Progressive Housewares March/April 2021

April 2021

Unique, natural materials for the kitchen, home and on-the-go Available from

Natural Elements Progressive Housewares_Advert_v3.indd 1 FC_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

/

12/03/2021 14:58 14/04/2021 16:33

C Series ad for Progressive Housewares.pdf

1

07/04/2021

14:18

WELCOME TO FEARLESS COOKING C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Introducing the revolutionary new technology from Circulon.

Steelshield , the greatest thing since nonstick.

TM

Discover more by contacting

#fearlesscooking

tradesupport@meyeruk.com

00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

12/04/2021 14:09

PH - Eddingtons 4 pager.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 18:04 Page 2

Founded in 2000, Eddingtons is a UK and Ireland kitchenware distributor located in the central south of the UK. The company employs 40 people in its showroom, warehouse and offices, which are in a delightful, rural location just outside Hungerford in Berkshire. Eddingtons prides itself in sourcing an eclectic mix of innovative, fun kitchen gadgets under their own house brands, which are complimented by category leading exclusive ranges from world class international brand partners.

T: +44 (0)1488 686572

W: www.eddingtons.co.uk

E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk

PH - Eddingtons 4 pager.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 18:04 Page 4

BRAND PARTNERS EPICUREAN: Epicurean boards have been a favourite in kitchens across the world for the last 15 years. As a brand, Epicurean thrives on innovation, quality, functionality and durability. Each cutting board is made with naturally renewable or recycled materials, manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. The factory reuses all waste created during the production process to fuel the factory heating systems so nothing is wasted!

LODGE CAST IRON: Since it was founded in 1896, Lodge Cast Iron is suitable for use on induction, ceramic, electric and gas stoves, as well as for use in the oven. Lodge is the only remaining US manufacturer that produces an entire line of cast iron cookware.

The Chef collection elevates the cooking experience through thoughtful design inspired by chefs. The range featuring sloped walls and ergonomic handles for easy use. Even heating coupled with Lodge trusted and durable quality. The range is also pre-seasoned and ready to cook, getting better with every use.

The Lodge FINEX collection is new for 2021. Features include an ergonomic ‘speed cool’ spring handle with an octagonal multi-pour design for the ultimate in cast iron cooking.

AEROLATTE: The Aerolatte brand is a firm favourite with Eddingtons customers, known for creating the best solutions for making perfect frothy milk, making professionally made coffee achievable for everyone at home. The Aerolatte range has expanded since its launch in 1999 to introduce innovative equipment and accessories for all types of coffee. Latest innovations from Aerolatte includes the 8 Cup Press, French Press and the Press & Go Travel Mug for the perfect coffee on the go.

IF YOU CARE: In 1990, If You Care focused on creating the first and only unbleached coffee filters in North America. Following the success of the launch, If You Care expanded to create parchment baking paper and baking cups which were natural, chlorine-free, unbleached paper inventions that introduced a total environmentally friendly treatment to everyday kitchen and household products. They now command a broad range of household consumables, ever more resonating with consumers today.

“If you care” you will want their products.

BEE’S WRAP: It has been five years since Eddingtons introduced the Bee’s Wrap brand to the UK. A revolutionary, first to market range that infuses GOTS certified, organic cotton and beeswax to create a washable, reusable alternative to plastic wrap. Bee’s Wrap products can be used to cover and preserve food for storage, as well as protecting and keeping food fresh on the go. The recently introduced, Bee’s Wrap 1.3m roll allows customers to cut their wraps to size to cover their leftovers, or wrap a freshly made sandwich for lunch. Also new, this year includes a vegan wrap using soy wax that’s currently top of the trend charts!

PH - Eddingtons 4 pager.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 18:04 Page 5

FULL CIRCLE: Full Circle has reinvented the form and function of everyday homeware products for families and is committed to creating long-lasting products from safe materials. New products from Full Circle feature the upright drying rack Branch Out, and the Roll Model paper towel holder. Branch Out allows customers to dry water bottles and kitchen towels effectively, with 360 degree branches and a sturdy ceramic base to collect water.

Roll Model is designed to prevent the kitchen roll from unravelling, with a simple one handed operation and a heavyweight ceramic base which looks stylish and proud enough to display in any kitchen.

Check out the Neat Nut walnut shell scourers too, demonstrating an ingenious way Full Circle reuse and recycle. Walnut shells are blended with recycled plastic to create durable scratch free scrubbers. Functional and on trend!

FISSLER: Joins the Eddingtons distribution list in 2021. Fissler is a German, family-owned cookware company that specialises in high-quality pots, pans, pressure cookers and accessories. By combining carefully selected materials with their years of experience and passion, Fissler is committed to making cooking a unique experience for consumers. The company’s pressure cookers feature original designed safety features and are second to none in performance.

EDDINGTONS RANGES Over the last 20 years, Eddingtons has curated an innovative and eclectic portfolio of ‘house’ brands under the umbrella of Eddingtons, Stow Green, Tuftop and Top Gourmet food service.

Synonymous with anything innovative and quirky, you’ll find everything from Lambretta Pizza Cutter in the Retro range to Dachsund corn picks in Ed’s Kitchen. The Fab-U-Lous lolly molds are super fun and sell well all year round.

You’ll find the latest egg related gadgetry within our comprehensive egg range – partly what we are famed for. (Our first product is still in our best seller list, the Egg Perfect Timer!). Egg poachers and timers will also feature in mid-year launches during 2021.

VALET CLEANING: A traditional, yet eco and sustainable collection. With the world becoming more conscious about preserving the planet, it was important for Eddingtons to create products that reflect consumer trends and views, as conscious decisions are made to be more environmentally friendly.

Valet features a wide variety of products that are long-lasting and made from organic or natural materials, such as horsehair bristles, coconut and plant fibre for example, which are all made to last.

The comprehensive assortment of natural cleaning brushes are designed to clean every bottle type, from reusable water bottles to decanters - and anything awkward outside this - with their bendable wire handles and diverse range of bristle types.

Outdoor living is covered with the Epicurean ‘I can’t believe it’s not ceramic’ melamine tableware, featuring the latest designs and pattern trends. This range is complemented by Epicurean barware - stylish steel and copper ice buckets and accessories, or the beautiful acrylic stemware ranges.

Eddingtons Eco collection includes compost pails made from coffee been husks or bamboo fibre materials, which sit alongside a sturdy foot operated can crusher, making light work of cans and plastic bottles to condense down bulky recycling.

New for 2021 are the Skaza Bokashi Organko food waste systems – the ultimate compost bins made from recycled plastics and even discarded fishing nets! Bokashi gives consumers the opportunity to turn food waste to household plant food, saving £’s while reducing waste, as the residue breaks down within weeks.

PH - Eddingtons 4 pager.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 18:04 Page 7

LICENSED PADDINGTON The Paddington range of gifts and practical homewares appeals to the fans and followers of Paddington Bear, but they’re designed to delight core customers too. Featuring the original illustrations by Peggy Fortnum, Eddingtons has created new and exclusive products such as baking sets and kitchen textiles, as well as incorporating Paddington prints with an exclusive Bee’s wax wrap .

Top selling Paddington products include the Paddington Bear Set of two baking spatulas, and egg cup pails, as well as a set of three assorted food wraps. The set of two baking spatulas are made from beech wood, with a high heat resistant silicone head featuring three different Paddington designs.

PETER RABBIT Following the success of the evergreen Peter Rabbit Classic collection by Stow Green, Eddingtons is pleased to announce the launch of the Peter Rabbit Daisy collection that includes a variety of kitchenware products that are perfect for traditional fans of Beatrix Potter, yet with subtle enough designs to have a wider appeal. Each product can also be used as a great gift opportunity for any occasion.

With products ranging from stylish cups and saucers to mugs and worktop protectors, each piece of the Daisy range features a vintage illustration of Peter Rabbit and the official Beatrix Potter logo.

THE SNOWMAN For Autumn Winter ‘21, Eddingtons are pleased to announce the launch of The Snowman for themed baking and kitchen accessories. Designed and created with festive baking and entertaining in mind, spatulas, whisks and mixing bowls sit perfectly alongside kitchen textiles. Each product features the iconic, classic design of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, set within festive backgrounds mixed with cool winter tones.

The set of two mugs includes a The Snowman design ‘Walking in the Air’ through a wintery night sky, with the second mug featuring white snowflakes and the classic illustration on the inside rim. Further details of the range coming soon for AW2021.

3 PH Leader-Contents 2021.qxp_New 3 16/04/2021 14:41 Page 3

@Prog_Housewares

Editor’s comment

N

Max Publishing Ltd, United House North Road, London N7 9DP T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivehousewares.co.uk www.max-publishing.co.uk www.housewaresnews.net Subscriptions Subscribe online at Max-Subscriptions.net While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Progressive Housewares, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

othing will be the same again. We keep hearing that, don’t we?

Among the latest retail figures to talk about the massive shifts of the pandemic is Sacha Berendji, director of retail at Marks & Spencer (speaking on BBC Radio 4 as stores reopened their Home departments on April 12). The chain will carry on making sure it has the “right retail mix’ of size and location, reflecting the migration online and new consumer habits. Sacha (like many others) appeals for business rates reform and a fairer taxation through corporation tax.

Speaking to cookshops and housewares retailers personally in the run-up to reopening and on re-opening, there is a great wave of positivity. None of us could have predicted the events of the past year, but I am glad that I foresaw one positive outcome of this surreal and devastating pandemic. Looking back at my editor’s comment from March/April 2020, as we had entered what was to be the first Top: EIH 2021 will be back in nationwide lockdown, I wrote that ‘perhaps we will see life rather differently’, October: PH’s Jo Howard speaking at the EIH Awards in 2019. with a rise in community values, including the appreciation of shops that Above: Jo and Gemma Howard were among those taking part in serve our communities. the cookalong launch of Circulon CThis does seem to be the case for many areas, as shown by the findings of Series from Meyer (see news). our Retail Barometer in this issue. The ‘shop local’ movement is the overall most positive influence on business for independent cookshops and housewares stockists.

While there is a dramatic mix of fortunes, the Retail Barometer features many upbeat reflections and is ultimately optimistic, with 79% of independent cookshops and housewares stockists anticipating that the rise in home cooking will continue to have a positive impact on sales in 2021.

“Nothing beats face to face” is another saying we keep hearing. As customers return to stores, the housewares industry is also looking forward to reunions at live trade shows, including Exclusively in August. However, we are also embracing the fact that digital will remain a central part of our lives. For instance, on reopening day (April 12) John Lewis sent its customers a schedule of virtual Spring Events, with temptingly gorgeous cookery classes, wine tasting and cocktail making sessions.

We’re also enjoying sharing industry knowledge and trends virtually. In one of the recent IHA Connect Spring’s insightful presentations, Lee Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute (and regular Chicago keynote) discussed our new relationship with our home – including our ‘Cloffice’ (closet converted into office). She observed how we are arranging everyday pieces of housewares as objet d’art to brighten our lives.

Of course, while it has been fantastic to see the EIH 2020 trophies united with their recipients following our virtual awards, nothing will beat coming together in person for The Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021. It’s now time to enter and nominate (see news)

Jo Howard in house

Editor

In this issue

JO HOWARD Editor joh@max-publishing.co.uk

4-11

News

37

JAKKI BROWN Editorial director jw@max-publishing.co.uk

12

BHETA news

38-39 Advertorial: PR Direct

JOHN BARRY Advertising manager johnb@max-publishing.co.uk

13

Bira news

40

Advertorial: Kuhn Rikon

ROB WILLIS Publishing director robw@max-publishing.co.uk

15

Holly Wilson’s From the frontline

41

New Products

16-17

Retailer viewpoints: Grand

42

Advertorial: Denby

reopenings

45

Advertorial: Tramontina New Products

EMMA CAIN Product page editor emmac@max-publishing.co.uk

Advertorial: Kuhn Rikon

MICHELLE BOARD Contributing editor michelleb@max-publishing.co.uk

18-23 The Retail Barometer readings

46

MARK GRAYSON Creative director markg@max-publishing.co.uk

24-25 Advertorial: Kuhn Rikon

47-49 Visibility pages

WARREN LOMAX Joint md warren@max-publishing.co.uk

26-29 Market focus: Cookware

51

HELENA HOWARD Photography

32-33 Advertorial: Circulon PROGRESSIVE

03

HOUSEWARES

Shelf portrait: The Kitchen Range Cookshop

PH NEWS 4-5-7-9-11.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 14/04/2021 15:43 Page 4

News

Below: John Lewis Oxford Street.

TOP STORY

It’s the big EIH 2021

Below: Celebrations at EIH 2019.

The Excellence In Housewares Awards 2021, organised by Progressive Housewares magazine, is now open for entry. All of the awards categories in these ultimate industry accolades – including those for product, retail, service and marketing – plus the Outstanding Achievement Award can now be entered via the digital entry portal.

The awards ceremony itself returns on Wednesday 6 October 2021 at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, in what is being talked-up as the industry’s big reunion party.

Organiser Max Publishing is working closely with the venue to ensure a safe and enjoyable return to the industry’s Oscars.

Rob Willis, director of Max Publishing said: “It is thoroughly exciting to be working on our live events portfolio for this year and I have to confess, it’s the housewares sector that seems the most excited for a grand reunion! Myself and the team have been in contact with sponsors and guests over the last few weeks, since Boris said we could go out to play, and there’s no doubt in our mind that the housewares community have really missed each other. Fear not, we’ll put on the best party ever - get those tickets booked!”

Entry for all categories will continue to be made online for this year, offering a number of benefits, such as a much-widened panel of retailers judging the product categories.

Entry is, as ever, completely free of charge and we encourage all marketing teams to make this a real priority from today. See www.excellenceinhousewaresawards.co.uk As Jo Howard, editor of Progressive Housewares added: “In the same vein as last year, more than ever we should be able to celebrate our industry’s achievements. We would like to thank everyone in the housewares community for joining our digital event last year but let’s really go for gold on the real thing this year - I’d love to see record levels of entry across all categories.”

Keeping in step with the evolution of the sector, this year’s Excellence In Housewares Awards programme sees many of the newly added categories remaining, including Best Supermarket Retailer, Best Garden Centre Retailer and The Licensing Award, which was fiercely contested and of real relevance to the sector.

The deadline for entering the product categories, and for nominating retailers and retailers’ self-nomination is Friday 9 July 2021, with the finalists to be announced by the beginning of September.

The entry process is not only free of charge, but quick and easy too.

Anyone seeking further clarification on entering the awards should contact Rob Willis, Jo Howard or John Barry who will be pleased to assist.

The Excellence In Housewares Awards 2021 will once again have the strong backing of major names in the industry as official sponsors, including the support of BHETA and Bira.

Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting MaxTickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick of Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085. All bookings are fully refundable or deferrable in the event of change, so you may book with total confidence.

John Lewis’ small visions Following substantial research into how shopping habits vary in different parts of the country and between online and stores, John Lewis has permanently closed eight stores. “We are going through the greatest scale of change in the Partnership’s 156-year history,” stated John Lewis chairman Sharon White.

The stores that have not reopened after lockdowns include ‘At Home’ shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York. The eight shops were financially challenged prior to the pandemic, which has been a catalyst for the shift to online shopping, with 60-70% of John Lewis’ sales expected to be online in the future.

John Lewis’ five-year plan will reshape its store estate to include destination stores alongside smaller format “best of John Lewis” store, plus the likely roll out of John Lewis areas within Waitrose stores.

The latter are currently being trialled in Godalming, Horley, Lincoln, Lymington and Wallingford, and “early signs are positive,” states Sharon. If successful, the concept will go into a “significant number” of Waitrose’s 331 shops. In addition, all general merchandise in Waitrose shops will be sourced from John Lewis.

Presenting its annual results in mid March, the John Lewis Partnership announced a loss of £517m before tax (compared to a profit before tax of £146m in the previous year). The retailer highlighted ‘substantial exceptional costs’ that reflected the write down in values of John Lewis stores (due to consumers’ massive shift online), restructuring and redundancy.

Stepping up for The Rainy Day Trust The team at PH rose to The Mad March Million Step Challenge to help raise much-needed funds for industry charity, The Rainy Day Trust.

The PH team – aka the Progressive Pedometers – carried on walking way past a million to reach 1,643,064 steps collectively by March 31. Teams from PH and PR Direct walked or ran alongside leading hardware companies including Calor and Mannock Build, with seven teams collectively raising nearly £6,500 for The Rainy Day Trust.

The charity is working to alleviate UK poverty and help people associated with the housewares and hardware industry who are now struggling, financially and/or with stress and mental health issues.

