AT THE SHOW—It’s all sizzle and style in Chicago, as the International Home + Housewares Show opens today.

More than 60,000 attendees are expected at this year’s show — which represents a five percent jump in overall attendance as well as a five percent increase in buyer attendance — and the exhibition floor is sold out, according to the International Housewares Association. Five hundred new companies are exhibiting here.

NEW YORK–Gretchen Gotthart Skeldon, a 22-year veteran at Libbey, passed away from breast cancer yesterday, the company announced. She was 47 years old and had battled the disease for years.
She had held numerous titles over the years at Libbey. Most recently, she was the national retail sales manager.

TAUNTON, Mass.–Reed & Barton, marketers of fine tableware and giftware, announced yesterday the acquisition of Lunt Silversmiths following its Chapter 11 filing in December.
Established in 1902, Lunt’s product range includes sterling and stainless steel flatware, holloware and giftware.
The price of the acquisition was not made public. A Reed & Barton spokesperson said none of Lunt Silvermith’s executives will be retained.

NEW YORK–WWRD Holdings Limited, owners of Wedgwood, Waterford Crystal and Royal Doulton brands, will make licensed products for the 2012 London Olympic Games, according to a report from the Design Week Web site.
The report said that WWRD will produce ceramic and crystal items, including limited edition pieces. The Olympic items will be available at retail later this year.
WWRD Holdings did not confirm the report by press time.

NEW YORK–“Focus Forward NYIGF 2013,” a strategic reorganization of the New York International Gift Fair, comprising a series of considered changes to product categories and layout, was announced yesterday by show organizer GLM.

NEW YORK–MMPI, organizers of the NYC Baby and Kids Fair, said that Saturday, the opening day of the event, “was upbeat with buyers from across the U.S. and around the world” walking the corridors of 7 W New York, the site of the inaugural event.
“The exhibitor mix and intimate feel of the space really made for a successful first day,” according to a statement from MMPI.
The NYC Baby and Kids Fair runs through Feb. 4.

ITASCA, Ill.–Enesco has named Linda Simpson its vice president of creative services.
Simpson will lead the global creative and design function at Enesco and Department 56, and expand Enesco’s licensing initiatives and relationships with outside artists.
Simpson is the former vice president of product development at Demdaco’s Silvestri division, where her responsibilities included managing global design teams.
At Enesco, Simpson will report to Sujata Luther, managing partner and executive vice president.

MONTGOMERY, Ala.–Chad Beasley has joined Caffco as its national sales manager for the independent and specialty retail market. Most recently, Beasley served as OneCoast’s southeastern regional sales manager.
Earlier this year, Caffco named Tim Matt its product development/designer. His work history includes stints with Transpac Imports, Clay Art and Pacific Rim.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The New York International Gift Fair has teamed up with Editoratlarge.com, an online community connecting manufacturers and designers with editors of shelter and lifestyle publications.
Editoratlarge.com will post news about exhibitors’ new products and NYIGF releases and events on its daily news feed, as well as have pre-show and during-the-show coverage of the winter market, Jan. 30 to Feb. 4.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-Fifteen new companies will exhibit their wares in the At Home section of the winter New York International Gift Fair, according to a statement from GLM, owner and manager of the trade show.

NEW YORK—MacKenzie-Childs has debuted its broad line of home decor at the flagship location of Saks Fifth Avenue here, according to a statement from the manufacturer.

FRANKFURT, Germany-Tendence 2010 will return to its traditional August schedule, as the show moves to Aug. 27 to Aug. 31.
Show organizers Messe Frankfurt said the move reflects an extensive poll of exhibitors and visitors, with two thirds of those polled recommending early autumn dates. Tendence 2008 and 2009 were held in early July.

NEW YORK–Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ charitable organization, has announced that three people have joined its board. Pamela Graves, editorial director of HomeFashion & Hospitality magazine; Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions; and Patricia Norins, founder and publisher of Pinnacle Publishing Group, now bring the total number of Gift for Life board members to 35, who represent such industries as sales, manufacturing, media, technology, marketing, management, retail and tradeshow management.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Accessories Resource Team, the association for thedecorative accessories industry, will hold its annual conference next May at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in the Palm Springs Valley. Scheduled for May 20 to 23, the conference will include its popular Retail Face Lift exercise, where teams compete to re-merchandise stores in the area, as well as other creative workshops.

NEW YORK–The 7 W New York showroom building will debut the first NYC Baby & Kids Fair during the New York Gift and Home Textiles Market in late January and early February of next year.
The event will take place on the building’s 11th floor from Saturday, Jan. 30 to Monday, Feb. 1. Exhibitors will display baby and kids’ apparel, accessories, furnishings, gifts and textiles.

NEW YORK–7 W New York will introduce the first NYC Baby & Kids Fair during the New York Gift and Home Textiles Market this coming February.
The event will highlight exhibitors of baby and kids apparel, accessories, furnishings, gifts and textiles. It is scheduled to take place on the showroom building’s 11th floor from Feb. 1-3, 2010.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.–Williamsburg, the home brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is scheduled to return to QVC Friday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. for the Williamsburg: Home for All Seasons broadcast. During the one-hour show, Williamsburg home stylist Cindy Cragg will share her tips for decorating the home for the holidays as well as offer shoppers signature new pieces from the Williamsburg Home for All Seasons collection.

