As we reach the halfway point of the year, Progressive Housewares sits down with John Grayson, country commercial director, UKI at Le Creuset, 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?
John: “We’ve enjoyed a strong start to the year, despite the continued pressure on shoppers’ spending considerations. There’s no doubt the industry within our particular sector has become increasingly selective about where and how it chooses to invest. We remain cognisant of the choices retailers have to make and strive to ensure that when partnering with Le Creuset, the opportunities for greater conversion and ATV’s at the point of sale remain strong, even in a challenging economic environment.”
What has been your highlight of 2024 so far?
John: “The launch of our beautiful new colour offerings. Our deep and rich Rhone colourway, complimented by the light and instantly appealing Chambray blue, have been a tremendous success. This has been evident not just with our strategic retail partners, but importantly with consumers too. It still amazes me just how many Le Creuset admirers we have out there, that love to post on social media about how enthralled they are with a new colour launch. Long may that continue as their passion is truly joyous and it puts a huge smile on our faces.”
What have the biggest challenges and opportunities been so far?
John: “Everyone in this country is well aware of the cost-of-living pressure impact, to the point where we are all ready now for the tide to start turning soon. That’s something outside of our control and as such we stay focussed on what we can change or influence, with the consumer remaining front and centre in all we do. Therefore, aside from our product launches, we have also supported these and our core offering, with exciting consumer campaigns such as our ‘Cook in Colour’ initiative and our newly launched ‘Le Creuset Makes It’ messaging.”
What are your hopes and expectations for the remainder of 2024?
John: “We don’t plan our business on hope but on strategy, that where necessary is hatched into the appropriate granular level where everyone in the team plays their part. That strategy remains strong for the rest of 2024 and the market can expect to see further colour launches and campaign initiatives, many of which we look forward to sharing in June at Exclusively Housewares.”
