Industry Update

• Electrolux announces theme for Design Lab 2013
  Electrolux’s Design Lab 2013 will have "Urban Living" as the theme for the company’s annual competition for design students from around the world. The theme choice is intended to reflect a global reality that an increasing percentage of the world’s population now lives in densely populated urban areas. ApplianceMagazine.com (1/11)     

• Tiger bucks British sales trends
  Danish housewares retailer Tiger is producing strong sales numbers and growth projections on the British market without using the Internet. Overall retail numbers for the 2012 holiday season grew only because of strong online increases, but Tiger bucked the trend, posting 55% growth in December with no online presence. The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model) (1/12)     

Trends & Innovations

• Toaster designed for easy handling
  Ariet’s Toaster Brunch is designed to make toasting even the most oddly shaped baked good easy. The appliance features a removable set of toaster cages outfitted with plastic handles that remain cool to the touch. Gizmodo Australia (1/13)     

• Various gadgets available to make portion control easy
  Designers and manufacturers are coming forward with a variety of new products to help promote healthy eating portions. The Joseph Joseph Spaghetti Measure, SmartSpace Countertop Dispenser and Measure Up Bowl are among the products that help take the guesswork out of selecting a healthy-sized portion. Glamour (1/2013)     

• Which? picks favorite modern kitchen gadgets for a British kitchen
  Which? makes its picks for the top five clever kitchen gadgets for any British home. Breadmakers that can make jam and slow cookers that can roast are among the multi-tasking tools that made the list. Which.co.uk (London) (1/12)     

Retail News

• Lowe's highlights "smart home" products at CES
  Home improvement retailer Lowe’s sponsored a special reception at the Consumer Electronics Show to highlight its new line of products in the "smart home" category. The company’s Iris system is designed to let homeowners control their homes using a computer, tablet or smart phone. Home Channel News (1/11)     

• Tallying the true cost of retail theft
  Retailers aren't the only ones hurt by shoplifters and organized retail thieves -- their actions drive up the price of goods for consumers, experts say. "Fighting these self-serving and unethical criminals has been a tedious battle, but we remain resolute in our efforts and our partnerships with law enforcement to combat this growing problem," said NRF's Rich Mellor. Middletown Journal (Ohio) (1/13)     

• Macy's, a merchant of many channels
  Macy's bucked the slower holiday trends this season, largely because it saw a payoff from its investments in online retail. "The Internet has not only helped Macy's engage and serve new customers, but it has also helped them serve existing customers better," said analyst Liz Dunn. Crain's New York Business (1/13)     

Finance & Policy

• Import surge drives up U.S. trade deficit
  The U.S. trade deficit reached $48.7 billion in November, the highest level in seven months, the Commerce Department says. Increased importation of vehicles and a wide range of consumer goods played a big part. Decreased exports to Europe set back manufacturers. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/Money & Co. blog (1/11)     

• House Republicans are ready to back default, party says
  House Republican leaders said more than half of their members are ready to force the U.S. government to default on its debt by refusing to raise the debt limit, to pressure President Barack Obama to back spending cuts. An even greater number of House Republicans are ready to shut down the government over the issue, they said. Politico (Washington, D.C.)/Behind the Curtain blog (1/13), Reuters (1/13)     

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by Housewares SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• Kitchen trends for 2013 emphasize efficiency, sustainability (Which.co.uk (London))

• Haier unveils high-tech blender (PCWorld)

• 7 Macy's Inc. stores will be closed by spring (SCT Newswire)

• For the love of knives (The Sacramento Bee (Calif.) (free registration))

• Espresso machine launched by Bialetti (Drinks Business Review)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

IHA News

• Paint the Show Store pink
  During the International Home + Housewares Show, the Show Store is the place where attendees and exhibitors can make reservations for the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) or purchase tickets to the Industry Breakfast. The Show Store also sells pink products to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the HCF's legacy charity. Exhibitors are needed to donate pink product that can be sold at the Store for a nominal price -- under $20 -- all proceeds to benefit BCRF. Past merchandise has included pink hair dryers, hair brushes, thermoses, magnets and bracelets for the cause. For more information, contact Ginny Costello.     

• Plan now to attend the industry's premier housewares marketplace
  Profit from the experience and plan to attend the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show, March 2 to 5 at Chicago's McCormick Place. The Show, which opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, will feature 2,100 companies from around the globe and more than 60,000 attendees. If you haven't registered for your free Show badge, sign up today. The Show's registration website includes easy one-stop shopping for making your hotel reservations and airfare. Register today.     

SmartQuote

You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm." --Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, French novelist and performer