CHICAGO–Respecting generational divides, living within one’s means, the live-in kitchen, the “green” kitchen, the wellness kitchen and cooking for fun are the most important trends in the housewares industry, according to a panel that was conducted during the just-completed International Home & Housewares Show.
Tom Mirabile, vice president of global trend and design for Lifetime Brands, moderated the panel, which included Susan Yashinsky, vice president of marketing for Sphere Trending; Sharilyn Ruckman, president of Ruckman & Co.; and Curt Bailey, president of Sundberg-Ferar. The panel first noted the divides among Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Prime-Timers (age 64 and older), and noted the following about other trends:
•Living in the kitchen: Vendors need to consider the entire kitchen experience and how they segment and cross-sell their merchandise across kitchen zones such as food preparation, gaming and crafting, and entertaining.
•Living within one’s means: The recession is changing the way consumers view cash versus credit, making product durability more important and redefining leisure activities.
•The green kitchen: Being green is emerging as a key factor in how consumers view companies and products.
•The wellness kitchen: Nutrition, plans to live longer and an overall commitment to well-being are crucial to consumers.
•Cooking for fun: Consumers have become more interested in shared activities and enjoying simple pleasures. This encompasses a growing interest in cooking among men and children as well.