“A huge thank you to everyone that supported Progressive Pedometers and to The Rainy Day Trust’s Bryan Clover for thinking up the initiative to get us all outdoors!’ said PH publishing director Rob Willis.

PROGRESSIVE

4

HOUSEWARES

PH NEWS 4-5-7-9-11.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 14/04/2021 15:43 Page 5

News

TOP STORY

Welcome back!

Above: Black + Blum’s Dan Black assisting at City Harvest London during lockdown.

Black + Blum does lunch Black + Blum has launched a recipe book, Let’s Do Lunch Box. The hardback book - developed with publisher Dorling Kindersley - features 82 recipes in full colour. The book is designed to inspire consumers to make tasty meals, (lunch, breakfast or snacks) to take with them in their Black + Blum product of choice.

“We hope our retail partners will list the book and feature it alongside our lunch boxes,” comments Nick Cornwell, managing director of Black + Blum. “Giving consumers inspiration through the pages of the book, will make them more likely to buy a lunch box and the book too.” He emphasises: “It is a book that really underlines our credentials in the food and drink on-the-go sector, by showing people how to get the most out of our welldesigned products”.

As part of the company’s sustainability commitment, 5% of the sales revenue from every book sold will be donated to Black + Blum’s new charity partner City Harvest London. The charity collects surplus food and gets it safely to the most vulnerable in society, thereby avoiding food waste.

Dan Black, founder and lead designer states, “We are thrilled that we are going to be a small part of the great work being done by City Harvest London. It seems appropriate that we should help a charity local to our London base, where there is such an overwhelming need for this kind of support”.

“There is a lovely buzz in the shop and high street,” said Bridie Wilkinson, marketing manager for Barkers and Barkers Home in Northallerton, speaking the day after non-essential retailers in England and Wales had reopened on April 12. “People are happy to be out again; we had good takings on 12th, and it is busy again today.”

Bridie added: “It feels really positive; when I walked down the high street at lunchtime it was full of people dining outside and in pop-up beer gardens.” The Northallerton department store (winner of Picnicware in the window of EIH 20 Best Department Store Independent) reopened with a Above: Car and Kitchen, Settle.

‘Brighter Days Loading’ campaign in its window.

Spring flowers and picnics are the re-opening window theme at Car and Kitchen in Settle.

“We’re selling loads of picnicware; outdoor dining will be the foreseeable future,” stated co-owner Tash Meredith. She describes the first two days since re-opening as “pretty good – a nice, steady vibe rather than crazy busy.” She added: “Everyone has been popping in to show their support. We’ve done well with online sales over lockdown, but there is nothing like face to face and being able to chat to customers again.”

In Tunbridge Wells, Sarah and Alan Wood, joint mds of Trevor Mottram are happy that re-opening trade is “pleasantly busy,” noting that the pavements of The Pantiles are full of people eating out, despite the cold temperatures. Sarah and Alan have both been featured on Radio Kent and in the local press following the screening of the shop’s tv makeover (see below), adding to the buzz in-store.

At Harts of Stur in Sturminster Newton, purchasing director David Conduit described the re-opening of the cookshop as “really good.” He elaborated: “We had everything looking perfect, and the customers came flooding in. It’s busy again today as well, and everyone seems happy that a degree of normality is returning.” (See Retailer viewpoints pages 16-17). l Trevor Mottram, Tunbridge Wells was recently featured on BBC Two’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr in an episode where designers transformed three shops into destination shopping spaces.

Farewells to remarkable women

Pendeford celebrates Pendeford Housewares has been celebrating 40 years of service for Maggie Brooker, one of manufacturer’s production team, who joined the company aged 19.

Maggie was surprised when Lee Parkin (the new owner and managing director of Pendeford) and Andy Smith (new general manager) presented her with a bracelet, card, flowers and champagne. She admitted: “I’m shocked and delighted; it’s hard to think I’m 40 let alone been here for 40 years,” while joking: “Does this mean I can stay?”

Above: Maggie (centre) with teammate Indu (who has been at Pendeford for over 25 years) and line manager Gian (over 20 years at the company).

The housewares industry has suffered two sad losses with the recent deaths of Louise Talbot, buyer for TK Maxx (TJX Europe) and Hilary Woolston, founding partner of The Kitchen Shop, Lichfield, both from cancer.

Described by her family as The Kitchen Shop’s matriarch, Hilary was a pioneering independent retailer and familiar friendly face to all those attending trade shows and industry events. She and her husband Barry (of 55 years) opened The Kitchen Shop in August 1982 and later Lizzy and Vicky, two of Above: Louise Talbot pictured with her family. their daughters, joined them. The family hopes to hold a memorial and Left: Hilary Woolston is celebration of Hilary’s life when friends can gather again. “We will never pictured holding the trophy for CHA Retailer of the Year at forget Hilary,” says fellow cookshop owner Yossi Gliksmann of Upstairs the EIH Awards 2011, Downstairs, Oswestry. alongside husband Barry (with Highly respected buyer James Martin, awards host Louise Talbot was renowned and Jane Mason, then head of sales at Le Creuset). for her enthusiasm, positive energy and creativity. She was passionate about developing housewares and home products and loved what she regarded as her dream job. “The industry has lost a real diamond,” reflects industry colleague Jenny Stewart from Ultimate Products.

PROGRESSIVE

5

HOUSEWARES

The UK’s premier showcase of hoUsewares, TableTop & small elecTrical brands

safe, controlled and secure. stimulating, exciting and friendly.

The industry gets back together at the exclusively show.

all secUre sTandard Safe | Hygienic | Clean

Request your ticket today at www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

@exclusivelyshows Run by the industry for the industry

06_HW_April 2021.indd 1

14/04/2021 17:51

PH NEWS 4-5-7-9-11.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 15/04/2021 19:17 Page 7

News

TOP STORY

Optimism in Retail Barometer More than half (53%) of independent cookshops and Same 15% housewares retailers in PH’s Retail Barometer are positive about the future of independent cookshops and housewares retailers in the next three to five years. The move towards shopping locally and the rise of home cooking during lockdowns are two of the major positive vs influences on independents’ How has your business over the last year. business fared over While there were some dramatically different fortunes in 2020, for 54% the last year? of respondents overall business was Better 39% better or the same in 2020, when compared to 2019.

“Our 16th Retail Barometer provides fascinating reading, with insights into a life Worse 46% changing and culture-shifting year – it is a ‘must read’ for everyone in the housewares industry,” states PH editor Jo Howard. She adds: “Thank you to all the independents from all around the UK who took part in our annual survey.”

In other highlights, some 76% of Retail Barometer respondents saw their customers’ ‘average spend’ go up, and six product categories resulted in sales growth for indies.

Amazon, suppliers’ selling direct to consumers, garden centres and supermarkets were all cited as significant threats to an indie’s business. Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 lockdowns and lack of stock were the overarching negative influences for cookshops in 2020.

Of course, independents have been adapting and rising to new realities. Of the 68% of respondents who sell online, nearly a third started their ecommerce business over the past year. Meanwhile, looking into 2021, 64% of respondents anticipate growth.

To read the full Retail Barometer findings, see pages 18-23.

15%

Above: The Hub – hq for Lifetime Brands Europe.

Lifetime Brands’ green home Lifetime Brands Europe is celebrating its ongoing mission to drive sustainability throughout the business. “Moving to our new headquarters in Birmingham (The Hub) allowed us to build sustainability into the fabric of the building,” explains Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director.

The Hub’s lighting systems are equipped with PIR sensors, designed to react to movement, so they will automatically switch on when necessary, and the glazed areas of the facility are reflective of UV rays stopping the HVAC (air-con system) from changing temperature constantly.

Water management systems ensure minimal usage of water, and the building itself has an airtight infrastructure meaning that there is no need for heating services in the large warehouse.

2020 2019

39%

46%

Autumn Fair returns Autumn Fair returns to the NEC Birmingham from September 5-8 2021.

Housewares and gift suppliers that are already signed up to exhibit include T&G, Ultimate Products, My Gifts Trade, Tower, Premier Housewares, The Wood Life Project, Kikkerland, Rex International and Half Moon Bay. Among those looking forward to the show’s return, Jeff Moody, commercial director of Bira commented: “Bira is delighted to be at Autumn Fair, as our independent retailers are so eager to see new product ranges and reconnect with suppliers and fellow retailers.”

Meanwhile Robert Dyas owner and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis shared his ‘View from the top’ at the recent virtual event Spring Fair @Home.

Theo emphasised the dramatic expansion of ecommerce during the pandemic: “We’ve seen a five-year acceleration in six months.” He stated: “We have a mix of online and physical shops and without that we wouldn’t have survived.”

Theo emphasised the need for a drastic overhaul for business rates in order to revitalise the high street.

Below: ProCook’s UK workers will receive the Real Living Wage.

ProCook signs up to Real Living Wage ProCook has announced that all of its UK employees, including temporary workers, will receive at least £9.50 per hour, or £10.85 per hour if they live in London, meaning they will receive the salary calculated by the Living Wage Foundation to meet the true cost of everyday needs. This rate is recalculated annually based on the real cost of living, and companies that sign up to the Foundation are required to raise their base pay in line with those published by the Foundation.

Founder of ProCook Daniel O’Neill said: “ProCook is a brand with people very much at its heart, so it’s vital that we treat our employees with the respect they deserve and reward them for their contribution to the success of the business. We believe in the Living Wage Foundation’s message that a hard day's work deserves a fair day's pay, so we’re really pleased to be doing this for our employees.”

He explained: “In addition to the Living Wage, all employees at ProCook are eligible to receive a performance bonus, which we pay on top of this salary level, so for us a bonus is just that, a bonus, not a payment towards your everyday needs.”

Reflecting on “a tough year for many and at a time when both workers and the British economy need a boost,” Daniel stated: “We believe it’s the right thing to do.” * ProCook recently won a place in the Sunday Times’ International Fast Track 200, which ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

PROGRESSIVE

07

HOUSEWARES

Pink-Key-Housewares-A4-Advert-D3.pdf

1

07/04/2021

12:15

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

12/04/2021 14:06

PH NEWS 4-5-7-9-11.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 14/04/2021 15:45 Page 9

News

PEOPLE l Matt Sampson has joined Forma House as business development manager, with Simon Maghnagi stepping into the new role of commercial director. Bringing expansive industry experience, Matt joins Forma House at a “pivotal moment in the company's growth plan,” notes Simon. l The International Housewares Association

(IHA) has appointed Peter Giannetti as director of editorial, content and education. Peter has covered the home and housewares industry since joining leading US trade magazine HomeWorld Business in 1990. l Thanks to substantial growth and increased focus on its flourishing housewares division, RKW has appointed four new members. Rebecca Stewart joins as area sales manager for the South, bringing over 16 years experience in housewares (including 14 at KitchenCraft). After 15 years at Portmeirion Group, Rachel Daniels joins the team as housewares product manager, a newly created role designed to help grow this sector of the business.

TOP STORY

On route to Exclusively

Stands for the Exclusively Show, which returns to its popular live format at the Business Design Centre from August 24-25 are 95% sold following a positive industry response from exhibitors and visitors.

Reflecting on the later timing, Will Jones, chair of Exclusively (and show owner BHETA’s chief operating officer) said the show “could well prove to be a real sign of a return to normal trading.” Many Covd-19 restrictions should be lifted by June 21, and most adults are due to be vaccinated by July. Hence the show in late August should mark a return to a significant level of commercial ‘normality’ for buyers and suppliers in the housewares, small electricals, gift and destination garden centre sectors.

Will explained: “The safety of all Exclusively visitors and exhibitors is of course paramount and the Exclusively team is working closely with the venue in terms of all necessary protocols for registration, hospitality, events, meetings and the total visitor / exhibitor experience to ensure that everyone can be confident in attending and enjoying the event.”

The show will include expanded versions of all its most popular features such as the Brand Showcase, the Trend Tours and Displays and the Scarlet Opus seminar programme. There will also be an Exclusively Digital programme alongside the live show.

• Over 130 companies and over 300 brands will be exhibiting at Exclusively, presenting the most comprehensive showcase of cookware, tabletop, lifestyle, household and gifts in the UK. The show draws hundreds of retail buyers including independents, major department stores, grocers and garden centres, as well as journalists and social media influencers.

• See www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk Below: Busy scene from Exclusively 2019.

l Bringing over 20 years housewares experience

across all sales channels, Darren Nickolls has joined RKW as category controller to take responsibility of some major accounts, as well as help support growth. Vinny Ibrams joins RKW as area sales manager for the North. Vinny has joined RKW from KitchenCraft (Lifetime Brands Europe), where he gained valuable experience working in the independent sector. He also spent time in the national accounts team over eight years.

Launchpad goes live The Launchpad concept, which was trialled successfully at Exclusively Digital in 2020, will make its live debut at the Exclusively Show in August with 18 stands.

Will Jones, chief operating officer at BHETA and chair of Exclusively reports: “The Launchpad initiative allows the newest and the smallest businesses to get in front of some of the industry’s most significant buyers as well as the Show’s many media visitors.”

He adds: “Equally the Launchpad is an opportunity for buyers, journalists and influencers to find something that little bit different, which they are unlikely to have been seen before elsewhere.”

Below: Exclusively’s venue: The Business Design Centre in Islington, North London.

Exclusively briefing in May Exclusively show organiser BHETA is to host a halfday briefing webinar for members planning to exhibit on May 13.

Speakers will include the exhibition’s sales, marketing and operations team as well as Phil Pond from trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus, and Richard Watts, curator of the Exclusively Brand Showcase.

Besides Covid-19 safety protocols, topics will include recommendations on product selection and stand presentation and how best to take advantage of the generous pre and post-show marketing support package available to all exhibitors. There will be an outline of the events scheduled including the buyer and press receptions, as well as the trend tours and talks.

Auteur launches Tru Earth Auteur has partnered with Canadian eco-focused company Tru Earth, supplying innovative Laundry Eco Strips that ditch the need for bulky bottles or boxes of laundry liquid or powder. Other products include Beeswax Wrap, Dryer Balls and Multi Surface Cleaner in an Eco Strip.

Auteur’s managing director Vivienne Cudahy comments: “Tru Earth is a company focused on sustainability, so we are delighted to introduce the UK partnership with Auteur, which now means local fulfilment: better for the environment and consumer.”

Right: Utility buyers see cross-selling potential for Tru Earth’s Eco Strips.

PROGRESSIVE

9

HOUSEWARES

Creating fun in 2021 with

Stock the award-winning range TODAY Visit fizzcreations.com or email sales@fizzcreations.com Fizz Creations, 6 Commerce Way, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8TA

10_HW_April 2021.indd 1

14/04/2021 17:52

PH NEWS 4-5-7-9-11.qxp_5/7/8-9/13/15/16-17/19/20 14/04/2021 15:45 Page 11

News Below: Marcus Wareing during the cookalong, with Meyer’s global advisor MJ Truong.

NEWS IN BRIEF l Klean Kanteen UK has partnered with local

school, Ghyllside Primary in Kendal to help bring eco-campaigning to life. Its brand ambassador Cal Major, the environmental campaigner and champion stand-up paddleboarder, is working on a series of learning activities with the school. l Coffee machines, blenders, irons, vacuum

cleaners and microwaves are among the domestic appliances on eBay UK’s newly launched Certified Refurbished Hub. l Sophie Allport has collaborated with ZSL

(Zoological Society of London) with the launch of a new giraffe collection, raising vital funds for the international conservation charity and supporting its crucial work creating a world where wildlife thrives. l What More UK has announced the next

stage of its £20m investment programme, with two new bakeware machines. l Home & Gift is to return in its live show

format in Harrogate for 2021 from 18–21 July (across the Harrogate Convention Centre and grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate). An astounding 87% of buyers said they would attend the physical show in July. l Ambiente’s buyers and exhibitors are

benefiting from Messe Frankfurt’s Consumer Goods Digital Day (April 20), with a conference programme that includes Sanjay Sauldie, director of the European Internet Marketing Institute and trend scouts Claudia Herke and Annetta Palmisano of stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano. l Having won five Gift of the Year Awards

(GOTY) for eco-friendly products, Blue Eyed Sun has added to its sustainable range with the launch of Bioloco Plant Deluxe Cups, made from plant sugar. The cups are fully recyclable and industrially compostable and have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics, as well as being a climate positive product.

TOP STORY

Marcus helps launch C-Series Meyer has launched an innovative new cookware range – Circulon C-Series – with the help of MasterChef’s Marcus Wareing. Using the C-Series Chef’s Pan, the celebrity chef presented a ‘cookalong’ via Zoom recently, attended by leading food influencers, press and retail buyers. “Be fearless with this pan,” Marcus told attendees.

The new cookware features SteelShield technology – steel circles that protect the nonstick coating.