BOULDER, Colo.–AeroGrow has allied with the National Gardening Association to create National Indoor Gardening Day, which has been set for Sept. 1.
The day will include free one-hour classes about how to bring an outdoor garden indoors, how to grow fresh produce indoors and how to start outdoor garden seedlings in the spring. The classes will be taught by AeroGrow employees, and will include giveaways of free AeroGardens. They are scheduled for Anchorage, Ala., Burlington, Vt., Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Franklin Corp. and Lam Lee have taken new showroom space at the International Home Furnishings Center.

White Plains, N.Y. —With the Gourmet Housewares Show only a few weeks away, August 8 to 10, show organizer GLM announced that a diverse group of independent and big box retailers from around the country are expected to attend.
“From Williams-Sonoma to QVC, we believe that attendees of the 2009 Gourmet Housewares Show will find what they need for the upcoming fall/winter season, putting them ahead of their competition,” said Penny Sikalis, Gourmet Housewares Show vice president and show manager.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–In an effort to expand the tradeshow experience, the Gourmet Housewares Show has launched its Online Catalog Gallery so visitors can browse manufacturers’ product catalogs at its Web site. So far 10 catalogs, from such companies as Breville, Nespresso, Nordic Ware and Scanpan, are already posted, and about 50 more are anticipated.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Attendees at the International Housewares Association’s 12th Annual Housewares Charity Foundation Gala are in for a treat, as the evening’s food will be prepared by a number of James Beard award winning chefs from Chicago. Grant Achatz of Alinea; Rick and Deann Bayless of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo; Paul Kahan of Blackbird, avec and The Publican; Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia; Bruce Sherman of North Pond; and Art Smith of Table Fifty-Two will prepare their signature dishes for the event, scheduled for Monday, March 23, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.

ATLANTA–The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market will take place together with The Atlanta International Fine Linen & Home Textiles Market next month.
Both trade shows are scheduled for March 14 to March 16 at AmericasMart Atlanta here. Collections can be viewed at 3,000 showrooms in the Home Accents and Fine Linens Center, Building 1, floors nine to 13; and in the Home, Holiday and Floral Center, Building 1, floors 16 to 20.

LOS ANGELES–Tulino Design Group has launched a new Web site, tulinodesigngroup.com. TDGI specializes in the housewares packaging industry and has recently expanded into complete identity building and collateral materials for all aspects of advertising and design. The site contains an updated portfolio with user friendly navigation and a clean, fresh look and feel.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.–The Williamsburg: Home for All Seasons collection will launch on QVC later this month.
Inspired by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s design resources, the new line includes bedding, rugs, pillows, glassware, lamps, topiaries, wreaths and decorative accessories. It debuts on President’s Day, Feb. 16. Product sales support the preservation, research and educational programs of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the not-for-profit organization that oversees the restored colonial capital in Williamsburg, Va.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–GLM has rescheduled the start date for the summer version of the New York International Gift Fair to Saturday, Aug. 15.
Previously, the scheduled start date for the show was Friday, Aug. 14. In a statement issued last week, GLM said the new date is a return to the traditional Saturday-to-Thursday staggered opening-closing date pattern. The gift fair will conclude on Thursday, Aug. 20.

NEW YORK–Bloggers from design and trend-watching Web sites chose innovative products and emerging trends at the Accent on Design division of the recently completed New York International Gift Fair.
The first-ever Bloggers’ Choice Awards included the following:
• Hollister Hovey of HollisterHovey.blogspot.com chose the Strida MOOF bike by Areaware for its classic European bike elements and modern, simple construction.

ONEIDA, N.Y.–Oneida has reached an agreement to license its U.S. consumer flatware and dinnerware business to Robinson Home Products Inc., a housewares company best known for its tools, gadgets and other home-related goods.
The agreement ensures that Oneida’s products will continue to be widely available to consumers at retail, while allowing Oneida to “sharpen its strategic focus” on its foodservice, e-commerce and international businesses, Oneida said in a statement.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The National Stationery Show will shift to a new, earlier time frame on its closing day, running 9 a.m. to noon May 20. All other show hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 17 to 19) remain the same, said show organizer GLM. The new schedule addresses cost efficiencies, GLM said, affording savings to exhibitors, particularly in the areas of staffing, hotel and travel.

ATLANTA–AmericasMart has announced an all-star lineup for next month’s International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and the International Area Rug Market.
During the shows, scheduled from Jan. 6 to 14, AmericasMart will play host to Kool & the Gang; taste-maker Colin Cowie; designers Thomas O’Brien, Barry Dixon, Amanda Nisbet and Kathy Ireland; and chefs Tyler Florence, Rocco DiSpirito and Virginia Willis.
In addition to celebrity appearances, AmericasMart will celebrate the debut of Building WestWing.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.–Lenox Group Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is seeking court approval for $85 million in debtor-in-possession financing.
The company will continue to pursue a sale of the company while under Chapter 11 proceedings. Through an agreement with its lenders, “substantially all” of the company’s assets will be sold to a new entity created by the lenders, in exchange for the forgiveness of a portion of the company’s debt, according to a statement from the company.

