that easily and rigidly lock into place for effort-free assembly. Individual Yube Cubes can be combined and/orstacked vertically or horizontally into virtually endless configurations. Inspiredby European cube design, Yube Cubesare made of recyclable and biodegrad-able materials. Made from sugarcaneafter the juice has been extracted, Yubepanels are almost edible! The frames are made of “woodlite”—a moldablethermoplastic mixed with fiber madefrom bamboo, the renowned renewablewood source.Suggested Retail Price: Starts at $29.50(basic white cube)

Yube Cubewww.yubecube.com

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BUYERS GUIDEhome & kitchen storage

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Emsa by Frieling Clip & Close Storage ContainersAs more and more consumers discover thatnot all plastic storage containers are alike,Emsa by Frieling expands its line of Clip &Close™ food storage containers, now withhandy, removable inserts for three of itsmost popular sized containers. Certified“baby food safe” and BPA-free, the 29-SKUClip & Close line is unsurpassed in quality,food safety and convenience features forstoring any type of food. Made in Germany to the highest quality standards, these con-tainers with inserts keep food fresh separately and is ideal for packing lunches or snacks,storing leftovers or even a whole meal in one container. It is also perfect for pre-portioningfoods. Emsa by Frieling offers three options: two sizes (6.4" x 4.4" x 2.3" and 7.8" by 5.4" x 2.8")containing two dividing inserts and one size (8.9" x 6.6" x 2.3") with three dividing inserts. Sold open stock or in assorted sets.Suggested Retail Price: $4.50-29.99

Frielingwww.frieling.com

Evriholder Handy Bagg’RRe-using grocery bags is not a newpractise, but one that has spannedgenerations and households. Too oftenthough, the plastic bags hang awkwardlyover drawers requiring nearly constantattention to keep them from falling andspilling their contents whenever someonewalks past them or needs to open andclose the drawer or door. For that reason,Evriholder Products® has developed thenew patented Handy Bagg’R™, whichturns an ordinary plastic shopping bag intoan easy-to-use trash holder. Cleverlydesigned with special rotation technology,the head of the Handy Bagg’R either hangs on a drawer or cabinet, or rotates to slipover a knob. In the garage or shop, just slip the head over a nail or hook and open thearms until they hit the stop mechanism, twist the hanger to go over a cabinet or draweror hang over a knob and then pull the handles of the shopping bag onto each arm.Presto; you’re done! The handy Bagg’R is top-rack dishwasher safe and folds forconvenient storage.Suggested Retail Price: $4.99

Evriholder Products[tel] 800.975.0335www.evriholder.com

UT Wire D-Wings When one factors in the tower, monitor,keyboard, mouse, modem, speakers andprinter, the average home computerconfiguration has seven electrical cords.Anyone who has ever tried to disconnector rearrange a computer setup knows justhow much of a tangled mess that jumbleof cords can become. The latest productby UT Wire, D-Wings are designed tocontrol cords and cables the hassle-freeway with peel, stick and stay ease. D-Wings corral electrical cords into a neatand compact compartment and thenallow them to be threaded and keptexactly where the consumer wants themto go. The newest product by UT Wire, thecreators of the Q Knot cord-organizingsolution, D-Wings give electric cords ahelping wing when it comes to controllingtheir unruly ways. D-Wings require no tools or special skills to install. They can be simplypeeled and stuck to stay in place where they are put. An ideal solution for audio/videocords, chargers, lighting cords, computer cables, power cables, telephone cords andholiday lights alike.

UT Wirewww.ut-wire.com

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BUYERS GUIDEhome & kitchen storage

Full Circle Fresh Air Compost Collectors The Fresh Air kitchen compost collector is acountertop compost bin that, unlike sealedcompost containers, permits air to easily flowthrough organic kitchen waste. The use ofbreathable, compostable bags and theunique, built-in wind flume system promoteaerobic decomposition. The collector comeswith five compostable bags. The Fresh Aircomes in two stylish colors, Cool Earth andGreen Slate.Made of plant-based plastics, thebags are 2.5 gallons to fit the Fresh Air compostcollector and other home composting bins.Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (Fresh Air), $5.99 (Renew Compostable Waste bag, 25 count)

Full Circle[tel] 866.259.0727www.fullcirclehome

Gnam Bread Bin for AlessiKeep your bread and biscuits fresh in theGnam Bread Bin. Its smooth design andoval shape makes it a perfect fit for kitchencounters. This spacious bin comes in fourgreat colors (white, black, blue and yellow)that are sure to add a wonderful vibe toyour kitchen.