John Lewis’ Emma Lay and Robyn Griffin, Lakeland’s Kathryn Farrell, The Very Group’s Demi McLauglin and Selfridges’ Maria Jarmola joined leading food writers and influencers for the cookalong.

These included former contestants from The Great British Bake Off: Martha Collison, Chetna Makan and Val Stones, MasterChef contestant Jelena Fairweather, The Independent’s Hannah Twigg and The Corner Plots’ Sophie Rushton-Smith.

With guidance from Marcus, attendees created Mustard Glazed Chicken with Spiced Cos Lettuce and a Tarragon Vermouth Veloute, using the C-Series Chef’s Pan, which at one point involved flames as the brandy content was cooked out. The event and subsequent launch has prompted a host of social media coverage.

Good pans are “part of our kitchen décor,” said Marcus during the cookalong, admitting that he prefers induction to gas cooking, partly as it keeps pans cleaner. The celebrity revealed he had been using the "incredibly versatile" C-Series Chef’s Pan for a wide variety of different dishes, including braised leg of lamb (sealed in the pan, and finished on the barbecue), risotto and scrambled eggs for his family’s breakfast. “It’s a great size,” he enthused.

Answering questions from attendees after the cookalong, Marcus provided insights into his family’s lockdown cooking favourites, including his slow roast shoulder of lamb and his wife’s curries. When asked what his favourite comfort food is, Marcus (after some thought) admitted that it is hard to beat “a good fry up with a pots of tea and slices of white bread.”

Below: Instant Pot from Instant Brands.

Cookware’s New Romantics

l Fizz Creations is launching a Tetris

giftware range, including a Tetris Tetrimino waffle maker that creates waffles in the game’s iconic Tetrimino shapes. The famous puzzle game is nearly 40 years old and has an ever-expanding fan base. l Harts of Stur won the Good Retail Sustainability Initiative Award at a virtual awards ceremony during Springfair @ Home.

Salamander Cookshop, Wimborne won the Bricks ‘n’ Clicks Award. l Packmate has re-launched with several

updated features including a bright green zipper, improved valves and eco-friendly packaging. l Joules is increasing its home focus

following its recent acquisition of The Garden Trading Company in a deal worth up to £12.5m.

Instant Brands comes together for 2021 Corelle Brands has changed its name to Instant Brands. It has also launched a new tagline #MadeforTogether, and promises “more innovation than ever before” for the year ahead.

The Instant Brands EMEA business (headed up by Chris Stevens) is also expanding its portfolio to encompass a wider family of brands.

PROGRESSIVE

11

Consumers will “buy less, but buy better,” according to Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at WGSN (global authority on consumer and design trends).

Highlighting the increased focus on sustainable lifestyles or ‘low impact cooking’, WGSN’s recent research illuminates the rise of the ‘New Romantics’, who are keen to be less wasteful.

Gemma explains: “These consumers love to buy unique and timeless pieces to support local makers and smaller brands, and although cost-conscious they are willing to splurge for a durable, long-lasting cookware such as a cast iron dish that can be kept, shared and handed down to future generations.”

WGSN also highlights demand for Tech-enabled solutions (such as vacuum-sealed lids) to prolong food life, the use of energy savers such as multi-layered steamer pans, and the rise of experimental cooking during lockdowns.

As Gemma states, more consumers have “started to appreciate specialised items for dedicated recipes, whether it's a tagine for a moroccon stew or wok for the perfect stir fry.” (See Cookware pages 26-29).

Above: WGSN’s Gemma Riberti.

HOUSEWARES

12 BHETA.qxp_23 14/04/2021 16:19 Page 12

Update on Offensive Weapons Act Below: Tesco’s in-store recycling trials.

Tesco on ‘the four Rs’ Paul Earnshaw, Tesco’s senior packaging manager recently delivered an enlightening presentation to BHETA members.

Discussing Tesco’s approach to sustainable packaging, Paul also invited attendees to consult with him on the latest scientific conclusions in relation to plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and other packaging materials.

Tesco’s strategy follows ‘the four Rs’ - remove packaging where possible, reduce it where impossible to remove entirely, reuse more, and recycle what is left. All packaging materials used

by Tesco and its suppliers have been categorised as red, amber or green according to their sustainability or otherwise and Paul set out the targets and timelines now being used across all Tesco categories. The plan is to remove ‘reds’ from use, control the use of ‘ambers’ and give preference to the use of ‘greens’.

After Paul’s presentation, BHETA has followed up with a members’ survey on the issues around packaging. The association is now planning advisory sessions covering compliance and practicalities surrounding packaging.

• BHETA’s recent virtual events programme has also included Homebase, with a webinar by Dave Elliott, Homebase’s commercial and marketing director and recent Meet the Buyer sessions.

Freight focus for BHETA International freight (and its current challenges) was the focus of the ‘Ask the Expert’ forum hosted by BHETA in March.

Carolyn Hough from logistics specialist Dascher (a BHETA business service provider) answered questions from housewares suppliers on the impact of Brexit on duty, customs rates and Incoterms. Subject matter included EU VAT registration, rules of origin, the rise in freight costs and freight delays at borders and ports.

BHETA’s (The British Home Enhancement Trade Association) responsible knife retailing steering group has secured an update on the proposed Offensive Weapons Act (OWA), which will affect the sale of bladed items. The group has received a letter from the Home Office outlining the Government’s current position and had two meetings with the Metropolitan Police to discuss its latest thinking on the matter.

Referring to the OWA, Simon Eglington from the Home Office Serious Violence Unit confirms: “It is the Government’s position that these measures should be commenced as soon as possible”. However, he continued to state that: “We are concerned about the potential for placing additional demands and pressures on the retail sector, delivery and courier companies and the police at this time.”

Simon added: “We do hope to be able to give manufacturers, suppliers, importers and retailers at least three months’ notice of when the provisions are to commence.”

In BHETA’s meetings with the Metropolitan Police, it was suggested that the OWA legislation might be implemented in a two-part programme. Stage one may begin in the spring, with a second tier of legislation in the autumn.

BHETA’s steering committee will hold its next meeting in May to hear an update on the latest information, as well as a presentation from the Metropolitan Police on its role in the OWA’s implementation. The Right: Metropolitan Police meeting will also include a presentation from the Age Verification Team headquarters: New Scotland Yard.

Right: OWA legislation covers age (discussing practical support) and a research study report into the verified knives sales and deliveries future design of bladed items, including kitchen knives. to ensure knives are not sold to under 18s.

“It is to be hoped that the Government sticks to its plan to provide the industry with a notice period, which is one of the points about which BHETA has been lobbying,” said BHETA’s chief operating officer, Will Jones, who chairs the steering group. “Both suppliers and retailers need to be able to adjust to the new requirements in a positive manner, and for that some advance notice is required. The fact we have an indication now of the likely timing again helps with planning and BHETA is actively exploring all the practical measures which the home enhancement industry can take to achieve a positive result.”

BHETA’s consultative steering group for the sales of bladed products (formed in 2018) includes leading retailers and suppliers of knives.

For more information contact Nicola Adams, BHETA member services team manager on 07946 078566, or na@bheta.co.uk, or see www.bheta.co.uk.

Below: Glynn Jones from the Bank of England.

Positive financial forecasts BHETA members attending a webinar with Glynn Jones, deputy agent at the Bank of England and Richard Butler, regional director at the CBI heard ultimately positive forecasts from both speakers for 2021 and beyond. There were however several caveats and pleas for action from Government for measures to help the economy grow.

Glynn Jones acknowledged the considerable uncertainty of the present; but expressed a degree of confidence that the economy will bounce back through the summer with GDP picking up strongly during 2021 from a predicted low of 12% below its Q4-19 level in Q1-21.

BHETA’s Will Jones described the webinar as “an immensely helpful session on the positive potential for recovery, interwoven with the steps that need to be taken to secure it.”

Below: Flower power: some of Katie Alice’s tableware.

Membership grows The latest housewares brands to join the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) include Katie Alice, Décor, Contigo. N&P Housewares also joined recently, representing different brands across various sectors.

The Katie Alice brand is known for vintage-inspired prints, especially florals. Décor has been making homewares in Australia for over 60 years, producing products that fuse functionality with good looks, durability and affordability. The Contigo brand (belonging to Newell Rubbermaid UK) is known for its stylish travel mugs, water bottles and kids’ bottles.

Founded by Nick Gabb, N&P represents brands and product ranges selling to UK and international markets. The company works with a wide range of housewares categories ranging from utility, ironing boards and airers to more seasonal items like Christmas trees and lighting.

PROGRESSIVE

12

HOUSEWARES

13 Bira.qxp_23 15/04/2021 17:41 Page 13

Open all hours?

Below: The message from Save The Street (the movement founded recently by Mary Portas to help high street retailers). The message has also gone into some shop windows.

Not quite ‘open all hours’, but some independent retailers will be opening their shops for longer in, what we hope, will be a bit of a post-lockdown shopping frenzy.

It has been a long four months while so-called ‘non-essential’ retail – including so many cookshops and housewares stockists - has been shut for the third extended period in 12 months. And so, with the possibility of a little extra cash to spend, and some pent-up demand, we are hopeful shoppers will return in numbers.

Housing and communities minister Robert Jenrick recently confirmed that retailers will be allowed to continue opening for longer hours – until 10pm, in fact. This gives people more flexibility in when they shop and helps retailers manage customer numbers to allow for social distancing.

Clearly Bira supports this move; anything that is going to encourage people back to the high street can only be a good thing. Retailers have had the worst year in their business lives, and we support any measures that will help them to re-build their livelihood.

However, it must also go hand-in-hand with other schemes; extended hours alone will not see the high street recover from the devastation of this pandemic. Regular readers of this column will know we’ve already spoken in support of a voucher, or discount, scheme like last summer’s Eat Out to Help Out initiative, which boosted the hospitality sector. One of Bira’s allies Save The Street has recently been lobbying for a Shop Out to Help Out scheme – something we’ve given our whole-hearted support to.

We cannot take anything for granted with regards to people returning to the high street, and online shopping continues to grow. This type of scheme worked well for hospitality and we would like to see the same support extended to independent retail in order to protect the high streets, jobs and livelihoods.

And while voucher schemes are most welcome, a healthy high street must also be accessible which is why Bira is continuing to campaign for more parking spaces, reversing the pedestrianisation of some high streets, which happened after the first lockdown.

We would also like to see local authorities suspend parking charges at certain times of the week to encourage shoppers back, particularly when travel of public transport will continue to be discouraged. It is only when all these measures are implemented, we will see the true recovery of our high streets.

Because if we are going to be open for extended hours, then we need to make those hours really count.

If you would like to discuss any of this article with us, or would like to find out more about our association and the support we give independent retail business, then please contact our membership team on 0800 028 0245 or visit bira.co.uk

Andrew Goodacre, ceo, Bira (British Independent Retailers' Association)

Bira backs Shop For Britain campaign

Bira’s appeal to chancellor Following the Budget in March, Bira has appealed to chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the 100% business rates relief in England for a full year. Budget announcements included extension of business rates relief in England to the end of June, with discounted rates of up to two thirds for those hardest hit thereafter.

The association’s appeal to the Chancellor followed decisions by the Welsh and Scottish Governments to give retailers 100% rates relief until March 2022. Andrew Goodacre, Bira ceo said after the Budget: “It makes it hard to understand why England is making businesses pay 25% of their rates in 2021/22. It's not too late for Rishi to go a little further and do the same!"

However, Bira “broadly welcomed” the support for smaller retailers in the Budget, including restart grants of up to £6,000, recovery loans, and free help for small businesses to boost their online operation through a Help to Grow scheme.

Left: Above: Bira is among the retail voices that want a rethink on business rates from chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured).

Help from the Brexit Hub Independent retailers are finding the answers to many of their Brexit-related questions on Bira’s Brexit Hub. The hub covers issues such as sending goods via courier to the EU, EORI numbers and custom declarations. It also provides links to the Trader Support Service.

Below: Members of the team outside The Tool Shop Group’s Housewares store in Waterloo, central London.

Bira teamed up with the Daily Mirror for the newspaper’s latest instalment of its Shop For Britain campaign, urging shoppers to return to their local independent retailers with the reopening of non-essential retail this month.

Bira members had the opportunity to have their names and business details published in the pages of the Mirror, along with messages to shoppers.

Housewares stockiest Vin Vara, owner of The Tool Shop Group, London (and a past president of Bira) is one of the Bira members that has added his voice to the Daily Mirror’s campaign for consumers to support independent shops. Reflecting on a tough year for his business, Vin said:“I think it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

We’ve got a break coming on April 12. Take care and go out and do your shopping, support your local communities and support your independent retailers.”

The Shop For Britain campaign was initiated last June with the reopening of shops last summer after the first lockdown, urging people to shop locally to help businesses start to bounce back.

• The Tool Shop’s Vin Vara also provided a voice of independents for BBC news in the run-up to the Budget.“I pay the same rates at my Islington store as Amazon pays for a big warehouse. Where’s the logic in that? They do 50 times the revenue,” said Vin in the BBC report.

PROGRESSIVE

13

HOUSEWARES

The ultimate cutting experience

s

ol

az

ing

T

o

Am

Jahre

as

70

de

7

ears Swiss Y I 0

Kitchen

Scan to see in use Anti-bacterial handle – 99.9% bacteria free

The Comfort PRO range is available to order now from DKB Household Contact us on: 01252 828055 or email: cust.serv@dkbrands.co.uk

zyliss.co.uk 15375-DKB-Zyliss Trade Press Comfort Pro.indd 2 00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

25/03/2021 17:40 12/04/2021 14:03

15 From the front line.qxp_Layout 1 14/04/2021 13:35 Page 15

Holly Wilson’s

From The Frontline

Deja-vu It feels like Groundhog Day doesn’t it? Preparing to reopen... again. It is with the same mix of trepidation and excitement that we are preparing this time. am so thrilled to be reopening and trading more normally and seeing our lovely customers again, but also it has begun to feel so alien. The unknown does not seem to get any easier. I am sure we will be back in the swing of it once those front doors are flung wide open once more.

Kids are back to school, which has been brilliant for all of us. They are so happy to be back with their pals, although their rating of me as a teacher has risen dramatically from the first lockdown so that’s something positive. Easter holidays have come around far too quickly though. I could have done with reopening and Easter Holidays not happening at the same time!

So, in the stores we are heavily into restocking, stock takes and VM’ing. We have got a little too used to just leaving things wherever we like and having boxes littering the shop floor while we amble through a delivery. We are going to have to pick up the pace once we reopen. (This is probably just me to be honest as the rest of my team is as excellent as ever!) I am having yet another staff change at Prep, so to add to the reopening of the store jitters I am having to recruit a whole new team. On the one hand, it is great as we are starting again fresh but on the other, it adds a huge amount of work in staff training to get everyone up to speed in time.

Supplier stocks are still proving hit and miss and deliveries from Europe are making their way through, albeit more slowly and at greater expense. But it is all part of the new normal, so we are learning to get to grips with it. There are a lot of price changes with some pretty hefty increases so I think our customers are going to feel it a little.

However, they are all so desperate to shop

Inset: Cheerful window at Prep in Stoke Newington.

Below: Opening all over again: Holly pictured outside Richard Dare when she first opened the shop in 2017.

that I’m hoping they won’t notice to begin

the two separate

with us that I’m hoping they won’t notice to begin with. I have a customer who said she is going to go into every store along Church Street and buy something on Monday April 12. Now that’s the kind of support that fills

businesses too - this is both a blessing and a curse (great for customers, horrible for our admin). We have been to be able to put the correct processes in place while we are closed so things run smoothly once we reopen. And the feedback on how it looks and works has been really positive. The many, many hours of screen time were worth it. Once we reopen, and the locals are back to buying in store, I will set my mind to driving more traffic outside the current customer base.

To coincide with reopening, one of our local card shops and one of the estate agents who are very community minded are putting together a ‘welcome back’ video. All of the shops and restaurants on the street have submitted video clips welcoming our customers back. This is currently being worked on to launch in time for reopening - to remind everyone that we are back and we are ready to help them shop safely. It should be a lovely video for the community and for us to look back on in the future and remember how we pulled through this crazy pandemic and came out fighting.

So, on that note I must finish off some orders. Best of luck with reopening; may the tills ring loud!

your heart and makes you appreciate your community more than ever.

The new website has been brilliant so far. It was launched a month ago, with zero marketing or effort put into driving traffic to it. Mainly shopped by locals for click and collect, it is performing as intended for this initial period while we iron out any kinks. It has enabled a bit of product sharing across

PROGRESSIVE

15

HOUSEWARES

Holly Wilson owns award winning independent cookshops in North London: Prep in Stoke Newington and Richard Dare in Primrose Hill.

