Housewares SmartBrief

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February 19, 2013

News for and about the housewares industry

Industry Update

JETRO builds up housewares show presence
The Japan External Trade Organization will have two pavilions at this year’s International Home + Housewares Show. JETRO’s presence will include representatives from 19 Japanese companies, featuring products ranging from hand-crafted wood to high-tech items. HomeWorld Business (2/18)

Peter Zumthor, Alessi collaborate on new set
Designer Peter Zumthor is the creative mind behind Alessi’s latest kitchen utensil set. The five-piece set includes an oil and vinegar cruet, and salt, pepper and sugar castors. Building Design (2/18)

Review: Top picks from Ambiente
A fashionable garden hose, snake-inspired wine decanters and a fluffy white chair are among JustLuxe’s top picks from Ambiente’s 2013 show. Over 4,600 exhibitors from 81 countries participated in the European trade show this year. JustLuxe (2/18)

Trends & Innovations

Kansas City bars place emphasis on ideal glassware
Glassware for beer, hard alcohol and wine is serious business for Kansas City bars. Aroma, color, volume and amount of ice are factors that help determine the most appropriate glassware for a particular drink. The Kansas City Star (Mo.) (2/19)

K-Cup alternatives come to market
Manufacturers have come up with cheaper alternatives to the single use K-cups used by single-brew coffee systems. The average single-serve consumer uses 1,000 K-cups a year. WRBL-TV (Columbus, Ga.) (2/18)

Review: Hamilton Beach blender mixes up travel-ready drinks
The Hamilton Beach Single Serve Blender is designed to blend up a morning mix at the touch of a button in just a few seconds, and then transform into a travel cup. The device performed quickly and smoothly, and the travel aspect of the small appliance proved convenient. ConsumerAffairs.com (2/15)

Retail News

Why price matching is the first step to win mobile shoppers
Savvy mobile shoppers know their way around bar codes, QR codes and price-comparison applications, and price-matching programs such as Best Buy's may be just the first step in winning their business, writes Chuck Martin. Free Wi-Fi and personalized offers delivered via text message or by scanning QR codes are the next steps merchants can take to win mobile shoppers. MediaPost Communications/MobileShopTalk blog (2/18)

How can merchants make the most of "Made in America?"
Some 80% of American consumers and 47% of Chinese say they prefer to buy products with the "Made in America" label and would pay more for those products, according to Boston Consulting. Wal-Mart's vow to source more U.S.-made products and designers' investments in New York City's garment district make sense, but only if brands strike the right balance between price and quality, says BCG managing director Harold Sirkin. "Retailers are able to sell goods at a slight premium, but not too much." Advertising Age (tiered subscription model) (2/18)

Finance & Policy

Analysis: Tax-haven crackdown must begin with reform
If governments are to succeed in preventing companies from using tax havens, they will have to reform tax law, according to The Economist. "Governments need to make it harder for companies to use internal ("transfer") pricing to avoid tax," the magazine notes. "Companies should be made to book activity where it actually takes place." The Economist (tiered subscription model) (2/16)

Small investors regain confidence and return to markets
Individual investors who have avoided the capital markets since the financial crisis are starting to overcome their fears and are trading stocks again. Financial advisers are hearing from investors who were highly risk-averse for years but want to start putting money back into equities. The Wall Street Journal (2/18)

IHA News

Government Affairs Committee seeks members
IHA's Government Affairs Committee is looking for new members. This committee plays a central role in helping the housewares industry identify the federal legislative and regulatory issues that can impact the economic and business interests of its members and develop strategies that promote the industry's concerns with elected public officials. Members attend one two-day annual meeting in Washington, D.C., where they will meet with their congressional representatives and provide IHA with input on issues that are critical to their business along with grassroots support. Learn more.

Discover Design at the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show
More than 100 companies showcasing inspired design from around the globe will be exhibiting in the exciting category destination, Discover Design, at the 2013 Show. Located in the Dine + Design Expo in the South Building, Discover Design will feature 116 exhibitors, many new to the Show, including Aesthetic Movement, Areaware, Teroforma, Legnoart, Menu and Present Time. Be sure to visit the Discover Design Gallery to see their newest items in a museum-like display and the Discover Design Lounge with a wine bar and cafe. Learn more.

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	Recent Housewares SmartBrief Issues: Monday, February 18, 2013 Friday, February 15, 2013 Thursday, February 14, 2013 Wednesday, February 13, 2013 Tuesday, February 12, 2013			Lead Editor: Liz DeHoff Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004