As the last of the mince pies disappear from the office and we all get ready for a well-earned rest, we take a look back at the last 12 months in housewares.
JANUARY
The year began with the news that Ambiente 2022 was cancelled due to the spread of Omicron in Europe and Germany.
There were some big anniversaries being celebrated in the meantime with David Mason Design celebrating 60 years in business, while Candlelight turned 50.
FEBRUARY
Trade shows in the UK managed to continue as planned, with housewares suppliers joining the Spring Fair Sustainability Trail. Harts of Stur was also recognised as a Good Retail Award finalist at the show.
Housewares companies were celebrated as the Gift Of The Year awards announced its finalists.
TV presenters, Greg Wallace and Cherry Healey went behind the scenes at Denby Pottery in an episode of Inside the Factory for the BBC.
MARCH
In March, after almost a century in use, John Lewis dropped its Never Knowingly Undersold pledge.
Lifetime Brands acquired hydration and food storage supplier, S’well, while Thermos signed a licensing deal with Rachel Ellen for three years.
Retailers and suppliers alike, including Dexam and Ultimate, came together to support Ukraine.
Sadly the industry said farewell to Hargreaves of Buxton’s Cliff Coles after bravely fighting his battle with cancer to the very end.
APRIL
April saw Pyrex and Duralex join forces to become the new La Maison Francais du Verre brand.
Retailers also had to adapt to the new offensive weapons Act for knife sales, ensuring age restrictions are being carried out for the purchase of kitchen knives in store and online.
Another sad goodbye was said to Harts of Stur’s Philip Hart, following a short illness.
MAY
Grunwerg announced a new management team in May, with several new director appointments including the promotion of Benjamin Grunwerg to md. Meanwhile Dexam strengthened its team with two new members of staff.
Barista & Co opened a new concept showroom in Hampshire, which showcases its coffee hardware to consumers and retail trade customers.
Clayspoon, Spice Kitchen and Kimm and Miller were among the winners at the Gift of The Year awards.
JUNE
GreenPan entered the small domestic appliance market in June, as the retail sector enjoyed a sales boost during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Kitchen Range opened its cookery school .
OXO celebrated winning four prestigious iF design awards and BIRA launched a Cyber Support Hub for businesses across the UK.
JULY
BHETA announced its new president, Rythm Jain in July, as Abraxas celebrated its 26th anniversary.
In people news, Simplehuman made two new appointments with Gareth Till joining and James Dowdeswell being promoted. At Ultimate Products, over 30 promotions were announced, and Circulon appointed chef Marcus Wareing as an official ambassador.
Denby announced it was seeking investors to build on its growth.
AUGUST
BHETA confirmed upturn in its quarterly economic report into Housewares, SDA, DIY and garden in August.
UPGS reported record sales in its full year results with revenues up 13% to £154.2m.
Meanwhile Dexam announced a price freeze in its AW22 price list, and Joe Davis bought East West.
SEPTEMBER
Wüsthoff announced plans to sell directly in the UK in September, while air fryers hit the headlines as energy prices came under scrutiny and Bona featured in a Sky documentary .
The housewares industry paid its respects to Linda Pacey, long term partner of Peter Battersby.
OCTOBER
In October, Progressive Housewares and Housewaresnews,net’s longstanding editor Jo Howard stepped down as the industry gathered to celebrate at the Excellence in Housewares awards and Harrods was the gia Top Window Award winner.
ProCook announced board changes and its B Corp certification, while Anotech rebranded as The Cookware Company, and Housing Units reported record sales.
NOVEMBER
UPGS renewed its Russell Hobbs licence in November on a rolling four-year basis, while Denby appeared on the BBC again.
Amidst soaring energy prices, industry charity, the Rainy Day Trust, published a plea for energy cost help.
In retail, global brand, Karaca launched its first UK store in Islington, while Leekes partnered with Bona.
DECEMBER
As we headed to the end of 2022, BHETA launched a commodity, energy and freight price tracker, while Fenwick sold its iconic Bond Street store.
UPGS appointed ex-OXO exec, Tracy Carroll as brand director.