PH Retailer Viewpoints 2pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 13:55 Page 16

Retailer viewpoints Inset: Upstairs Downstairs, Oswestry.

Far left: Tableware displays inside Upstairs Downstairs.

The

grand reopening As cookshops prepared to welcome customers back into stores this month, PH spoke to four independents as they counted down to the big day. rush to their local shops; these lockdowns have reintroduced ‘localism.’ We have had immense support from local customers when we’ve been open, and I really believe that the next five years will be the best for independents. Anyone who survives the tsunami will benefit.”

Yossi anticipates “a surge of expenditure” as consumers get a chance to shop, but recognises that this will drop “and hopefully settle at a reasonable level.”

There are challenges in the months ahead, of course, as Yossi recognises struggles to get some stock: “Everything coming from the Far East is hard to get.”

Independents are the future “We’re putting ads in the local paper – reopening is almost like re-launching our business. We’re excited, we’re positive and we’re looking forward to a bright future,” enthuses Yossi Gliksman, director of independent cookshop Upstairs Downstairs in Oswestry, which he has run with his wife Raine for 33 years. He adds: “We can’t wait to get to Exclusively and Autumn Fair.”

In Yossi’s opinion, the earliest reopening date of April 12 in England was “a month too long,” having had expectations of a date in March following schools reopening, while understanding the “very difficult situation.”

Yossi reflects on the series of lockdowns, stating: “I can’t understand why we were not classed as essential. Supermarkets have been selling so much kitchenware.”

He also observes that, when going to buy compost from a local garden centre during lockdown: “I had to walk through shelves of bakeware, cookware, tools and

gadgets and ask where the compost was.

Independent cookshops handed over business to garden centres and online!”

However, Yossi is very positive about the opportunities for independent cookshops on reopening this month: “People will

Bottom: The Kitchen Range’s new cookery school.

Right: A new roof garden outside The Kitchen Range Cookery School, which will open when possible this year.

People love experiences Lockdowns have been particularly busy for The Kitchen Range in West Wickham, where joint partners Paul Geoghegan and Lucy Richards have been “very productive” in moving forwards with their new cookery school, which will open when it becomes possible for six people to come together indoors.

“Having this focus has got us through lockdown,” explains Lucy (who became joint partner this month). The Kitchen Range Cookery School will be situated above the shop, with a separate entrance. A new roof garden provides an inspiring space for the school’s participants to wait before lessons, as well as somewhere to eat outside and grow herbs and vegetables.

“You can only get so much on the internet – you can’t get tactile, social experiences and people love experience-led things,” states Lucy, emphasising: “I think the school will be very popular.” The hunger for experiences will also benefit the shop’s reopening, in Lucy’s opinion, with people returning to high streets as consumer confidence starts to build up again.

A new website plus click and collect during selected weekday hours has made the shop’s recent figures better than during the first lockdown (when The Kitchen Range was busy with local deliveries), but Lucy recognises that there was less government support for lockdown 3. “We’re feeling the pinch now, but we’ll be ok – I’m feeling very positive,” she said in the run-up to re-opening.

The shop has also invested in an upgraded epos system, with new handheld devices enabling “our most in depth stock take ever during lockdown 3,” reports Lucy.

PROGRESSIVE

16

HOUSEWARES

PH Retailer Viewpoints 2pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 13:55 Page 17

Retailer viewpoints

Customers feel safe with us Enthusiasm for shopping locally is in evidence at La Cookshop in Blagdon, where owner Keith Crowther reports: “Our click and collect customers have been saying they want to support local businesses, and know how important that is, which is great to hear.”

Keith acknowledges that coming out of lockdown 3 will be very different to lockdown 2, which was just three weeks before Christmas. “Having missed our busy trade around Mother’s Day and Easter, April and May are usually reasonably quiet for housewares. However, by the end of April, over 40million people will have had a vaccine and we don’t know how that will boost shopper numbers.”

Situated in the destination location of the Milkhope Centre in the Northumberland countryside, Keith observes: “Customers say they feel safe with us. In September, we had shoppers that said that it was the first time they had been out since March.”

La Cookshop was originally situated in Durham City Centre but Keith expresses relief at not having a city location, and not being in a shopping mall. “We have free parking and plenty of outside space between shops; people don’t like wearing masks for a long time, so can take them off outside.”

Keith started building up stock from the start of April, while recognising that: “Suppliers are all warning us of shortages and delays, so it will be interesting to see how much we get.” He explains: “It’s more container and worldwide shipping issues rather than Brexit now. Our European suppliers that suspended shipments in January are now telling us they are back up and running and the system is working.”

Keen to see some more newness for housewares, Keith reports: “I’ve just taken on two new greeting card suppliers, which will help the gift side of our business.” He is optimistic for the months ahead, adding: “We need to stay positive as an individual business, as a sector and as a country.”

He adds, “We have to keep in constant communication with suppliers and work together.”

Brexit is also having a significant adverse impact, says Yossi, with some companies placing surcharges on orders from the EU. “We’re turning into importers – it’s another load of stress plus higher expenses. Prices are going up by at least 10-15%, which is a big increase for independents that want to bring in some products that are different.”

Yossi also points out a post-pandemic cost that might not have been considered by fellow retailers: “I’m not sure if all business owners know the fact that we are all going to be taxed on all the ‘grants’ we received during the pandemic from our government, as it is classed as an income. I wonder about the helpfulness of taxing what has been a lifeline for most small businesses?”

Like many other independents, Yossi has been “upgrading and refreshing” the shop.

He reports” “In the first lockdown, we changed the carpet in a third of the shop and did the rest during the second – we’ve waited 20 or so years!” Upstairs Downstairs has also installed new shelves, new signage outside and is now putting new lights in the windows.”

In conclusion, Yossi emphasises: “Suppliers need to look after independents – we are the future. Britain always was a nation of small independent businesses, and, despite the internet, people still want to come in, chat and make shopping a leisurely experience. My message to people is to stay local, shop local, support local.”

Getting up to scratch “Technically we could have opened from April 5 when Scotland allowed homeware retailers to re-open, but I am waiting until mid April, when the shop will be up to scratch,” states Kenny Mitchell, owner of The Scullery in Broughty Ferry, a residential suburb of Dundee. Kenny opened his shop in October 2019, but even though he has not been open for many months, he has still found plenty of projects to give the store a makeover during lockdowns.

“We’ve put in a new double glazed front window, with a new sign painted, and we’re changing the work surface for the cash desk,” he reports. “As well as painting and general DIY, I have fitted new storage units for our basement stock room, which is now rearranged to be more user friendly for us.”

Kenny continues: “I’m pretty confident about reopening and so I have bought a lot of new stock and taken on some new suppliers. We’re also planning a new website with an online shop.”

The “hardest” thing

PROGRESSIVE

17

HOUSEWARES

Inset: La Cookshop at the Milkhope Centre (photo: Robin Watson Signs) Top: La Cookshop stocks gifts and cards alongside kitchenware.

recently has been the need to take deliveries at home while the shop has been shut, find space to check them and then transport them to the shop, as well as “having to do a lot on my own,” without the usual help of mother-in-law, Audrey during the pandemic. However, Kenny acknowledges: “We have been fortunate that the Scottish government has been supportive with grants.”

Below: The Scullery’s Kenny Mitchell and his wife Nicola (who would normally provide some extra help on Saturdays).

18-21_23 Retail Barometer 2021_muk.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 08:08 Page 18

The 2021 Retail Barometer readings

Inset: Face coverings became the norm in shops in 2020. Photo: Anna Shvets.

Below: Cooking has provided consumers with solace as well as sustenance. Photo: Nicole Michalou.

The findings of the 16th annual PH Retail Barometer make fascinating as well as optimistic reading. In a year when non-essential retailers were forced to close for many months due to Covid-19 lockdowns, and consumers stayed at home for so much of it, independent cookshops and housewares stockists rose to the challenge of supplying a nation of new home cooks and bakers. So how did demand weigh against the logistics of sales for independent housewares retailers in the last year, what product categories were most affected, and what were the new drivers for business? PH explores a wealth of data and its significance for the housewares industry.

The

extraordinary year

DISHING UP SOME GOOD NEWS

The PH Retail Barometer (now in its 16th year) gathered responses from independent cookshops and housewares stockists from different locations across the UK. Completing the survey during the first half of March, independents reflected on 2020 as well as looking ahead into 2021 and beyond. Some remained open (or partially open) due to being in the essential ‘hardware’ category during the Covid-19 lockdowns that shaped 2020, but the vast majority of respondents closed their ONLINE SHIFT physical doors for months Collectively, for all the respondents, 71% of total sales were via the (from the end of March physical shops in 2020 versus 29% online.

Some 68% of the Retail Barometer respondents are currently selling to June, and in November online, to varying extents (with just 3% purely online). However, there for four weeks, and many was a notable shift showing the need for ecommerce in the pandemic, with nearly a third of these (30%) having started to sell online in the from Boxing Day). past year.

Here’s the strikingly good news: for 54% of respondents, overall business was better or the same in 2020, when having had the most detrimental impact on business in 2020 overall, compared to 2019 (see box comparing data from the last five year). In but a substantial 70% of respondents also recognise that the rise of fact, despite the months of lockdown closures, the number home cooking (due to lockdowns and restaurant closures) has saying business was ‘better’ is similar to the previous year’s Retail increased sales – and half of these say it “significantly increased sales.”

Barometer findings.

Hence, this pandemic phenomenon enters the top ten list of However, there were some dramatically different fortunes, with ‘positive influences on business’ at number four (see table, and respondents ranging from businesses that were down by 65% in ‘The positives’ section).

2020, to those who were So, understandably, up by 80%. Looking into there is a mixture of How has your business fared over the last year? the figures, 27% were up influences of the PH looks back at five years of Retail Barometer data: by 30% or more, vs 15% Covid-19 lockdowns that were down by (including the most 2020 vs 2019 2019 vs 2018 2018 vs 2017 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 30% or more. recent in 2021) – Better 39% Better 37% Better 26% Better 31% Better 41% Unsurprisingly, preventing sales in Same 15% Same 26% Same 28% Same 16% Same 5% Worse 46% Worse 37% Worse 46% Worse 53% Worse 54% lockdowns are cited as supposedly ‘nonPROGRESSIVE

18

HOUSEWARES

18-21_23 Retail Barometer 2021_muk.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 08:08 Page 19

The 2021 Retail Barometer readings

Right: Shutting up shops for lockdowns stopped sales in 2020. Photo: Tim Mossholder.

THE POSITIVES: STAYING LOCAL

ΔWH P

essential’ retailers, while boosting demand for supplies for the essential task of home cooking, with baking and cooking generally bringing solace as well as sustenance to households over the past year. When asked for the overall affect, nearly half of Retail Barometer respondents think that lockdowns have led to increases in sales, while the other half say lockdowns have resulted in loss of sales.

One reason for this positive influence (despite closures) is the rise in average sales for independents. The ‘average spend’ increased for 76% of respondents (see pie chart), while only 9% saw a decline in average spend. This is a notable contrast to the previous year’s Retail Barometer when 31% of respondents saw a decline in average sales in 2019. One independent housewares stockist reflects on the past year: ‘“As a hardware store we have remained open, but although footfall is down with most other shops closed, customer spend per basket is up.”

With immense upheavals to businesses, devastation in the news, uncertainty and the need to adapt over the past year, the most common choice of ‘one word’ to sum up the housewares industry is ‘challenging’, followed by ‘competitive’. There is a wide spectrum of descriptors for the last year, including: online, unpredictable, uncertain, polarising, rudderless, hopeless, teetering, stressed, unfocused and lacklustre. Other selected words muster more upbeat imagery - including: essential, surviving, promising, optimistic, stable, growing, innovative, resilient and hopeful.

Moreover, there seems to be resounding hopefulness as retailers contemplate the near future and beyond (see later sections). Looking ahead for the whole of 2021, the large majority (64%) of independents anticipate growth for their business Increased slightly 50% when compared with 2020.

The ‘shop local’ trend has leapt to the top of the list of ‘positive influences on business’ for 2020. Never having been in the list before, it is significantly ahead of other factors, with nearly half of all respondents selecting this as their number one ‘positive influence’ (see table). The focus on working from home and staying local during the pandemic year has boosted footfall to high streets (when open) in market towns and residential neighbourhood locations, where many independent cookshops and housewares stockists are situated.

Moreover, there has been a wave of appreciation for community-spirited local retailers. On the downside, citybased independents will have lost footfall from the lack of commuters.

Also new, in second place on the list of positive influences, is ‘government support’ Above: The ‘shop local’ trend (such as the furlough scheme, business rates had the most positive impact on freeze, loans or grants, and August’s Eat Out businesses in 2020. Image is of a window at The Woodbridge to Help Out campaign). Click and collect (at Kitchen Company in number six) is another new entrant, showing August 2020. how independents adapted to serve customers during lockdown 2 (when click and collect was allowed for non-essential retailers).

Meanwhile, reflecting how many retailers kept in touch with customers and communities (and made some sales during lockdowns), social media remains at number five (the same position as in 2019’s Retail Barometer list). Understandably, websites (ecommerce growth) have risen from eighth position on the list for 2019 to number three for 2020.

The top factor for 2019 – eco-friendly products - has disappeared altogether for 2020, while ‘new customers’ (the second most positive influence for 2019) is now in 11th position, recognising that some of the new wave of home cooks have discovered independent cookshops and housewares stockists. ‘Staff’ (third most positive influence in 2019) stays on the list, but in joint eighth position, as many businesses will have furloughed some members of their teams during lockdowns. ‘Enhanced window displays’ stays in joint eighth position for 2020. Cookshop windows were a significant means to prompt click and collect and online sales during the second lockdown, as well as creating cheer and positivity for passers-by taking their daily exercise.

50%

BASKET VALUE How did the average spend per customer in 2020 compare to 2019?

15% 3% 6%

Independent view: “I applaud all reta ilers that have survived and enhanced their business during these uncertain times, continuing to expand and withhold their nerve and fulfil the drea m of being a successful retailer.”

Same 15%

Declined 3% Increased significantly 26% Declined significantly 6%

26%

Increased significantly 26%

26%

small Independent view: “It seems unfair that r ones, large the than shops, which are much safer t men part i-de were forced to shut when mult are and t oun disc at stores (which sell everything a also is e Ther n. ope far more dangerous) stayed big r othe and strong argument for Amazon sales online players to pay a proper tax on their and profits.”

PROGRESSIVE

26% Declined 26%

STAYING AT HOME What impact have the Covid-19 lockdowns had on your housewares sales from March 2020 to March 2021?

24% 19

HOUSEWARES

21%

3%

Increased slightly 21%

Same 3%

Declined significantly 24%

18-21_23 Retail Barometer 2021_muk.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 08:08 Page 20

The 2021 Retail Barometer readings

What were the main factors that had a positive effect on business in 2020?

Inset: Supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic had a negative impact on businesses.

1 – Shop local trend 2 – Government support 3 – Website (ecommerce growth) 4 – Increase in baking and cooking at home due to lockdowns 5 - Social media 6 - Click and collect 7 - Promotional activity 8 = Staff 8 = Enhanced window displays 8 = Increase in demand for cleaning products due to Covid-19 9 - New customers

THE NEGATIVES: SHUTTERS AND STOCK When asked about the factors that had the most detrimental effects on business in 2020, understandably, the vast majority of respondents cite having to close for the Covid-19 lockdowns. However, one other negative influence was also far more significant than anything else during the pandemic year: stock shortages from suppliers (coming second on the list of detrimental effects). One respondent adds the comment: “We would have done a lot better but for lack of stock.”

According to the numbers of citations, the other negative influences are less significant compared to the top two factors for this Retail Barometer.

However, ‘suppliers’ websites selling directly to consumers’ jumped up to number three on the list for 2020 (from sixth place in 2019), reflecting consumers’ shift to online purchasing and the prevalence of suppliers’ ecommerce sites. This has moved ahead of ‘competitive retailers’ websites’ (now at number five, compared to second place the previous year) as one of the dampeners to an indies’ trade.

Also reflecting consumers’ shopping and lockdown product availability, ‘housewares in supermarkets’ have risen to fourth place on the list (from seventh for 2019). Similarly, ‘housewares products in garden centres’ have entered the list at number six.

Two new factors enter the list of banes to business, specific to the pandemic year and highlighting what retailers have really missed: trade shows and visits from reps or agents during 2020. Meanwhile, Brexit (uncertainty and higher costs) – which was cited as the most detrimental factor in 2019 - slipped down the list to joint eighth position.

As one respondent comments: ‘The full impact of Brexit will be felt more once we’re all back to ‘normal.’’