NEW YORK–7 W New York will hold the One of a Kind Wholesale Show NYC, its trademarked display of original design work, during the New York Gift & Home Textiles Market Week in January.
The wholesale show, which made its debut this summer, will take place in the 11th floor market suites at 7 W from Jan. 24 to Jan. 27. It will present original work from a juried selection of artists, artisans and designers that includes experimental metal sculptures and ornate glassware. The winter Gift & Home Textiles Market Week is scheduled for Jan. 23 to Jan. 29.

NEW YORK–DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS will hold its Gift For Life Casino event this coming January, coinciding with the New York International Gift Fair’s opening weekend. To be held on January 25 at la.venue, a new space at Terminal Stores in West Chelsea, the evening will differ from past events; instead of having an honoree program it will focus on “unadulterated indulgence” instead, with gambling, food, drink, music and dancing, as well as the chance to win prizes. It will start at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Tickets are $150 each.

NEW YORK–Giftware companies Roman Inc. and Cottage Garden Collections have agreed to merge.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–Retailers can now register online for the winter edition of the New York International Gift Fair.
The gift fair Web site, nyigf.com, also includes planning tools—such as the Online Catalog Gallery, Directory Search and Hotel & Travel Discounts—designed to help attendees with their total gift-fair experience. Through the site, new registrants can request a badge and go through the credential process. The site also allows attendees of past gift fairs to update their contact information and add or delete names of additional staff members attending the show.

FORT WORTH, Texas–Pier 1 will test new product categories this holiday season such as kitchen tools and gadgets, “a natural expansion” to its existing serveware business, Alex Smith, chief executive officer, said during a conference call to review second-quarter results.
The retailer is also capitalizing on new product categories that have been staples at retailers closing stores in this economic climate.

NEW YORK–The Palace Gates knitted blanket from Andrew Morgan Collection has received the New York Home Textiles Market Week Best of Market award at the New York Gift Fair.
Made of 100 percent innova polypropelene and stain-resistant, the blanket was judged the best overall new product by a panel of editors of both trade and consumer publications in the market’s Best New Products awards. The panel also picked winners from the bed, bath, dining and home-accessories product categories.

NEW YORK–The Conran Shop has named Emmanuel Plat president of The Conran Shop New York. Having been at The Conran Shop since 1992, Plat has served as vice president of the New York store since 2004.
It is a new position at the company.
“With my new role as president, I’m thrilled to take this opportunity to expand our trade,” said Plat. “With our new Conran Contract business, growing e-commerce business and innovative product collections, now is the best time to lead as one of the best independent home furnishings retail businesses in the world.”

CHICAGO–The Chicago Market: Living and Giving will feature its fourth green-themed display home during the Chicago gift show later this month.
The concept home offers design ideas and inspiration for lake homes, cottage retreats or second homes, and encourages retailers and designers to incorporate green product into their stores and clients’ homes.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–A restructuring at GLM has created three teams headed by senior vice presidents Phil Robinson, Dorothy Belshaw and Lori Kisner, all of whom will report to Alan Steel, executive vice president of the trade show-management division of DMG Worldwide.

ATLANTA–Mustardseed & Moonshine is relocating to the Bray-Farmer showroom in building 2, suite 900, AmericasMart, Atlanta, on July 1. The company has been associated with D. Gaber & Associates Inc. Bray-Farmer will represent Mustardseed & Moonshine in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.–Tonio Palmer has been named chief executive officer of the Annie Selke Cos.
In this newly created position, Palmer has assumed responsibility over the company’s infrastructure, with a focus on maintaining the company’s culture as it expands and leverages its design and sourcing functions.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–AMC Liquidators, known for its hotel and office furniture liquidation, asset recoveries and salvage operations, has expanded its offerings to include items such as tabletop products, wall art and furniture. The company hopes to attract more home owners to its two stores here, as well as to its online site, with the product expansion.

NEW YORK–With subjects from Viking ships to Vegas providing the inspiration, Barnes & Noble will release its second, expanded group of back-to-school items through its product development partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Working Class Studio this summer. Eight present and past student artists designed this year’s range of contemporary graphics for journals, notebooks, sketchbooks, pencil cases and messenger bags.

NEW YORK–NRDC Equity Partners has officially acquired Fortunoff in a $110 million closing that included a $30 million contribution intended to cover the company’s customer obligations.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The New York International Gift Fair has appointed three new members to its advisory board. They are Walter Lowry of TableArt, Sallie Stutz of the Brooklyn Museum Shop and Enrico Bressan of Artecnica Inc. Lowry and Stutz are retailers, Bressan is a show exhibitor.
The eight-member board meets twice a year to offer market feedback to the show’s management.