Housewarcs show changes format, dates

HANGE is the single word that best describes the colorful history of the National Housewares Manufacturers lnternat ional Exposition.

The 85th exposition Nov. 9-12 at the McCormick Place complex in Chicago will be different in that exhibitors will be located according to six broad categories of housewares. Based on a concept popular in Europe, the arrangement will, in eff'ect, make the NHMA International Exposition the equivalent of six smaller trade shows within the major one.

Designed to make it easier for buyers to work the show, the new format breaks the exhibitors into six categories. This arrangement will group exhibitors as follows: o Electric housewares, cook and bakeware, kitchen tools and gadgets. o Serving and buffet accessories, plasticware, pantryware, glassware and china. r Decorative accessories, furniture and storage products, home office supplies. o Bath and closet accessories, cleaning products. r Hardware and tools, pet supplies and outdoor products. r International and government sponsored pavilions.

This will be the last November show. After the 86th exposition scheduled for April 5-8, 1987, the show will return closer to the dates held for many years.

Dates scheduled for future NHMA annual expositions are Jan. 10-13, 1988; Jan. 8-ll, 1989; Jan. 7lO 1990; Jan.6-9, 1991, and Jan. 12-15,1992. Ronald A. Fippinger, NHMA managing director, pointed out that these dates have been committed by McCormick Place management and accepted by the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"NHMA s exposition is returning to January to better conform to the buying patterns of the prime housewares distribution channels and we believe that being the first housewares trade fair each year will give the NHMA exposition the preeminent position," Fippinger added.

The decision to hold an annual exposi- tion differs from the semi-annual exposition policy practiced by the Association since 1948. Prior to 1984, Chicago hosted the NHMA International Housewares Expositions in January and July. In 1984, the expositions were shifted to spring and fall.

"We display more than 2,000,000 home-use products from almost 4,000 exhibitors in nearly 2,500,000 square feet ofspace every year," says Fippinger.

Total attendance for each show typically exceeds 60,m0. Visitors from nearly 85 countries in addition.to the United States see the latest trends and developments in America's $45 billion at-retail housewares industry.

Story at a Glance

NHMA exposition becomes six shows in one...exhibitors grouped by classification... easier show coverage...annual January show begins in '88.

While its size alone presents a challenge to housewares buyers, the diversity and variety of manufacturers who participate make it even more complex and exciting. As a result, seasoned buyers have learned over the years that success comes from stamina.

Edward lanctot, secretary-treasurer of Cotter & Company, True Value Hardware Stores, goes prepared. "Before I attend the NHMA Show," he says, "I make a list of suppliers that I want to see first. Typically, these are people I have not done business with beforethe ones who might be sources for new ideas. But there's no way to get around the fact that you have to walk up and down the aislesall ofthemto properly shop the show."

Most buyers agree that the NHMA Show is the best way to see new products, new colors and new ideas in housewares.