What were the main factors that had a detrimental effect on business in 2020?

1 - Covid-19 lockdown closures 2 - Stock shortages from suppliers 3 - Suppliers selling directly to consumers 4 - Housewares products in supermarkets 5 - Competitive retailers’ websites 6 - Housewares products in garden centres 7 = Housewares products in discount/deep value retailers 7 = Lack of trade shows 8 = Brexit (uncertainty/ higher costs) 8 = Lack of visits from reps/agents

Independent view: “Suppliers will have to work closer with the independents. They mustn’t forget that we are their front line; without shops the public will not be able to see products and appreciate their quality and value.”

INVESTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS Besides measures to make shops Covid-safe in 2020, the main area of investments for independent cookshops and housewares stockists has been website development. Some 65% of the total respondents invested in their websites over the past year.

Half of all the respondents have had a partial shop refit (such as new shelves) and the next most popular investments have been new lighting, computer equipment and EPOS systems.

With closures and restrictions, there was understandably less promotional activity across the board in 2020, with the exception of a surge in web advertising, more collaboration with other businesses, and a small increase in gift voucher schemes.

Facebook reigns supreme as the top social media platform for cookshops and housewares stockists, with 65% of all respondents using this to promote their business. Instagram comes next, with 26% of the total stating they use this platform for promotion.

Inset: Cookshops have responded to the shift to online shopping by investing in website development.

Publicity acts What promotions and/or advertising did you run in 2020? (with % of those engaged in them, and comparison with 2019)

1 – Social media 74% (down from 83%) 2 – Web advertising 44% (up from 26%) 3 - Discount promotions 38% (down from 69%) 4 - Collaboration with other retailers /businesses 32% (up from 20%) 5 - Loyalty cards 29% (down from 37%) 6 – Press advertising 26% (down from 49%) 7 = Competitions 24% (down from 31%) 7 = Free gift promotion 24% (down from 31%) 7 = Gift voucher scheme 24% (up from 20%) 7 = Leaflets 24% (down from 43%)

Independent view: “It will take at least a year to recover from Covid closures and the fact that supermarkets and garden centres could remain open and sell our products is a disgrace and created unfair trading rules.”

PROGRESSIVE

20

HOUSEWARES

18-21_23 Retail Barometer 2021_muk.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 08:08 Page 21

The 2021 Retail Barometer readings

SUSTAINABLE STORIES

Below: Stylish single use substitute: Emma Bridgewater Wraps from the Bees Wax Wrap Company.

Inset: Outdoor dining inspiration for summer 2021 from Dobbies. Garden centres are seen as a threat to business for independent cookshops and housewares stockists.

Environmental concerns continued to influence consumer buying in 2020, according to most respondents, although not as strongly as the previous year. Some 48% say there was marginal influence (compared to 54% in 2019) and 12% cite a significant influence (down from 31% in 2019).

As previous Retail Barometers have shown, independents are hot on sustainable issues. Sustainability remains key to buying and business practises for the large majority of respondents. Half say they will order more products that reduce ‘single use’ in 2020, continuing the momentum, as 71% stated their intentions to order more in last year’s Retail Barometer.

Half of the independents in this year’s survey say they are ordering more products with less packaging. This is a considerable increase from the 12% that said they were doing this in the previous Retail Barometer. One retailer comments: “We struggle to get less packaging as this is dictated by the suppliers.” Another respondent adds: “We upcycle supplier packaging and send out online orders in this packaging.”

Nearly half of the Retail Barometer respondents use paper bags, and just over a third say they are participating in ‘more vigilant recycling’ in 2021, while 26% are using less energy in their shop this year.

THE BIG THREATS Some 91% of respondents regard major online operators in the housewares industry (such as Amazon) as a threat, with half of all respondents classifying them as a ‘serious threat’.

Meanwhile, 88% of indies now view supermarkets as a threat, with 35% seeing them as a ‘serious threat.’

Another significant finding is that 85% of respondents see housewares suppliers’ online sales direct to the public as a threat, with 56% going as far as to view this as a ‘serious threat.’ Of the remaining respondents, 9% are neutral and 6% see the practise as a bonus.

With garden centres having been classified as ‘essential retailers’ last summer (and remaining open during subsequent lockdowns) it is not surprising that they are now seen as a threat by 82% of indie respondents (with 29% classifying them as a ‘serious threat’).

When asked which of these is the greatest threat, the overwhelming majority of 70% select Amazon and online giants. And this percentage is up from last year’s Retail Barometer, when it was 65%.

Indicative of the shift towards direct sales during the year of the pandemic, 15% regard suppliers selling directly as the greatest threat, with one respondent commenting, “the others we’re used to.”

However, some 12% pick garden centres as the greatest threat.

However, no respondents selected supermarkets as their greatest threat, unlike the previous year’s Retail Barometer, when the figure was 15%.

MAKE A WISH Online discounting and the dominance of Amazon is what most independents would change if they had a magic wand and one wish.

For some, it would be to ‘erase Amazon’ and others to ‘tax Amazon’ with an effective online sales tax. The second strongest wish is for level pricing (including parity between discount retailers and supermarkets).

Besides these, suppliers’ direct sales to consumers are a reality that many would eradicate. Comments include the wish for: “Brands to be supporting you, rather than competing against you.” After these wishes come desires for better supply chains and more UK manufacturing.

CATEGORY GAINS Six product categories grew in sales last year for the majority of respondents: a result that is unprecedented in the past decade of PH Retail Barometers. The most notable growth category is bakeware, as the UK turned into a nation of lockdown home bakers. Knives experienced the next strongest growth, followed

by Tools and Gadgets, with home cooks realising they needed to invest in kit for food preparation.

Cookware was also a strong performer, including stainless steel and non-stick, while cast iron cookware (on a downward spiral for many years) has seen a bounce back as consumers invested in durable kitchenware as they spent more time cooking at home. Recreating the pub or bar experience at home has also given a boost to barware (see table).

When it comes to diversifying into different product areas, face PROGRESSIVE

masks come top of the list for independent cookshops and housewares stockists, followed closely by an expansion of giftware.

This is followed by equal mentions for greeting cards, soap, candles and hand sanitiser.

Le Creuset is the most mentioned brand when independents were asked for their ‘hero product’ for 2020, including the brand’s mugs, mills and casseroles. After this came (jointly) Chilly’s bottles (which was the top product hero for 2019), KitchenCraft bakeware, and the Kilo Euro Scrubby from CKS. Left Bakeware sales grew for the vast majority of respondents. Image is of Tala Silver Anodised Loaf Tin.

Independent view: “We hope from this last year that there will be far more support from suppliers to the independent sector as we are the heart of the high street.”

21

HOUSEWARES

NEW Füri Capsule Knife Block Landing Soon Various Block options available

Leading Australian premium kitchen knife brand For more details on newness and the complete Füri range please contact furi@fackelmann.co.uk

00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

www.furiglobal.com

12/04/2021 14:04

18-21_23 Retail Barometer 2021_muk.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 08:20 Page 23

The 2021 Retail Barometer readings

Sector by sector in 2021

18%

About the same 18%

Category

Visions for 2021

12%

35%

6%

Major decline 6%

Significant growth 29%

LOOKING AHEAD

Bakeware Barware Cake decorating Cast iron cookware Casual dining Ceramic-coated cookware Children’s products Glassware Knives Mugs Non-stick cookware ‘On-the-go' food storage, bottles etc Oven to tableware Preserving Small electricals Stainless steel cookware Textiles Tools and gadgets Waste management

There is a big helping of positivity for the year ahead as 79% of independent cookshops and housewares stockists anticipate that the rise in home cooking will continue to have a positive impact on sales in 2021.

However, nearly half (47%) of respondents think that Brexit will have a negative effect on their business in 2021. A further 32% are uncertain, while 18% do not anticipate any effect from the aftermath of the UK’s departure from the EU, the end of the transition period and the last minute trade deal.

Looking further ahead, there is another portion of heartening news.

More than half (53%) of respondents are positive about the future of independent cookshops and housewares retailers in the next three to five years. This is a dramatic turnaround from the previous two Retail Barometers, when almost half (49%) saw a weak future. In early 2020 (when respondents filled in the last Retail Barometer, before the pandemic took hold) a mere 14% were positive for the longerterm future. One year on, in 2021 – and as non-essential shops counted down to reopening in April - some 15% are now ‘very positive’ for the longer term.

32% FUTURE THOUGHTS

Decline

73% 43% 25% 39% 29% 14% 20% 37% 64% 37% 48% 40%

17% 43% 39% 29% 50% 43% 50% 47% 23% 43% 31% 40%

10% 14% 36% 32% 21% 43% 30% 16% 13% 20% 21% 20%

28% 41% 34% 41% 31% 52% 11%

61% 35% 35% 41% 52% 34% 68%

11% 24% 31% 18% 17% 14% 21%

6%

No influence 6%

Nation of home cooks

23%

15% 56%

Significantly increase 23%

Unsure 15% Marginally increase 56%

Weak 32%

15%

Neutral 15%

38% 15%

Stable

Slight decline 12%

Marginal growth 35%

29%

Growth

Positive 38%

PROUD TO BE HERE

Very positive 15% Right: Face masks were the main area of diversification in 2020. Image is of Joe Davies’ Snoozie Face Coverings.

Independent view: “If suppliers want to keep small independent retailers alive then we suggest they stop selling themselves on third party websites such as Amazon. We can't compete with their prices.”

PROGRESSIVE

23

‘Surviving’ is what most independent retailers (30%) pick when asked for the achievement they are most proud of for 2020. Website development is next in the list of proud achievements. One retailer describes: “Building the website to increase customer engagement and maintain what makes our store special.”

After this, respondents pinpoint the achievement of growth in 2020, for example: ‘growing and changing during a difficult period,’ and ‘increasing our customer base and increased turnover in the second half of the year.’ Next in the achievement list is staff, for example: ‘the resilience of my team and their ability to adapt to change.’

Implementing or changing EPOS systems is the notable achievement for some, while pandemic related achievements include ‘isolation delivering’ and ‘managing a Covid secure environment.’

HOUSEWARES

PH KUHN RIKON Advertorial DPS 2_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 19:08 Page 24

Advertorial Feature: Kuhn Rikon

Cookware innovation at the right price Inset: PEAK cookware combines three brilliant materials to get the best results: stainless steel, aluminium and non-stick.

Swiss heritage brand Kuhn Rikon combines innovation in cookware with a hierarchy of full margin price points - all from UK-held stock – like the new Easy Pro and Peak collections.

S

wiss manufacturer Kuhn Rikon has been producing cookware since 1926. This year sees a resurgence of focus on that cookware excellence with some class-leading ranges.

In the last issue of Progressive Housewares we unveiled New Life (pictured, right), a range made entirely from 100% recycled European aluminium and manufactured in Kuhn Rikon’s Swiss factory! We also looked at the stunning entry-level Classic Induction stainless steel range as an example of Kuhn Rikon’s commitment to maintaining cookware standards, particularly in stainless steel.

This time we are taking a look at the forged aluminium EASY PRO and the multi-ply PEAK ranges. All Kuhn Rikon cookware is backed by strong packaging and point-of-sale, excellent service, free lifetime guarantee upgrade and unrivalled manufacturing expertise. It hits a hierarchy of price points which will be hard to beat.

The tough, highly impressive non-stick surface ensures that food releases perfectly - it just falls out of the pan. It is a 3-layer coating with titanium particles for added strength and it is easy to clean.

EASY PRO Designed as an everyday cookware range, EASY PRO combines forged aluminium with a titaniumstrengthened non-stick finish to create a practical pan that’s a joy to use. Forged aluminium absorbs, stores and spreads heat really efficiently, so the result will be even cooking, no hot spots and without the requirement to use on a high heat.

PROGRESSIVE

24

HOUSEWARES

This pan can be used on all types of hob, including induction. For versatility, it is also ovenproof, up to 240°C. Inset: Designed as an everyday cookware range, EASY PRO combines forged aluminium with a titaniumstrengthened non-stick finish.

PH KUHN RIKON Advertorial DPS 2_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 19:08 Page 25

Advertorial Feature: Kuhn Rikon

PEAK • SKUS – Milk pan (16cm), Lidded saucepans (16cm, 18cm & 20cm), Casseroles (18cm, 20cm & 24cm), Frypans (20cm, 24cm & 28cm), Sauté pan (28cm), 3 set variations • Forged aluminium, 3-layer non-stick strengthened with titanium • Ergonomic, stainless steel, riveted stay-cool pan handle with hanging loop • Suitable for all hobs including induction • Pans and lids oven-proof up to 240°C • Dishwasher-safe • Lifetime guarantee upgrade • RRPs from £44.95

Below: The multi-layer PEAK cookware is a dream to use and is available as frypans, casseroles and lidded saucepans. Like EASY PRO, PEAK pans & lids are oven-proof to 240°C.

This multi-layer pan is a dream to use. It heats up quickly, cleans easily and looks great. PEAK cookware combines three brilliant materials to get the best results: stainless steel, aluminium and non-stick.

Each pan is made up of five layers. The polished outside layer of stainless steel ensures the pan maintains its good looks and is easy to clean. The next layer – aluminium – helps the heat to spread evenly throughout the base and sides of the pan, so it’s perfect for even cooking.

To make sure the non-stick is tough and durable, a primer is applied to the aluminium, then a ceramic layer and finally the non-stick layer which is tough enough for metal utensils and great for easy low-fat cooking and cleaning.

Above: EASY PRO covers a wide range include frypans, lidded saucepans and casseroles.

PEAK: key features • SKUS – Lidded saucepans (16cm, 18cm & 20cm), Casseroles (18cm, 20cm & 24cm), Frypans (20cm, 24cm & 28cm), 3-piece Saucepan set • Multi-layer construction using stainless steel (durable, good-looking, easy-clean), aluminium (absorbs, stores and spreads heat evenly), and a tough interior nonstick, perfect for low fat cooking which is safe for use with metal utensils • All round pouring lip • Ergonomic, stainless steel, riveted, staycool pan handle with hanging loop • Suitable for all hobs including induction • Pans and lids oven-proof up to 240°C • Dishwasher-safe • Lifetime guarantee upgrade • RRPs from £64.95

Contact sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk with the subject “new for 2021” to learn more!

PROGRESSIVE

25

HOUSEWARES

PH Cookware 3pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 13:49 Page 26

Market focus

Cooking toimpress

Inset: Tower Precision Cookware uses a thick forged aluminium body with chef-style riveted steel handles for ultimate comfort and control when cooking.

Below: The lightweight and versatile MasterClass Cast Aluminium casserole from Lifetime Brands.

At a time when home cooking has reached new levels of engagement, the housewares industry is stepping up with innovations and inspiration. PH turns up the heat to consider current trends and market developments in cookware.

“Food is the new party,” proclaims Simon Rees, head of sales UK for Fackelmann Brands. He observes: “The hashtag #food is growing in importance, and ranks directly behind the number one hashtag #fashion. ‘Instagrammable’ food designs are becoming more and more important, particularly to millennials.” Against this backdrop, Fackelmann has introduced new Tasty branded cookware.

“Tasty is the leading digital brand for recipe videos, and is the number one source for cooking and baking recipes, with over 290 Inset: Progress has launched its Shimmer collection, recognising that lockdowns have prompted many consumers to look for ways to refresh their kitchens.

million fans worldwide on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels,” states Simon. Fackelmann Brands purchased exclusive licensing rights worldwide (excluding America) to the Tasty brand in March of 2019, and now, after intensive product development, has a range of products - including cookware – that have “a strong focus on Generation Z.” Simon also highlights: “Tasty is number three in total Facebook fans after Samsung and Coca-Cola, and is one of the fastest growing brands on Instagram.”

He notes that combining Fackelmann’s excess of 100 years of kitchenware expertise with the “young, hip social media brand” unites the best of two worlds. Appealing to the health conscious,

Tasty frying pans feature an oil dosing system; two circles (created with additional layers of coating) act as guidelines. The smaller ring equates with one teaspoon of oil, while the larger ring is the measure for one tablespoon.

Reducing the need for cooking oil is a priority for many consumers, acknowledges Progress’ buying director Katie Maxwell. She reflects: “We know that health is a big factor when cooking and choosing food, so we’ve also made it part of the purchase decision when buying cookware. Our Progress Go Healthy! range features a durable non-stick coating that

Kitchen catwalks “We are seeing consumers really looking for ways to keep their homes contemporary and on-trend without full makeovers and the huge price tag,” states Katie Maxwell, buying director at Progress from Ultimate Products. “Updating cookware is a great way to refresh the home and change up the aesthetic.”

