In a prepared statement IHA president Phil Brandl said, “This is extremely positive news for our industry, IHA’s Board of Directors has long been in support of staff’s research-based assessment that Chicago is the ideal location for its International Home + Housewares Show to be held, but only if the cost environment is competitive with other venues. This new labor reform will allow us to remain in the world-class city of Chicago and McCormick Place for the longer term. Chicago is an important part of the brand of the show, and this positive change makes it the right place for us to be.”

IHA summarized the key changes that will affect the cost of doing business at the convention center. An exhibitor and/or an exhibitor’s employees are permitted to do the following work in a booth of any size.

• Use a ladder and power hand tools to set up and dismantle a booth.
• Assemble and disassemble materials, machinery, or equipment.
• Install signs, props, ballots and other decorative items.
• Deliver, plug-in, connect, operate electrical equipment, computers and audio-visual devices.
• Re-position or re-skid items in their booth.
• Unload and load materials from a privately owned car with the use of a dolly or non-motorized hand cart.

In addition to these rule changes, IHA stated that there will be reduced overtime for labor services at McCormick Place; electric service will be provided at the cost of service; and food will be offered at a rate not to exceed the cost of providing the service.

Look for more info from IHA on the reforms that affect the cost of doing business at McCormick Place in the future.

Since I am a notoriously bad gardener, I’m thinking these might work for me. The pressure to garden in Maine during the summer is unyielding. I believe everyone in the state has wonderfully overfilled window boxes, spilling over with pansies, petunias and other items I know nothing about.

Since my house sits back and high up from the street, I’m thinking something like the Flat Flowers will give all of those joggers a double take as they run by on their way to the local bakery.

Flat Flowers are made of a static material with no adhesives, so they can be used over and over again. Sizes include 11.8 x 11.8 inch and 11.8 x 14.5 inch. Available in seven different designs with a retail price of $14.95. Flat Flowers are designed and made in the Netherlands. New to the US and Canada, distributed by OOTS! For more info, go  to: www.madebyoots.com/flatflowers.html

Flat Flower decal from OOTS!

Flat Flowers in Use

GLM surveyed some 10,000 retailers, which I think is an amazing commitment to assessing the needs of the industry.

I like the idea of an August Gourmet Housewares Show. My only concern is that the Gourmet Housewares Show would be gone for  essentially 2 years at that point.

The good news is that by 2011, the industry should have shaken off the malaise of the 2009 economy and be on the right track to accept a trade show that provides quality exhibitors, innovative new product, great location and a conducive business environment.

The timer, which can be clipped to the plunger of the French press, is preset for four minutes. According to Frieling, four minutes is the perfect time for coffee to release its full flavor.The timer can also be attached via a built-in magnet.

And for those of us with sensitive natures – at least in the morning – the timer’s alarm is “discreet, yet noticeable.”  I would think this little timer is a perfect addition to a retailer’s coffee accessory line. I know that I have often lost track of time when using a French Press – maybe it’s the morning fog that sets in before my first cup of coffee?  A dedicated timer attached to the plunger makes sense to me.

I don’t have the suggested retail price yet.  I’ll get back to you on that piece of info.

For more information – go to www.frieling.com.

Several new showrooms opened in both 41 Madison and 7 West NY. At 41 Madison, new showrooms such as Signature Housewares, Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Tervis Tumbler took advantage of the newly redesigned 15th floor which features LEED certified carpeting and energy efficient infrastructure. The remodeled floor includes floor to ceiling glass fronts.

We’ll feature new product in the upcoming May issue of Gourmet Business. Until then, I’ll be posting some of the products here for you to enjoy.

One of my favorite products from the show was from Waechtersbach – their new Flame Line. These pieces have the look of a chic planter  but are actually all-purpose containers that you can bake, store and use as your dinnerware. The top of each piece serves as a plate.

Waechtersbach's Flame collection was introduced at the 2010 Spring Tabletop Market

Welcome to my blog on new products, events and trends in the gift and housewares industry. I’m the Executive Editor of Gourmet Business, a new business-to-business e-zine serving the gift and housewares buyer. While the e-zine will be delivered monthly, I’ll be posting info on new products that come across my desk on a daily basis.

This week is filled with last minute preparations for the 2010 International Home + Housewares Show – where the bulk of 2010 product introductions will be seen for the first time by buyers and media from around the world. I can’t wait!

I also can’t wait to talk to all the exhibitors to see what influenced their decisions on product colors, designs, and pricing. Everyone is shaking off last year and looking forward to Spring 2010 and a new marketplace.

I’ll be looking to see how the concept of “value” affects merchandise introductions. Will we see any high end luxury introductions? “Value” seems to be the key word in everyone’s analysis this year. We’ll have to see what that really means at the show.

Naturally, I’ll also be looking forward to some great meals out in one my favorite cities. I am a huge fan of Chicago and love the city, the architecture, the people, the shopping…. everything.  I give thanks to IHA each year for an excuse to be in Chicago.

I’ll see you in the aisles – don’t forget your comfy shoes.

Karen