As we reach the halfway point of the year, Progressive Housewares sits down with Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director at Lifetime Brands Europe, to find out about the year so far and plans for the future.
How has 2024 been so far for your company and the industry as a whole?
Claire: “Retail is more dynamic than ever. We continue to witness the flex and change in the way that consumers make purchasing decisions. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted the industry as consumers seek retailers and brands that provide value in new and different ways. We feel this and we know our partners do too, which is why we are focused on providing new innovation, mainstream brands, brand led marketing and curated merchandising inspiration to fulfil demand.”
What has been your highlight of 2024 so far?
Claire: “Amazing Ambiente and our UK showroom event was the gift that kept on giving. Being able to present a new category in KitchenAid, new designer collaborations in Mikasa and new eco-friendly on-the-go solutions in La Cafetière was a standout moment.
“We quickly moved onto events and initiatives to give our independent partners the best start to the year. We always have and always will hold our independent customers at the top of our priority list and being able to thank some of them with a meal cooked by Michel Roux Jnr has to be a 2024 highlight to date.”
What have the biggest challenges and opportunities been so far?
Claire: “We have been adapting and supporting our partners through challenging market trends for 174 years and we don’t plan on stopping. Consumer demand remains a challenge and trying to get footfall into stores and people buying is the main challenge and opportunity.
“The power of our leading brands creates opportunity. With megabrands like KitchenAid and S’well, we are well positioned to support partners with products and compelling brand storytelling.
“We have also paid close attention to the opportunity that online presents, relaunching Mikasa as a complete co-ordinated tabletop solution with ranges that can be mixed and matched and bought in cost effective price points. Plus, it’s drop ship ready, meaning bought SKUs go further at no additional cost.”
What are your hopes and expectations for the remainder of 2024?
Claire: “We are laser focused on continuing to support our independent customer base, helping retailers keep up with consumer wants and needs, creating seasonal opportunities and driving this through our dedicated field sales team.”