Progress is celebrating 90 years, continuing to innovate and bring new trends into the kitchen, notes Katie. She elaborates: “Brand new for 2021, we're bringing colour into cookware with our Shimmer range. In a metallic green hue, the range subtly updates kitchen cupboards and is also coordinated across electricals.”

PROGRESSIVE

26

HOUSEWARES

PH Cookware 3pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 13:49 Page 27

Market focus Inset: Tasty Cookware from Fackelmann Brands encapsulates durable quality, appealing colour combinations and smart functions.

Below: Heat of the moment – Fissler Sensored from Eddingtons.

means you can cook up tasty dishes with little or no oil.”

Healthy living has also influenced the evolution of Tower’s new Precision cookware.

The range “carries Tower’s Black Diamond non-stick coating, which is seven times stronger than standard non-stick, making the pans easier to clean and requiring little to no oil to cook with,” explains Simon Oliver, housewares sales director at RKW. Moreover, its “innovative nano-crate technology ensures maximum non-stick properties by creating small pockets directly underneath contact food surfaces, while also being metal utensil safe.”

Meanwhile, Tabitha Monkhouse, Eddingtons’ digital marketing executive fanfare’s Fissler’s innovative SensoRed Pan. She reports: “Increasingly, we are seeing that consumers want to simplify things, and make cooking easier, particularly when innovative solutions are available. The Fissler SensoRed pan uses a thermosensitive non-stick coating, which lets you know exactly when the right frying

From cans to cookware

temperature has been reached.”

Tabitha continues: “When heated, the frying pan surface changes colour to a darker shade of red so you know instantly when to start cooking or regulate the heat.” She concludes: “Fissler SensoRed has outstanding non-stick properties making this a high performance yet innovative everyday pan suitable for all heat sources.”

As Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director for Lifetime Brands Europe highlights: “The kitchen has never been more at the heart of the home.”

Understandably, “Consumers are demanding more from their cookware,” and Claire reports that MasterClass Cast Aluminium range has been a bestseller in recent months.

“Lockdown measures have forced us to spend more time at home and we have changed how much time we spend cooking.

‘Scratch cooking’ is an area that has seen huge growth and is one of the lockdown cooking trends that is set to last,” she observes.

Smeg gets cooking Iconic Italian appliance brand Smeg is launching its first ever collection of cookware. Made in Italy, the range is designed to meet the needs of both culinary connoisseurs and home cooks.

“The cookware embodies Smeg’s 50s retro style signature look and extends our commitment to quality kitchenware, complementing our appliances,” states John Davies, head of marketing for Smeg UK. Stainless steel handles are reminiscent of the handles on Smeg’s iconic FAB fridge range. Other design details include a long handle on frying pans for extra cooking control, and a vent hole in the flat lid of the casserole dish to prevent over-boiling or rattling.

The collection’s initial stockholding will launch in May at the Smeg Store in London as well as Potters Cookshop in Hockley, with more stockists coming on board later this year.

PROGRESSIVE

27

HOUSEWARES

“Sustainability is continuing to play an increasingly important role in all our lives, but in housewares it has tended to be more of a focus in kitchenware, for example eco food wraps or storage. So, we were thrilled when our colleagues at Kuhn Rikon head office in Switzerland started looking into the idea of cookware made entirely from recycled aluminium,” admits Edward Margetts, managing director, Kuhn Rikon UK. Introducing the New Life cookware range, Edward explains that: “The premium quality recycled material performs even better than new aluminium. It is made from 100% recycled aluminium – cans that are collected from around Europe and recycled in Europe, so there are no air miles and a greatly reduced carbon footprint in the manufacture of the range, which takes place at the company’s Rikon factory.”

New Life has an eco-friendly, Swiss made coating, manufactured to the Maximizing Green standard (which includes CO2 neutral, pollutantfree and energy-efficient production). The coating is “tough, reliable and perfect for low fat frying,” states Edward, who reflects: ”Kuhn Rikon has also been a pioneer in what is now known as Right to Repair and has for many years guaranteed the availability of spare parts for all cookware for a minimum of 10 years following the end of production.”

Having produced cookware since 1926, Kuhn Rikon has plenty to offer demanding consumers with its classic ranges. “We use only 18/10 (304) stainless steel, the very best for cookware and this is important because the 10 relates to the percentage nickel content of the steel. The higher the nickel content, the more resistant it is to dishwashing corrosion and deterioration of the highly polished finish,” Edward explains, adding: “Even our entry level Classic Induction range uses 18/10.”

He also points out the benefits of the brand’s Bakelite handles and lid knobs, which are suitable for oven use to 220°C. “This is another aspect which sets Kuhn Rikon cookware apart from the rest, as most other nylon handles on the market are oven-proof only to approximately 140°C.”

Above: New Life from Kuhn Rikon created from recycled cans.

Below: Some of Smeg’s new cookware, which will launch in May and gain further stockists later in the year.

Lyon

THE FORGED ALUMINIUM LYON 360 IS A TRUE ALL-ROUNDER. A MOST VERSATILE AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL CASSEROLE WITH A LID THAT DOUBLES AS A GRIDDLE PAN AND ACCESSORIES ENABLING YOU TO COOK, SEAR, ROAST, FRY, GRILL, SERVE AND EVEN BAKE!

Tramontina.co.uk

00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

@TramontinaUK

@TramontinaUK

@Tramontina

contact.tuk@tramontina.com

12/04/2021 14:07

PH Cookware 3pgs_muk.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 13:51 Page 29

Market focus

“Consumers are shunning ready meals, placing more importance on local produce and are using cooking as an opportunity for ‘me-time’ or as a way to bring the family together.” Recognising this, Lifetime Brands launched live-streamed cook-alongs for home cooks in January, using products from MasterClass, and gaining hundreds of viewers.

De-cluttering is another lifestyle trend that has been magnified by lockdowns, and Tower has also launched Freedom Cookware, its first range with removable handles. “Having a range of stackable pans is a great space-saving bonus,” notes Simon at Tower from RKW. “Removable handles mean you can cook on the hob and then move the pan straight into the oven, where you click off the handle.”

Circulon’s revolutionary C-Series Since the brand’s inception in 1985, Circulon (from Meyer) has been redefining cookware. Now the brand has just introduced its new trademarked SteelShield technology, which protects the non-stick coating of the new CSeries. Meyer’s marketing director Carl Wright describes the product development process: “For our latest Circulon innovation, the development started right at the beginning. Instead of looking at what options and technology we had available to utilise, our starting point was to understand consumer needs and painpoints. We did this by undertaking a global research project that stretched across North America, the Asia Pacific region and, of course, the UK. Overwhelmingly, without any regional bias, consumers stated through the research that they want their pots and pans to be more durable, last longer and be great quality. They’re the top three things that consumers told us, which are driving purchases in our category. In addition to that, they love the convenience of non-stick but worry about cheap coatings that scratch and flake. On the other hand, the long lasting look of stainless steel cookware scores highly, but cleaning is a real frustration.

Our job was clear; how do we combine the best of both non-stick and stainless steel cookware?

This is what led us to create SteelShield technology and develop a new nonstick system; combining the strength and beauty of steel and the ease of nonstick. So, it cooks like steel and cleans like non-stick; it really is the best of both worlds. The steel peaks can be scraped again and again, and the nonstick grooves remain protected, so cooking becomes worry-free; leaving nonstick where it belongs, in the pan.”

Carl adds: “Of course, we’ve ensured our flagship C-Series range stands up to the rigours of the modern home; the tri-ply bodies are induction suitable, while folded rims ensure it is truly dishwasher safe and oven ready. We have combined all this with our beautifully designed stay-cool handles, so the consumer gets not only a range of cookware that performs beautifully but looks good at the same time.”

Inset: The ‘cooking from scratch experience,’ without the scratches.

Circulon’s C-Series cooks like stainless steel and cleans like nonstick. The collection is even complimented by stainless steel cooking utensils.

Adventurous dinners “After a year spent predominantly in our homes, we’re increasingly looking for ways to find a hint of escapism at home,” observes Ingrid Lung, EMEA campaigns and planning manager at Le Creuset. “While travel is still restricted, global flavours can provide a sense of adventure from home kitchens, transporting people to memories of culinary destinations they’ve visited, as well as those they would love to experience.”

Hence the inspiration for the brand’s latest campaign: Le Creuset’s Taste Adventure “explores the notion of culinary escapism: showcasing global flavours through a collection of recipes inspired by destinations around the world, from Spain through to New Orleans.” Besides highlighting the potential of investment cookware - such as Le Creuset’s classic Cast Iron Casserole, Toughened Non-Stick Stir-Fry Pan or 3-ply Stainless Steel Sauteuse – the campaign brings together a “colour palette evocative of seascapes, sunsets and bustling palazzos,” notes Ingrid.

Inset: Le Creuset’s latest campaign encourages cooks to experiment and find a sense of adventure through the food they prepare at home.

PROGRESSIVE

29

HOUSEWARES

Cookware_muk.qxp_Layout 1 14/04/2021 19:24 Page 30

Lifetime Brands Europe has introduced two stunning new shades to its award-winning MasterClass Cast Aluminium cookware collection – a mesmerising metallic blue and a stylish ombrè grey that cascades from light to dark (illustrated). Comprising four essential casserole dishes – 20cm, 24cm, 28cm and one 28cm shallow casserole, all with self-basting lids, they offer the usual MasterClass high quality, with outstanding features prevailing throughout. The durable, hard wearing cast aluminium heats up quickly and evenly for optimum efficiency and the stainless-steel base is suitable for all hobs.

Lifetime Brands Europe T: 0121 604 1111 E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Following the success of Haden Appliances’ Perth Slate Grey cookware range, it has developed a new collection of cookware featuring GoldStone™ non-stick technology in the best-selling Putty colour. The pans are designed in speckled finish with on trend wooden effect handles, the handles are strong, secure and soft to touch. The cookware range is made without PFOA. Each pan benefits Bamix, the revolutionary hand-held food processor with a

from a superior non-stick interior allowing you to cook with little to no oil resulting in healthy meals

versatility that replaces many kitchen appliances. It cuts,

and easy washing up!

chops and purees raw and cooked veg, cooked meat, frozen

Haden Appliances

fruit and even ice cubes. The additional SliceSy attachment

T: 01909 544 570

allows you to mix together pastry quickly and easily. Bamix is

E: info@hadenappliances.com

easy to use and clean, very quiet, easy to hold and doesn’t

W: www.haden.com

vibrate through any of its functions. A kitchen tool designed with universal uses in mind.

Burton McCall T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com W: www.burton-mccall.co.uk

Versatility is the key with Kuhn Rikon’s new Easy Pro Sauté/Chef pan. Brilliant for cooking almost every type of world cuisine, forged aluminium with titanium strengthened non-stick, suitable for all hobs and oven safe to 240°c.

Kuhn Rikon UK T: 01902 458410 E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

Earth Pan from Prestige is made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable materials, and is produced in an energy efficient way using 88% less CO2 emissions. With handles formed from recycled plastic bags and a toxin-free ceramic non-stick coating, this pioneering product is a revolution in environmentally sound cookware and has a tough outer defence that prolongs the life of your cookware and protects your family.

The versatile Earth Pan range includes everything customers need in today’s sustainable kitchen and is suitable for all hobs including induction and is dishwasher safe.

Meyer Group T: 0151 482 8282 W: www.prestige.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

30

HOUSEWARES

Cookware_muk.qxp_Layout 1 14/04/2021 19:24 Page 31

Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, the Typhoon Terracotta Range features natural terracotta, dipfinished with a navy and aqua coloured glaze to create a stylish, authentic look. From rectangular and oval dishes to tapas dishes and ramekins, the range covers all essential ovenware pieces for roasting, baking and cooking, as well as serving Offering the ultimate in cooking versatility,

cuisines from all over

Grano is an exciting cookware collection

Southern Europe.

from Tramontina with an array of features, at

Rayware

the centre of which is Tecnoheat technology

T: 0151 486 1888

- a tri-ply construction consisting of a

E: sales@rayware.co.uk

sandwich of stainless steel-aluminium-

W: www.rayware.co.uk

stainless steel, across the entire body, and not just the base. Striking in appearance with clean contemporary lines, Grano is a very comprehensive range covering woks,

Pictured is Kuhn Rikon Smart & Compact; a range designed with a younger, urban consumer in mind. Cooking pots, lids and frying pans are

fry-pans, griddles and sauté pan to pots, casseroles, and stockpots. Suitable for all

all designed to fit into one drawer – perfect for smaller kitchens. The clever lids perform three functions: 1. for use when cooking, 2. provides an

hob types including induction and oven use, the range comes with a lifetime warranty.

airtight seal for storing cooked food in the fridge and 2. can connect magnetically to the base of the pot for easy and safe storage.

Tramontina UK T: 020 3176 4558 E: contact.tuk@tramontina.com

Kuhn Rikon

W: www.tramontina.co.uk

T: 01902 458410 E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

Feature is MasterClass Smart Ceramic, a high-quality range of bakeware that lets you cook, bake, stack and store and features a revolutionary ceramic coating with a non-stick surface like no other, offering exceptional performance.

The surface is also slightly textured, allowing for fat-free cooking and ensuring flawless food release and easy cleaning. Eight pieces make up the collection, all of which are designed to nest together without risk of surface damage, for unique space saving storage of multiple yet essential bakeware items in one footprint.

Lifetime Brands Europe T: 0121 604 1111 E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

‘The most useful pan in the kitchen’ is how Kuhn Rikon would describe the All-round 24cm Sauteuse. Perfect for risotto, stir fry, casseroles and stews, or just a plain fried egg.

Kuhn Rikon UK T: 01902 458410 E: sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE

31

HOUSEWARES

PH Circulon Advertorial_v2.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 13:24 Page 1

Advertorial: Circulon

Introducing SteelShield™, the revolutionary new technology from Circulon. Engineered to withstand the toughest of test. Developed following a deep-dive consumer insights program, ensuring it addresses key consumer pain points and designed with the enduser in mind.

Welcome to cooking without fear It took 35 years to develop cookware this advanced. Our SteelShield™ technology uses highly durable, safe nonstick, combined with strong and beautiful steel peaks that radiate out in circles across the pan, protecting the surface from scratches. We’re so confident in our cookware not scratching, we even provide our own metal utensils.

At Circulon our mission is to enable all cooks to be fearless through our innovative solutions. Our newly launched C Series range, featuring the SteelShield™ technology, is made from ultra-durable tri-ply bodies, ensuring unrivalled heat control. There’s no need for high heat as they will heat up fast and evenly throughout the pan.

THE CONSUMER’S KEY CHALLENGES • 76% were concerned about their nonstick cookware becoming damaged during cooking, this was their number one or number two concern about nonstick.

• 69% of respondents cite cleaning as the aspect of cooking they dislike the most.

• 71% report being annoyed that ‘food gets stuck’ or ‘stains and burnt food are difficult to clean.’

The handles and lids not only look spectacular, but actually stay cool. We want our consumers to be concentrating on brave recipes and help them enjoy the experience of cooking without worrying about their pan letting them down.

This innovation opens a new dawn for Circulon. To coincide with the launch, we’ve updated our logo and identity, ensuring the products are shown in the light they’re intended to. To support the launch, we’ve created an unbeatable package for instore and online selling, all with consumer tested messages and data.

To celebrate the launch of our C Series collection, we wanted to mark the occasion with an event that was representative of this new era.

“We use a lot of nonstick in professional cooking and at home… but this is different because of the design” Marcus Wareing

PROGRESSIVE

32

HOUSEWARES

A first for the industry, we created an online exclusive cook-along for a selection of bloggers, key retailers and press. To celebrate this innovation, we only wanted to work with the best and were delighted that world renowned Chef Marcus Wareing loved using the new range so much he agreed to host the occasion. Chef Marcus was one of the first people globally to put SteelShield™ through its paces, using at home throughout the last quarter

PH Circulon Advertorial_v2.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 13:24 Page 2

Advertorial: Circulon

“There’s nowhere this pan hasn’t been in my kitchen… and I can’t fault it in any way. It holds the heat, it cooks well and the nonstick is outstanding” Marcus Wareing hosts. Guests not only cooked alongside Marcus Wareing live, but they were also able to ask questions via video feed, check their progress and have a Michelin starred chef sharing tips to cook boldly.

of 2020. His feedback both before and during the event confirmed what we knew about this new cookware.