Alessi[tel] 212.431.1310www.alessi.com

ClickClack CubesClickClack prides itself on making stylish, functionalkitchenware that’s user friendly, airtight, durableand high-quality. ClickClack Cubes are pleasingto the eye with their sleek, modular design. TheCubes come with clear bodies and white, black orred soft-toggle lids. They are designed to stackwhen in use or nest when not. Cubes come in setsof three: one with .9 L/1 qt., 1.9 L/2 qt., 3.3 L/3.5 qt.;and one with 1.4 L/1.5 qt., 2.8 L/3 qt., 4.3L/4.5 qt.

Innova Products Ltd.[tel] 800.884.4543www.clickclack.com

Lancaster Colony Deep Roaster CollectionMade of 100 percent recyclable, borosilicateglass, the 5.5 Quart Deep Roasters are easyto clean, lighter in weight and more resistantto temperature. These 16-1⁄16" x 103⅛" itemscan go from a household refrigerator orfreezer to an oven and on to the table andthe dishwasher. These must-have pieces areideal for a vast array of recipes from lasagnaand casseroles to side dishes and more.Deep Roasters come complete with a BPA-free lid for storage convenience.

Lancaster Colony Commercial Products[tel] 800.292.7260 or 614.263.2850www.lccpinc.com

Page 21: Kitchenware News June 2012

GIFTWAREwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 21

Across the board, Americans have beenpacking meals to school and work—notjust to make their diets more healthy, butsave money, too. A tasty and nutritiouslunch is something every student needs inorder to thrive. While purchasing a mealat a cafeteria each day can add up, packinga lunch is an excellent wayfor consumers to eat healthilyand on a budget. OXO GoodGrips LockTop Containersoffer leakproof, airtight,snapping lids. Thesecontainers are compatiblewith freezers, microwaves,and dishwashers. They areavailable in 11 sizes from 2 ounces to as large as 12.5cups. The largest containersare perfect for sandwiches,leftovers and snacks.

There are also ways forconsumers to add a littlevintage fun to their healthy,packed lunches. According toMeryl Rader, Public Relations Consultantfor Vandor, consumers are drawn toproducts that offer nostalgic connectionand personal expression. This has been theexperience of Vandor, a manufacturer ofeveryday products featuring legendarylicenses. Vandor reported a 36 percentincrease in revenues for 2011. Thecompany produces drinkware andstationery featuring iconic figures such asStar Wars characters, the Beatles, Dr.Seuss, Hello Kitty and Marvel Comics.Tom Russo, Vandor CEO, said, “Retrolicensed merchandise had historically beenfor keepsake use, so we set out to expandinto more functional, everyday use items,such as water bottles, travel mugs andrecycled shopper totes.”

Sakar International has launched acollection of Hello Kitty branded kitchenappliances. Consumers can serve up hearty,before-school pancakes from their HelloKitty pancake maker, or put together anafter-school snack with the Hello Kitty icecream maker, popcorn popper, or cottoncandy maker. The college student willappreciate the Hello Kitty dorm refrigeratorand microwave oven. These products comein the distinct Hello Kitty pink colorscheme with the global icon decked out inher trademark bow.

College students love soda andSodaStream, the world’s largestmanufacturer, distributor and marketer ofhome carbonation systems, can make theirhabit easier, cheaper and healthier. TheSodaStream carbonates water, to whichflavor is added. This is a great alternative

to purchasing bottles or cans of water orsoda at the store. Sodastream sodamixcontains no high-fructose corn syrup oraspartame and is therefore healthier thanmany store-bought sodas. In addition,SodaStream is both economical and goodfor the environment, as its reusable bottlescut back on waste. SodaStream sodamakers operate without electricity orbatteries, making them the perfectappliance for cramped dorm rooms.

For hydration-minded consumers, BZBProducts produces Sharkskinzz, a line ofeco-friendly folding hydration bottles.Berry Stefel, Brand Manager forSharkskinzz, said the children’s productline is especially relevant to back-to-schooltime. These children’s water bottles aresmaller and have no-lose caps that arealways attached. They feature AI film,which keeps liquids fresher longer. Thebottles aren’t just for water and juices, Stefel

said. Consumers can also packapplesauce and other purees in theirkids’ lunches. In addition, manychildren collect and trade thesewater bottles for their fun designs.

While the NRF is showing mostback-to-school shoppers start early,about a third wait until the lastminute.

“For retailers,” said Ellen Davis ofthe NRF, “it will be important tomove merchandise around in thesupply chain, when possible, totake advantage of sales peaks asschool bells start ringing indifferent areas of the country.”

