The team at HousewaresNews.net wishes all our readers and advertisers a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. A huge ‘thank you’ for your support.
Here’s a look back over another year when the housewares industry has risen to unprecedented challenges…
In the first few months of 2021, trade shows did a magnificent job of showcasing fabulous products virtually, ensuring there was no shortage of inspiration for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, housewares retailers of all sizes continued to find innovative ways to provide the best service to their customers whatever the circumstances: on and offline and even in lockdowns.
Undoubtedly, one of 2021’s houseware industry highlights was August’s absolutely magnificent Exclusively.
Throughout the year, HousewaresNews.net has put the spotlight on the thorny topic of freight and shipping issues, airing views and showing how suppliers are tackling the problems of delayed containers and rising costs.
Freight is just one of the issues that BHETA has been championing on behalf of housewares suppliers. The association has been making sure that industry views are heard by the government in the run up to new plastic tax laws and the Offensive Weapons Act.
Of course, Bira has been speaking out for independent cookshops and housewares stockists, not least in its relentless calls for the permanent reform of business rates.
UK retail excellence was celebrated around the world when Harrods was announced as one of the winners of the IHA’s gia Top Window Award 2021.
The housewares industry came together in style with a night to remember at The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021 (EIH21).
Then the glitz and the glamour were relived through the EIH21 photo gallery.
Looking at sales data, consumer research and social media, The John Lewis Partnership reminded us how the pandemic has brought some fundamental shifts that influence the housewares industry.
And there is yet more evidence that more of us are cooking from scratch for family and friends, with more regular foodie gatherings round the table. Cheers to that!
* The HousewaresNews.net team be taking a break over the festive period and returning on week commencing January 3 2022 with plenty of news and views to kick off the new year.