In these strange times, coming together in person wasn’t an option, but luckily we’re living in a digital age and together with a team of experts we were able to host the cook-along live online featuring Chef Marcus and our own Design and Innovation team member MJ as the

The result of this exclusive launch event? It was a complete success. The dish, mustard and tarragon stuffed chicken breast with quick fried wild mushrooms and creamy vermouth sauce, was a perfectly brave recipe to mark the occasion. Each element of the dish required using our C Series chef’s pan in different and daring ways including the ultimate in fearless cooking – flambéing. Nothing pleased us more than seeing our screen filled with the

“ It was so nice to see everyone cooking and even though it was virtual, it really was such a great reminder of how food brings people together” Emma @ John Lewis

PROGRESSIVE

33

HOUSEWARES

blazing pans of our fearless guest chefs.

The event was a fantastic springboard to launch the new C Series range providing us with engaging content to share on our own social media & digital platforms as well as giving key influential profiles an exciting way to promote the brand.

Steelshield™ is engineered for the most demanding cooks and built to last a lifetime. It really is the greatest thing since nonstick.

Circulon C Series launched on 29th March 2021 on circulon.uk.com and in John Lewis this April.

PLATING UP WITH THE FAMILY FOR 90 YEARS 1931

2021

Cooking for everyone since 1931, our latest ranges celebrate our 90th birthday in style with brand new colourways and exciting finishes. Progress helps you update your kitchen cupboards without leaving functionality behind.

Cookware and kitchen electricals that coordinate across your kitchen, that’s Progress.

#plateupwithProgress

For trade enquiries, please contact our sales team sales@upgs.com

51% of people CHOOSE the wrong coffee maker

NOT TO STRONG BREW IT STICK

tea and coffee One Brew

If you would like to take advantage of the growth in home coffee brewing, we would love to hear from you. sales@baristaandco.com / 01202 619 500 / baristaandco.com

FULL BODIED CORE COFFEE PRESS

How do you like your coffee?

With one question and a simple guide, we want to help your customers find their coffee.

Light and clean Pour Over

Short, black & strong Twist Press

With every purchase we give back

2020 Barista & Co Coffee survey of 348 consumers

34_HW_April 2021.indd 1

15/04/2021 17:49

35_HW_April 2021.indd 1

15/04/2021 17:47

The whole world is baking Trust Taylor Scales, Timers and Thermometers

AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION AND ACCURACY

TOUCHLESS TARE TECHNOLOGY

Make your range stand out

AVAILABLE FROM

/

T · +44 (0) 121 604 6000 E · saleseu@lifetimebrands.com www.kitchencraft.co.uk A4 Taylor Progressive Houseware Advert v2.indd 1 36_HW_April 2021.indd 1

11/03/2021 08:40 14/04/2021 17:46

PH KUHN RIKON Advertorial DPS NEW USE.qxp_Grid 04/02/2021 1

Advertorial Feature: Kuhn Rikon

Buyer’s Guide to Unrivalle Cookware that Sells!Cookware

Experti

Paul Marchant, business development manager at Kuhn Rikon UK, and selfconfessed cookware nerd runs through some of the technicalities of great cookware.

Creating a comprehensive cookware offer that actually brings you a decent return is a tricky business! Each range needs to earn its place in your line-up, and a good place to start is an overview of the differences and benefits of various body types.

STAINLESS STEEL WITH PHENOLIC HANDLE Kuhn Rikon Classic Induction 16cm Saucepan and Lid RRP £34.95 We’re all familiar with stainless steel so let’s start with entry level – Stainless Steel body with phenolic handle.

Most pans are made from stainless steel because the material is very tough, shines well and will not impart taste to, or retain odours from, foodstuffs.

Nearly all modern stainless steel saucepans have what is known as a sandwich base to maximise heating efficiency. A disc of aluminium is bonded to the outside base of the pan body. On good quality pans, the aluminium disc and the outer stainless steel cover are joined under very high pressure, called impact bonding, which makes the pan far less vulnerable to high, dry-heat damage.

The best pans are made from 18/10 stainless steel, which is the optimum material for cookware. The 18 relates to an 18% chromium content and 10 relates to a 10% nickel content. The chromium makes the steel very hard. The nickel allows the steel to be highly polished and for the shine to be deep enough to withstand dishwasher dulling.

‘Plastic’ handles are usually referred to either as Plastic, Phenolic or Bakelite.

Bakelite is made using a proportion

of phenolic resin. Bakelite handles tend to be the most heat resistant.

Most phenolic handles are heat-proof to 140°c making oven use impractical. The best Bakelite handles are heat-proof to 220°c making them truly oven-proof.

What to look for: • All stainless should be 18/10 • Body thickness of at least 0.7mm • Impact-bonded induction base • High-heat oven-proof handles and lids • Good manufacturer’s guarantee FORGED ALUMINIUM WITH PHENOLIC HANDLE Kuhn Rikon Easy Induction 16cm Saucepan and Lid RRP £39.95.

Traditional, uncoated aluminium pans are somewhat out of fashion, but don’t confuse those with modern, coated, forged cookware.

Forged aluminium is much tougher and, when coated with a high-quality nonstick, there are significant advantages.

Because aluminium is such a good heat conductor, food is heated not just from the base up (as with most stainless steel pans) but also from around the sides of the pan, mimicking the advantages of cooking with cast iron but without the disadvantages of weight for example.

What to look for: • Body thickness of at least 4mm • High specification reliable non-stick coating • Full induction base • High-heat oven-proof handles and lids • Good manufacturer’s guarantee

STAINLESS STEEL WITH STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE Kuhn Rikon Allround 16cm Saucepan and Lid RRP £59.95.

Stainless steel handles give saucepans a professional look. They are also highly practical. You will also see an air gap where the handle meets the pan to further hinder heat transfer. For cookware that conforms to the strictest EU standards, this means that in normal stove-top use, the side handles will not exceed 55°C. What to look for: • All stainless should be 18/10 • Body thickness of at least 0.7mm • Impact-bonded induction base • High-heat oven-proof handles and lids • Low heat transfer handles • Good manufacturer’s guarantee

FORGED ALUMINIUM WITH Swiss heritage brand Kuhn STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE Rikon underlines its cookware Kuhn Rikon Easy Pro 16cm Saucepan credentials and Lid RRP £59.95. this year with a Forged aluminium pans whole host of innovation, with stainless steel handles offering a hierarchy of price make for cookware that looks and performs beautifully. for pans and margin pointsOpt that hit full lids that are ovenproof to 240°C. expectations – and from UK What to look for: • Body thickness of at least 4mm held stock.

• High specification reliable non-stick coating • Full induction base amily-owned Swiss manufacturer • High-heat oven-proof andproducing lids Kuhn Rikonhandles has been • Low heat transfer handles cookware since 1926 – and 2021 • Good manufacturer’s guarantee sees a resurgence of focus on that cookware some MULTIPLY WITH excellence STAINLESSwith STEEL HANDLE class-leading ranges.

Kuhn Rikon Peak 16cm Backed by strong packaging and pointSaucepan and Lid RRP £74.95 Multiply offersexcellent the benefits of-sale, service, free lifetime of cooking with aluminium guarantee upgrade and unrivalled alongside the strength and manufacturing expertise, the Kuhn Rikon durability of stainless steel. cookware offering ensures a hierarchy of The outer stainless steel layer is tough pricepolished points wh ich will be hard to beat. and highly while a middle layer Kuhn Rikon is committed to the maintaining of aluminium conducts and spreads quality in itsthe cookware heat evenly onstandards the base and sides of so the the pan.

The addition of a metal utensil 18/10 stainless steel ranges are entirely safe coating makes this combination steel while the other ranges in the ideal for aspirational hobby chefs. collection include forged aluminium with What to look for: titanium-strengthened non-stick (and an • All stainless should be 18/10 excellent price proposition), • Premium specification reliable Two-ply and even a range made entirely from non-stick coating 100% recycled • Metal utensil safe European aluminium • High-heat oven-proof handles lids and manufactured in Kuhnand Rikon’s • LowSw heat transfer handles iss factory.

• Good manufacturer’s guarantee The full Kuhn Rikon Cookware Collection will be unveiled in

F

Contact sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk with the subject “new for 2021” to learn more!

PROGRESSIVE

37_Kuhn Rikon.indd 1

37

Progress coming m Classic In

NEW L

This huge typifies th Kuhn Rik 100% rec company excellent saving up

PROG HOUSEWARES

15/04/2021 13:23

PR ADVERTORIAL

Reflecting on its two decades in housewares seemed the perfect time for specialist housewares PR agency PR Direct to expand its horizons with a move into digital marketing in a big way!

Directors Sarah Selzer and Mark Chapman talk us through the reasoning behind the move.

Now you can go H

digital too!

aving built up a rock solid reputation as the go-to agency for housewares PR – with extensive media contacts in print, digital, TV, film and increasingly influencers – PR Direct started to look at the way the media industry was evolving and what the next steps should be to ensure that clients continued to get the best consumer reach.

“We have always made it part of our DNA to explore, research and embrace trends and different ways of working,” says Sarah. “When PR Direct started out, emails were in their infancy and the now ever-present digital platforms that support PR activity in terms of reporting or outreach to media, hadn’t even been dreamed of! In recent years, we have increasingly seen our day-to-day PR activity with the media morph into their ever-more insistent hunt for digital content as key titles move online.”

This evolution in the way the media present brands to their audiences has coincided with the huge growth in the role of influencers and the experience of how working with them can enhance a brand’s reputation.

“While ‘conventional’ PR remains

What we offer Consumer & trade PR – print/digital Influencer outreach Product placement Content creation Social media management Digital advertising & email marketing Digital marketing strategy at the heart of what PR Direct does – working closely with print and digital media to highlight retailer and supplier brands, products and trends – influencers have become a media channel in their own right,” says Mark.

“They can provide an organic feel to your story – photographing the product in a real life setting in their own home and in some cases even showing their family using it. If you get the balance right, whether paid-for or gifted, this channel can be a real sales driver.”

PR Direct’s increasing shift to digital, with clients looking for them to take PROGRESSIVE

38-39_PR Direct.indd 1

38

ABOVE: PR Direct’s Sarah Selzer and Mark Chapman (top right) believe the company’s long tradition in housewares lays the perfect groundwork for this new chapter.

on more work in that sphere, was initially confined to digital PR and social media. “We began to look seriously at the idea of enhancing our offer, to bring in digital elements we hadn’t touched on before like email marketing and digital advertising,” says Mark.

Those initial thoughts coincided with Sarah and Mark making a very fortuitous connection in their local area.

Karen Williams is a senior marketer with over 25 years’ experience, including Head of Marketing at IBM PC Division and most recently was Head of Digital Marketing of The ACC Liverpool Group (including the prestigious M&S Bank Arena Liverpool).

“We are firm believers in everything for a reason,” says Sarah, “so when we were introduced to Karen we all knew we had to work together because the synergy was so right!”

Karen agrees. “It just made perfect sense to work together. We have

HOUSEWARES

15/04/2021 13:22

PR ADVERTORIAL complementary skills and experience which means that as conventional and digital PR converge, and especially social media channels, we’re best placed to maximise every channel and every opportunity. The result is an integrated PR and digital marketing plan that is extremely cost-effective.”

It is all about integration says Mark.

“Working with PR Direct means brands aren’t having to work with multiple agencies to create content and then execute it digitally. We are there from the beginning.”

Karen joined Sarah and Mark at the start of 2021 and the team is already working on a campaign bringing together all the elements of digital marketing – from email marketing and online advertising to social media management and influencer outreach.

“The digital

BELOW: Working with influencers, whether paid-for or gifted, can be a real sales driver.

Murphy-Jo O’Reilly

Influencer outreach & social media Likes: LFC, playing football (did we mention LFC?!) support in digital marcomms or where it’s an area a business wants to move into but doesn’t have the resources or the knowledge. Karen’s strengths are very much in marcomms planning and execution and these match perfectly with PR Direct’s existing communication and PR expertise.

Maximising budgets and helping clients achieve their sales goals has always been PR Direct’s approach.

“We have always created valuable content and offered our clients support to blend with their marketing activities,” says Sarah. “The evolution now is combining this with digital marketing to maximise the use of that content, extend its reach and ensure all a brand’s channels are reflecting the key messages at the right time for the business.”

Both Sarah and Mark feel that PR Direct’s long tradition in housewares perfectly lays the groundwork for this new chapter. “One of our strengths has always been that we understand the housewares industry so well – the brands, the routes to market, the relationships,” says Mark. “You might have tried digital marketing before but how much better to use a business that is rooted in your industry…”

“You might have tried digital marketing before but how much better to use a business that is rooted in your industry…”

world is complex and constantly changing,” says Karen, “and if it’s new to you, then our aim is to bring some sense to it for you. We can help put a digital marketing strategy in place for you, deciding on what the right elements are, by understanding what you’re trying to achieve and enabling you to do that.”

The offer is also relevant to businesses which already have a marketing team but might be looking for extra BELOW: Senior marketer Karen Williams brings her digital marketing expertise to PR Direct.

Say Hello hello@prdirect.net WhatsApp 07915063255 or call 01244 315282 PROGRESSIVE

38-39_PR Direct.indd 2

Meet the team!

39

Mandy Brown

Press outreach & digital marketing Likes: Outdoor adventure, running & Pinot Grigio

Catherine Evans

Digital content Likes: Dogs (obvs!), bike rides & roller derby

Rosie Charles

Admin support Likes: Anything to do with home storage!

Sarah Selzer

Managing Director Likes: Scandi dramas, gin & 80s vinyl

Mark Chapman

Director Likes: Loud music, cricket & a good Vindaloo

HOUSEWARES

15/04/2021 13:22

PH KUHN RIKON Advertorial Q&A 1pager v2.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 16:09 Page 1

Advertorial Feature: Kuhn Rikon

The

Bottom: Family business – pictured is Edward Margetts, MD of Kuhn Rikon UK, which was set up in 1980 by his dad John in partnership with the Kuhn family.

Progressive Housewares talks to Edward Margetts, Managing Director at Kuhn Rikon UK, about the winning combination of heritage and innovation in today’s cookware market – and the brand’s plans for the coming year

years it has perhaps taken something of a back seat while the brand built a successful business in kitchenware and gadgets.

The core of the business and that unrivalled cookware expertise has remained throughout and we felt the time was right to focus our energies and our skills on developing new ranges.

everyday cookware – capitalising on the properties of forged aluminium as energy efficient combined with a titaniumstrengthened non-stick. Also Peak, which is multi-ply and again offers excellent even cooking, while maintaining its polished good looks. All our ranges offer excellent margin potential and are backed up by strong packaging and point-of-sale, excellent service and free lifetime guarantee upgrade. We offer a hierarchy of retail price points which are hard to beat – and all shipped from UK-held stock.

winning combination

PH: Kuhn Rikon has a long history in cookware – but so has your family! Tell us the story.

EM: Kuhn Rikon actually began producing cookware back in 1926 and the business remains family-owned to this day. My dad, John Margetts, started Kuhn Rikon UK in 1980 in partnership with the Kuhn family. I grew up hearing all about it at the dinner table as well as working in the warehouse most school holidays! I actually joined the business fulltime in 2009. We have always worked closely with the team in Switzerland and it sounds like a cliché but they really are like family…. That means they respect our views and knowledge of our own market and the results of that speak for themselves in the continued innovation excellence that comes out of Switzerland.

PH: You mention innovation and in the last issue, we told readers that this year sees a resurgence of focus on cookware excellence for Kuhn Rikon.

EM: Yes, over the decades, Kuhn Rikon has become synonymous with excellent quality cookware across stainless steel in particular and in recent

PH: That sounds exciting!

EM: Very! We’re also focussing hard on sustainability. Our New Life pans are made in Switzerland with 100% European recycled aluminium and with a European, CO2 neutral non-stick coating, so along with the green credentials of our manufacturing, what we like to call ‘Pan Miles’ are vastly reduced.

PH: On the subject of sustainability, can you tell us about that other area you have pioneered?

EM: It is a service Kuhn Rikon has offered for many years and has become known as Right to Repair. It’s the guaranteed availability of spare parts for all cookware for a minimum of 10 years following the end of production.

PH: So bang on trend too. As well as New Life, what other new ranges do you have?

EM: We have introduced a forged aluminium range Easy Pro, which is designed as

PH: That’s quite an undertaking! Stainless steel remains a key category for you doesn’t it? You have talked before about being committed to maintaining cookware standards, particularly in stainless steel.

EM: We are. We use only 18/10 stainless steel and that is important because 18/10 is the highest standard. The 10 relates to the nickel content of the steel. The higher the nickel content, the more resistant it is to dishwashing corrosion and deterioration of the highly polished finish. Consumers expect quite rightly that the stainless steel cookware they buy is durable and the finish does not deteriorate.

PH: What can we expect to see from Kuhn Rikon over the coming months?