Giftwarehome fragranceback-to-school

Back-to-School(Cont. from Page 1)

KOKUBO EGG SHAPERSKokubo Egg Shapers transform ordinaryboiled eggs into delightful shapes thatwill add an amusing touch to lunchboxes. Shapes include fish, car, rabbitand bear. To create a fun-shaped egg,while the boiled egg is still hot (watchyour fingers!), peel the eggshell, put thepeeled egg into the mold and closethe lid gently. Immerse the mold in coldwater for about 10 minutes. Then openthe lid and sneak the shaped egg intoa child’s lunch. Instant lunch hero!

Inno-Labs[tel] 620.229.9800www.inno-labs.com

Page 22: Kitchenware News June 2012

GIFTWARE www.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW22

Giftwareback-to-school

STARFRIT MAC AND CHEESE PANCanada’s leading purveyor ofkitchen preparation productsintroduces the ultimate comfort foodessential: the Starfrit mac and cheesepan, designed to make easy anddelicious one-pot pasta and noodlemeals. Perfect for the busy student,harried mom or pasta dish enthusiast,the mac and cheese pan features aperforated lid for releasing steamduring cooking and easily drainingwater once the noodles are ready.With a simple turn, the lid locks inplace by overlapping and latchingonto the rim of the saucepan,remaining secure as the water poursout. Add favorite cheese mixtures orsauces to the cooked pasta right inthe pan, stir and voila!—ascrumptious meal in minutes. Thenon-stick coating allows for healthiercooking and easy clean-up of eventhe gooiest, creamiest cheesydelight. Made of pressed aluminumwith a heat-resistant, Bakelite handle,the mac and cheese Pan has a 2.5-quart capacity. Inspired by thecurrent color-blocking trend as seenon the runways and in fashionspreads, the mac and cheese pan isavailable in a mix of fashion-forwardshades: red, blue, purple, green,yellow and orange, as well as in solidblack or red.

Starfrit[tel] 514.871.1671www.catcora.com

VITACLAY RICE AND SLOW COOKERWorld-renowned nutritionist and co-author of “The 150 Healthiest SlowCooker Recipes on Earth”, JonnyBowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., rated VitaClay®

his top rice and slow cooker: “Thiscooker has a natural clay pot insert thatallows you to cook perfect grains everytime. It doubles as a rice cooker anddoes something unique and wonderfulto stew beef.” Tired of Teflon? Lookingfor perfect rice, grains, oatmeal, broth,beans and stew every time? Discoverthe wonder of clay. There is no needfor added water or oil; the clay naturallypreserves texture, flavor, vitamins andtaste. Whether cooking for a few or thewhole crew, your nutritious, whole mealis just minutes away with VitaClay. Knowa high school graduate? VitaClay is theperfect gift for students going off tocollege—it can cook up dinner inminutes in a dorm or small apartmentand is so versatile it can cook just aboutanything: from rice and oatmeal tospaghetti and meatballs, beef stew andsteamed veggies. Show your graduateyou care with VitaClay!

VitaClay[tel] 877.877.9121www.vitaclaychef.com

EVRIHOLDER NESTLÉ PUZZ-L-MUG The Puzz-L-Mug™ is a super cool itemfeaturing the beloved Nesquik Bunnythat doubles as your favorite drinkingmug and fun puzzle all in one! The wallof the mug is divided into four sections,two of which rotate, so they can betwisted and turned until all the levelsmatch up and the Nesquik Bunnygraphic is revealed. Puzz-L-Mug is handwashable and made from BPA-freefood-safe plastic.Suggested Retail Price: $3.99

Evriholder Products[tel] 800.975.0335www.evriholder.com

TAKEYA ON-THE-GO TUMBLERSTakeya presents the On-the-Go Tea andCoffee Tumbler collections in twomediums: stainless steel and glass. Thestainless steel tumbler is the ideal travelcompanion as it's sturdy, stylish and easilybrews tea. The glass tumbler is delightfulwith its elegant rim and its full view ofthe beverage. The stainless steel tumblerfeatures a removable tea infuser, andeither an elegant leaf design or a sleek,unadorned exterior. The double-wall alsoprevents condensation from forming onthe outer wall. The glass tumbler has asmooth glass rim, which is comfortableon the lip and elevates the quality ofthe drinking experience. The siliconesleeve ensures a non-slip grip and the easy-sip lid fits snugly on the tumbler.The glass tumblers are available in green and clear or in black and clear.The 16-ounce BPA-free, tumblers aredishwasher safe.Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

