The latest issues of Progressive Housewares and Progressive Electrical are now available to read online, along with two special additions from Peugeot and Ultimate Products.
We’re nearing the halfway point of the year, and if we look back to the end of 2022, the outlook was bleak. As we head into June, however, the tides appear to be – albeit very slowly – beginning to turn. GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index showed that levels rose for the fourth consecutive month in May, to minus 27, representing the highest level since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Levels had hit a low of minus 45 in January, so confidence is steadily returning.
More specifically, in our industry, the upcoming Exclusively Housewares show (13-14 June, 2023, at the Business Design Centre in Islington) sold out in terms of exhibitor space sooner than ever before. In our preview, beginning on page 36, Will Jones, chair of the show and ceo of organiser, BHETA, told us that 2023 feels like the first year that people are truly back to normal post-pandemic, and confidence among suppliers and brands is also increasing.
On the subject of new launches and excellence, entries are now open for the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2023. Comprising the much-loved product and retail awards, we are ready to receive your submissions, conduct the rigorous judging processes, and crown the very best in our industry. Which I’m pretty sure will be a daunting task for our judges, which will no doubt be a daunting task for our judges. Head to the website – www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk – and get your entries in now. As always, submissions are unlimited and free of charge.
The buoyant picture extends outside of the UK, too, and into Europe and the rest of the world, as you’ll see in the international round table on page 22. Most markets are proving resilient to the macro pressures, while certain suppliers are excelling, despite the odds.
Elsewhere in the issue, we chat to housewares indies and gia awards judge, Wolfgang Gruschwitz, about the art of visual merchandising and how to create show-stopping displays.
Over in Progressive Electrical, GfK’s Bruce Denton has provided a detailed breakdown of the stand out successes of the first quarter of 2023 on page 30, and of course, air fryers are highlighted as a victory and the poster product of the SDA sector during the cost of living crisis, with sales continuing to soar. But energy saving appliances in general are also performing incredibly well.
Other key trends are highlighted in our SDA round up on page 22, and most of these and more are readying their wares for the upcoming Exclusively Housewares show from 13-14 June at the Business Design Centre in London.
Cutting edge innovation was also seen earlier this year at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago. Sarah Selzer has highlighted some hot picks on page 10, along with a round up of the event.
Later in the year, much of the industry will head to Berlin for the IFA show. This year, the event management has changed hands to newly formed IFA Management, and PH caught up with managing director, Oliver Merlin, to find out what he and his team are planning for the 99th year of the show. There’s plenty of new features and content coming for 2023, with big plans for the centenary next year. Find out more on page 14.
But we’re not just sending you two magazines. Bundled with Progressive Housewares and Progressive Electrical are two special additions. Ultimate Products brings you the latest innovations from Salter – including the new Marino range, scales, and Cordless collections – as well as its latest air fryer offering.
Meanwhile Peugeot unveils the new Frizz Wine Cooler and BBQ Mill, as well as its gift collection and new mill colourways.
With just a few weeks to go until the industry gathers for Exclusively, the Progressive Housewares team is hugely looking forward to meeting with you all. The PH team will be there in numbers, but to set a specific, timed appointment, please email Katie or John. See you at the show.