Takeya[tel] 714.374.9900www.takeyausa.com

EVRIHOLDER SESAME STREET LUNCHFUN BAGS Now kids can eat their lunch with theirfavorite Sesame Street character, havefun and learn—all at the same time—with Sesame Street LunchFun™ Bags.The adorable colored paper lunchbags come in a 10-pack assortment.Each pack contains four Elmo, threeCookie Monster and three Oscar theGrouch lunch bags with fun,educational activities on the back ofeach bag. The bags are available inopen stock, clip strips, counter displays,end caps and side caps. Suggested Retail Price: $3.99

Evriholder Products[tel] 800.975.0335www.evriholder.com

ALADDIN INSULATED TO-GO FOOD CONTAINER New from Aladdin are the 12-ounceand 24-ounce Insulated To-Go FoodContainers that allow you to make yourown take-out. Both are double-wallinsulated to allow food to stay hotterlonger and feature see-through lids. Aninternal divider allows your lunch itemsto stay separate. Need to microwaveyour lunch? Go ahead and zap it, asthe microwave-safe container stayscool to the touch. The containers areleak-proof and dishwasher safe.Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 (24-ounce), $9.99 (12-ounce)

Aladdinwww.aladdin-pmi.com

THERMOS FOOGOThermos Foogo Phases drinkware andaccessories will add a fun, fashionableflair to this line of children's products for ages 6 months and older. ThermosFoogo drinkware combines greatfashion with function in this sophisticated,yet whimsical, line of baby products.Tripoli, a gray and green throwbackdesign and Poppy Patch, a strawberryand black floral print, are great forparents looking for an alternative totraditional pink and blue. The vibrant,playfully designed BPA-free drink cupsare offered in double wall vacuuminsulated stainless steel and in EastmanTritan copolymer. Foogo drinkware also features three interchangeable lid types that create 24 possibledrinkware combinations to grow withyour child. The newly designed Foogoproducts also include food storage,diaper bags, totes, backpacks andmore—all built with the signatureThermos insulation technology.

Thermos LLCwww.thermos.com

Page 23: Kitchenware News June 2012

UPCOMING EVENTSwww.kitchenwarenews.com n JUNE 2012 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 23

Upcoming EventsTrade Show Buzz

JUNE 20121-4 Kansas City Gift ShowGift Mart of Kansas City

Kansas City, KS, 913.687.8059www.giftmartofkansascity.com

2-4 American Craft Retailers Expo

Las Vegas Convention CenterLas Vegas, NV, 888.427.2381

acrelasvegas.com

10-11 Market Square’s The Buyers Cash & Carry

Greater Philadelphia Expo CenterOaks, PA, 717.796.2377

www.marketsquareshows.com

11-13 NEOCON World’s Trade FairThe Merchandise Mart

Chicago, IL, 800.677.6278www.neocon.com

12-14 Licensing International Expo

Mandalay Bay Convention CenterLas Vegas, NV, 310.857.7620www.licensingexpo.com

17-19 Summer Fancy Food ShowWalter E. Washington Convention Center

Washington, DC, 212.482.6440www.specialtyfood.com

20-26 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Dallas Market CenterDallas, TX, 800.DAL.MKTS

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

22-24 Dwell on DesignLos Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles, CA, 415.373.5100

http://dod.dwell.com

JULY 201211-18 Atlanta International Gift,

Home Furnishings & Holiday MarketAmericasMart Atlanta

Atlanta, GA, 800.ATL.MARTwww.americasmart.com

17-23 CMC Gift & Home MarketCalifornia Market Center

Los Angeles, CA, 213.630.3600 www.californiamarketcenter.com

19-25 Chicago MarketMerchandise Mart

Chicago, IL, 800.677.6278www.shopchicagomarket.com

22-25 Philadelphia Gift ShowGreater Philadelphia Expo Center

Oaks, PA, 678.285.3976www.philadelphiagiftshow.com

25-31 California Gift ShowL.A. Mart

Los Angeles, CA, 800.LAMART4www.lamart.com

www.californiagiftshow.com

30-Aug. 3 Las Vegas MarketWorld Market Center MarketLas Vegas, NV, 866.229.3574www.lasvegasmarket.com

AUGUST 20123-6 Kansas City Gift ShowGift Mart of Kansas City

Kansas City, KS, 913.687.8059www.giftmartofkansascity.com

12-15 CGTA Gift ShowToronto International Centre &Toronto Congress Centre

Toronto, Canada, 800.611.6100www.cgta.org

18-23 New York International Gift Fair + Gourmet Housewares ShowJacob K. Javits Convention CenterNew York, NY, 800.272.SHOW

www.nyigf.com

19-22 Alberta Gift ShowNorthlands Agricom

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, 877.281.0005www.albertagiftshow.com

26-29 Montreal Gift ShowPlace Bonaventure

Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 877.281.0005www.montrealgiftshow.com

SEPTEMBER 20128-10 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Dallas Market CenterDallas, TX, 800.DAL.MKTS

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

21-23 Atlanta Fall Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market

AmericasMart AtlantaAtlanta, GA, 800.ATL.MARTwww.americasmart.com

21-23 Chicago MarketMerchandise Mart

Chicago, IL, 800.677.6278www.shopchicagomarket.com

30-Oct. 2 Fall Gift & Home MarketL.A. Mart

Los Angeles, CA, 800.LAMART4www.lamart.com

www.californiagiftshow.com

OCTOBER 20125-8 Kansas City Gift ShowGift Mart of Kansas City

Kansas City, KS, 913.687.8059www.giftmartofkansascity.com

are enjoying the results so much that they’replanning to continue cooking and eating athome even if there’s no longer an economicimperative for doing so. “Cooking schoolsare gaining popularity across the country,”notes Kristi Forbes, Vice President ofLeasing for AmericasMart, who spoke withme recently about how her marketplace haspositioned itself to help retailers capitalizeon the trend.

Three and a half years ago, AmericasMartexpanded into a new building andincorporated an expanded gourmetmarketplace and demonstration kitchen intoits assemblage of home products vendors.AmericasMart includes more than 8,800exhibit booths, which join the more than1,400 permanent showrooms operatingwithin the three-building complex to createthe world’s single-largest collection of home,gift, rug and apparel product. During the

BY LORRIE BAUMANN

If you’re looking to broaden your appeal withadditional product lines, you might want totake a look at what AmericasMart is doing.We talked last month about how theeconomy is prompting new retailers to addgourmet products into their product linesto appeal to a wider range of customers,increasing the competition for specialty foodsretailers. But that horse can be ridden inmore than one direction, and the folks atAmericasMart have set themselves up tooffer you ideas in how to position a specialtyfoods or kitchenware shop into a one-stoplifestyle shop that caters to consumers whoare increasingly interested in cooking andentertaining in their own homes.

The economy has been driving the trend,but recent survey results are showing thatconsumers who’ve taken to emulating thecelebrity chefs they’re seeing on television

January and July Atlanta International Gift& Home Furnishings Markets, you can seeso many products in just a few days thatyou’re bound to come away with a wealth ofmerchandising ideas as well as the satisfactionof a successful shopping trip and the fun ofmeeting a celebrity chef. “Retailers are goingto find those golden nuggets of inspirationthey might never have considered before togrow their businesses,” is how Forbes says it.

The demonstration kitchen is at the heartof the gourmet and housewares marketplace,which is situated so you can move easilyfrom the gourmet area over to look at gardenproducts for your customers with outdoorliving spaces and then to the tabletopvendors, then to home accents vendors tocreate beautiful living rooms and then on tosee the folks who make the stationeryproducts and other gift options useful foryour customers who are planning weddingreceptions and baby showers. “We’re creatingan overall lifestyle marketplace so our retailerscan take all those options back to theircustomers and help them create what theyenvision for their homes,” Forbes said. “It

C A L E N D A RTRADESHOW

really blends beautifully.”

While you’re shopping at the market this July11-18, you’ll want to make time to see one ofthe great cooking demonstrations that willbe presented each day during the market. Thelineup includes a Farm Fresh and Localdemonstration by Chefs Chris Hall and RyanTurner of Local Three in Atlanta. On Friday,July 13, there are demonstrations on Italianand Spanish cooking, skinny summer recipes,and entertaining made simple, and onSaturday, July 14, the program includes ademonstration on brunches, recipes from “TheHappy Everything Cookbook,” a visit withChef Curtis Stone, a class on gluten-freedishes, and a presentation on wine from theRioja region of Spain. Then on Saturday, thedemonstrations are about Italian menus foryour family and summer beverages from theL’EQUIP RPM professional blender. Mightbe worth a trip just to hang around thedemonstration kitchen and hope for samplesand photo sessions with the celebrity chefs!

Find out more about AmericasMart atwww.americasmart.com.

Bannex International.........................................14

Bella Tavola/The Alison Group .....................16

Cook Pro .............................................................15

Fire Wire ................................................................4

Franmara..............................................................20

Full Circle............................................................19

Howard Products...............................................12

Linden Sweden...................................................19

Parasia International ............................................2

Parrish’s Cake Decorating Supplies ..................5

Prime Way ...........................................................21

Prodyne ..................................................................6

R.S.V.P. International ..........................................9

Talisman Designs .................................................4

Tribest Corp. .........................................................8

Weston/Pragotrade ...........................................13

Wilshire Industries...............................................3

ADVERTISER INDEX