EM:We are signed up to exhibit at Exclusively Housewares in late August – it has been a difficult year for everyone and we are very much looking forward to an in-person event to show these new ranges! Kuhn Rikon has been active in the cookware market now for 95 years, the UK a little less, but innovation, quality and commitment remain at the heart of everything we do.

Read more about Kuhn Rikon on pages 24-25 and 37.

Contact sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk with the subject “new for 2021” to learn more!

PROGRESSIVE

40

HOUSEWARES

PH New Product pages - March/April 2021.qxp_Layout 1 14/04/2021 19:51 Page 41

NEW PRODUCTS Pictured is SMART’s Waffle/Grill 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Double Waffle Maker, Sandwich Maker, Panini Maker & Grill. This is a powerful 1200W product with an adjustable temperature control, six detachable ceramic non-stick plates - is easy to clean, has a cool touch handle with a brushed stainless steel and Black finish. Safe and easy to Use – the high-quality heat-resistant stainless steel, the non-slip feet and the insulated handles ensure safe operation. Red and green LED indicators.

SMART Worldwide T: 08444 069 098 W: www.smaworldwide.com Brabantia is proud to introduce its brand-new dryer collection, HangOn! Available in Fresh White, Matt Black (pictured), and Metallic

Rectangular, round or

Grey (featured on the outside back cover), and with either 15, 20, or

square, the Appolia range of

25m of drying space, this drying delight is here to make laundry stylish

ceramic dishes from Peugeot

again. Please contact your Brabantia account manager for more info!

is available in three different

Brabantia UK

sizes and in four trendy colours. You can easily cook

T: 01275 810600

for two, four, six or eight

E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

people. Perfect to cook your gratins, meats in sauce, lasagne, tarts, as well as your desserts – the Appolia range retains heat and keeps food warm for up to 30 minutes making them ideal for oven to tableware. They also support freezing temperatures allowing you to safely pass directly from the freezer to a preheated oven (from -25° to 250°C), without risk of a thermal shock.

Burton McCall T: 0116 234 4611 E: sales@burton-mccall.com W: www.burton-mccall.co.uk

The Kilner® Sourdough Starter Set contains everything you need to

Built, the stylish and

make a successful sourdough starter at home. The stainless-steel

sassy brand from New

measuring lid has been specially designed to measure out flour and

York, is bursting with

water precisely, making it incredibly easy to maintain a successful

clever combinations

starter. The step-by-step booklet contains simple ‘how to’ instructions

of on trend plain and

and easy recipes. Use your starter to bake fresh and delicious

patterned looks,

sourdough loaf, pancakes, pizza and loads more!

providing a complete

Rayware Group

sustainable on-the-go

T: 0151 486 1888

story, driven by fashion and personal

E: sales@rayware.co.uk

style that consumers

W: www.rayware.co.uk

are really drawn to.

Stylist is one of the best-selling collections and features a grey/yellow colour combo across lunchboxes, hydration bottles, food flasks and lunch bags that even have a separate section specifically for your lunchbox, keeping it safe and always the right way up!

Lifetime Brands Europe T: 0121 604 1111 E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

George East is excited to announce Sorbo’s new range of essential household cleaning products: Sorbo Recycled. High quality, durable and manufactured from 97% recycled materials. The range features a variety of functioning cleaning products such as, 100% recycled PET bottle microfibre cloths, dish brushes, pegs, 100% recycled PU foam cleaning sponges, 13L buckets, and dustpan and brushes with recycled PET Fibres. All packaging is also recycled, FSC and sourced responsibly.

George East T: 01728 833400 E: sales@george-east.com\ W: www.george-east.com PROGRESSIVE

41

HOUSEWARES

DENBY ADVERTORIAL LEFT: ‘Sponging’ the rim of a jug - smoothing the surface ready for the first firing in the kiln.

Modus opera: handcrafting by Denby

T

here has never been such an appreciation of all that is handcrafted in the UK. The pandemic has unlocked the nation’s creativity resulting in a growing trend of consumers of all ages trying their hand at home crafts, including pottery. In fact, the Open University saw a 622% spike in registrations for creative subjects during the first lockdown.

This May, Denby will launch its ‘Handcrafting’ marketing campaign, which has been designed to inspire craft loving consumers, and is a timely reminder of Denby’s own credentials in craftsmanship - every piece of pottery it produces is a unique piece made by true artisans.

Traditional skills have been used and passed down the generations at Denby for over 200 years, alongside the ability to turn local stoneware clay into beautiful and practical pieces of pottery which will stand the test of time. Each piece of Denby passes through 20 pairs of skilled hands before it receives the seal of approval and passes from Denby’s hands to yours.

Denby’s new Modus tableware collection - which achieved Progressive Housewares Excellence in Housewares Top of the Table Award 2020 - exhibits all Denby’s craftsmanship. The name of the collection is abbreviated from ‘Modus Operandi’, as Denby’s award winning collection combines all the qualities and skills which give Denby its character. In addition to tableware items, Modus also includes home décor pieces such as handcrafted vases and, more recently,

oil diffusers and luxury candles, which are all made in England and presented in Denby handcrafted ceramics.

To achieve the Modus design, Denby combines layers of pattern and texture on simple contemporary forms which are designed to make a big impact.

These textural glazes, tonal colours and rich highlights all blend together to give depth and warmth to this stunning collection that has a touch of decadence and elegance with true design details.

The ombre effect is created by applying two different colours of glaze by hand.

First, the warm grey is applied, and then the items are decorated again with a soft off white glaze. The glazes are applied to overlap a little on each item, which differs depending on the shape. It’s only when the items are fired in the kiln that a reaction occurs and the colours combine to create the ombre effect, which in turn creates a unique, bespoke piece.

Denby is well aware that it’s the people who produce the pottery with care who BELOW: Modus vase (shown left).

BELOW RIGHT: Clay ware entering the biscuit kiln for the first firing.

PROGRESSIVE

00_Denby.indd 1

42

imbue the character unique to Denby: from Stuart who makes the pugs of clay in the slip house, to Sue who effortlessly puts the handles on mugs and Chris who sprays the bowl and platters with the same spray gun he’s used for 20 years, to name just a few. The Modus collection will be moulded, fettled, sprayed and decorated by many of Denby’s artisans throughout the factory, and you can see the care and dedication each individual contributes to the uniqueness of each piece.

Denby is the only UK manufacturer who creates and mixes its own glazes, and this is carried out inside their Derbyshire pottery which has always been their home. Understandably, the recipes for each glaze are kept secret.

It takes years to develop the skills needed to hand decorate a piece of Denby - although most employees have over 20 years of service - whether it’s dipping, banding, painting, rinsing or glazing. It is a true art form, only achieved by a handful of artisans. As with all artists, Denby’s craftsmen and women develop their own signature look. Many only use their own equipment and tools, developing their unique way of recreating the glazes which in turn gives every item that bespoke and treasured look and feel.

Denby has much to share in its Handcrafted campaign which includes film background of its crafts people, details of how stunning ranges are created and what makes them unique. There will be details of their new prestige hand thrown vases being launched, and Denby ‘Makers Month’, in which Denby celebrates and champions some of Britain’s best creative businesses to combine and inspire craft loving consumers. Following a tough year, Denby is inviting some of Britain’s independent makers to showcase their creative business to new audiences via Denby’s platform. There is lots for Denby to share which is available for their customers’ websites.

Denby’s new virtual showrooms are open for viewing on www. denbypottery.com/trade

HOUSEWARES

15/04/2021 17:26

IMPRESSION

ON E COLLEC TION, E N D LES S P OS S I B I LITI ES…

H A N D - C R A F T E D BY S K I L L E D A R T I SA N S I N D E R BYS H I R E, E N G L A N D… E D ITE D BY YO U

43_HW_April 2021.indd 1 2104011 Progressive Housewares UK Advertisements-A4.indd 1

Discover more (including our new virtual showroom) on www.denbypottery.com/trade or contact: showenquiries@denby.co.uk

14/04/2021 07/04/2021 17:48 12:13

GREENMINDS BY SORBO. HIGH QUALITY CLEANING ESSENTIALS MANUFACTURED FROM PLANT BASED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS. ALL PACKAGING IS RECYCLED, FSC, SUSTAINABLY AND RESPONSIBLY SOURCED. Tel: 01728 833400 Email: Sales@george-east.com 00_George East.indd 1

12/04/2021 14:04

PH Tramontina.qxp_Grid 15/04/2021 13:44 Page 2

Five years in the UK

Advertorial Feature:

Inset: Grano Cookware.

Tramontina UK’s managing director Alex Frubel reflects as the company (established over a century ago in Brazil) celebrates the fifth anniversary of the opening of its UK office this month.

WHAT PROMPTED THE OPENING OF A UK OFFICE IN LONDON FIVE YEARS AGO? “Although we only opened our UK office five years ago, we had a presence in the hospitality sector in the UK for around 20 years prior to that. It made sense to set up here, where most of the larger hospitality groups as it would enable us to work more closely with them. Taking the plunge also enabled us to focus more closely on the retail side of the business and introduce our ethos, our concept and our products to the UK market. As well as the London office we now also have a substantial warehouse facility in Manchester which we opened in early summer 2019. This is strategically located in order to be well connected to the whole of the UK and, in turn, provide enhanced service to our customers.”

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAVE BEEN THE MOST NOTABLE MEMORIES OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS? “We have had to face the same struggles and uncertainties as every other UK company has with many obstacles and unforeseen events being thrown our way!

The years of uncertainty after the Brexit vote, planning for no deal, and then the unimaginable hit us – the pandemic.

However, as difficult as it has been, we knuckled down and dealt with all of the “out -of-our-hands” events that were thrown at us and evolved as a consequence.

On a completely different level, we have loved becoming renowned for our Brazilian barbeques at trade shows! It’s really great to have customers telling us they have followed the smoke and the smell to reach our sizzling steaks and have a good look round the stand at the same time!”

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MAIN HIGHS AND LOWS WITH REGARD TO GROWING THE BUSINESS IN THE UK? “I would definitely say that we came in with very high expectations and probably didn’t appreciate just how difficult it would be to break into the UK market as quickly as we’d hoped. It is hard when you truly believe in your company, in your product and in your strategy but the doors don’t open. It took time and a lot of hard work for us to really express our ideas and concepts here in the UK market and then to sell them on.

Now, however, the hard work is paying off - we have built great partnerships with customers and have really succeeded in getting in touch with the industry. So much so that our UK business has seen a steady growth of 50%.”

Right: Tramontina Afillata Kitchen Knife Set. Below: A stylish addition to any kitchen, the Tramontina Grano Non-Stick Fry Pan.

PROGRESSIVE

45

HOUSEWARES

WHAT’S NEXT FOR TRAMONTINA UK? “As a manufacturer and leading brand in several sectors, our task is always to bring innovation, quality, and products that enhance and make people’s life easier.

That is coupled with our sustainable credentials and our ongoing endeavours to provide unrivalled service to our customers. That is what we do now and that is what we will continue to do and improve on wherever we can, working in partnership with our customers. As a company, we do not have an emphasis on outsourcing – rather a focus on projecting, drawing, sampling, producing and selling.

With that in mind, ‘next’ as far as new product development goes will focus on cookware ranges, kitchen knives and pedal bins, as well as other kitchenware lines, with summer launches on the cards.

We will also be reinforcing our furniture collections which are designed for either indoor and outdoor and are proving very successful. We are looking forward to bright times ahead.”

PH New Product pages - March/April 2021.qxp_Layout 1 14/04/2021 19:52 Page 46

NEW PRODUCTS

New for 2021 are the Touchless TARE Digital Dual Scales from Lifetime Brands Europe. The touchless

Haden’s Kitchen Angel

TARE technology, with

(pictured) is a cleverly

a wave-over sensor,

compact piece of

allows you to

equipment with a

effortlessly return

robust build and the

weighing scales to zero

secure controlled

without touching them,

pressure system

and with Taylor being

ensures everything is

renowned for its

cooked consistently and

accuracy, the scales

safely. The 15 menu

weigh to the nearest

options indicate

0.001g. They measure

cooking times for meat,

dry or liquid ingredients, feature an easy read display, and when we say ultra-thin, that is exactly what they are, resulting in a very stylish,

vegetables, soup, rice and much more. You can even steam food for extra healthy meals! It allows you to

contemporary and space saving addition to the kitchen. They are

pressure cook, slow cook and sauté your favourite meals all in one appliance. Using

available in two colours – black and rose gold (illustrated).

pressurised steam to lock in vitamins and minerals, this multifunctional appliance is

Lifetime Brands Europe

able to create a variety of nutritious, healthy and delicious dishes fast!

T: 0121 604 1111

Haden Appliances

E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com

T: 01909 544 570

W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

E: info@hadenappliances.com W: www.haden.com

Klean Kanteen’s new Food Boxes come in three handy sizes for everything from snacks to meals. With durable BPA-free, stainless steel and a food-grade silicone lids, these food boxes are lightweight and easy to clean. While all three sizes come with leakproof, press-fit lids with a flexible corner for easy

Natural Elements is designed with the planet

venting, the Lunch and Meal size boxes feature snap-and-lock tabs for extra

in mind with all items made from a variety of

protection against leaks and spills. Available in the UK from Whitby & Co.

natural materials resulting in a unique

Whitby & Co

sustainable first brand. Along with a host of new products for 2021, the brand has been

T: 01539 721032

revitalised with a new look and format for

E: sales@whitbyandco.co.uk

packaging, including the use of natural card

W: www.whitbyandco.co.uk

and eco-friendly vegetable inks. To help get this green message over clearly in-store, this new floor standing display unit smacks of organic credentials and displays a range of Natural Elements lines on both shelving and hanging space.

Lifetime Brands Europe T: 0121 604 1111 E: saleseu@lifetimebrands.com W: www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Introducing the Brabantia Foldable Dish Rack to the stylish Sinkside family, available in regular and large size and in colours Dark Grey and Light Grey. The regular version comes with one removable cutlery basket, and the large version (pictured) comes with four wine glass hanging hooks and two cutlery baskets. Contact your Brabantia account manager for more information.

Brabantia UK T: 01275 810600 E: sales.uk@brabantia.com

This striking board, made from certified teak wood with warm tones and a beautiful finish, makes a perfect platter for serving and presenting many foods such as pizza, breads, cheeses and charcuterie, as well as being used for cutting and chopping. A handle incorporated into the design of the board adds to its attractiveness as well as being a practical element. However, high quality and good looks are not the only features of this board – it is also coated with a mineral oil which provides microbial protection.

Tramontina UK T: 0 20 3176 4558 E: contact.tuk@tramontina.com W: www.tramontina.co.uk PROGRESSIVE

46

HOUSEWARES

PH PRODUCT DIRECTORY.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2021 13:12 Page 1

Product Directory

6 great brands under one roof

customer services - 01252 828055 cust.serv@dkbrands.co.uk cust.serv@dkbrands.c co.uk

XXXXX-DKB-95x78mm Logos advert.indd 1

T | +44 (0) 1488 686 6 572 E | sales@eddingtons.c co.uk W | www.ed . dingtons.c co.uk

A w ard winning specialt y c offee and kit for c offee l o vers

RRP £5.95

Seee the full range aatt baristaandc anndcotra

58% MARGIN

Our best-selling Swiss knives in secure plastic cases

01902 458410 sales@kuhnrikon.co.uk PROGRESSIVE

47

HOUSEWARES

01/12/2020 12:18

PH PRODUCT DIRECTORY.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2021 13:12 Page 2

Product Directory EW

N

E THE AL LL NEW N EPOS® FROM MEL LIT TTA. A

Experi excep coffee Melitta® EPOS®.

For trade enquires please contact David D Price: T: 01952 671 077 E: david.price@me elitta.co.uk W: www.melitta-momentum.com

The Innovation Continues

Calll today!

T: 0151 651 2265 • sales@phassocs.co.uk www w..phakitch henessentials.co.uk

PLAN FOR GROWTH WITH RKW

WIPE O OUT DIRT IN NA

EUROPE’S LEADING DISTRIBUTOR OF SDA AND HOUSEWARES A PRODUCTS. If you’re not already working with us, get in touch today! www.rk . wltd.com sales@rkwltd.com 0333 220 6070

sales@whatm moreuk.com www.whatm moreuk.com tel: 012 282 687047

Over ON NE MILLION air fryers so old!

PROGRESSIVE

Certain tradem marks used under license from o The Procter & Gam mble company or its affiliates. affiliates

48

HOUSEWARES

PH PRODUCT DIRECTORY.qxp_Layout 1 15/04/2021 13:12 Page 3

Product Directory

TRUST THE SMART STUFF Awar ward d winning smart solutions fo for today’s to ay’s kittc chen.

Consumer fo Co focused bak ke eware re e,, cookwarre e and tools fo for the smartte er kitchen and cook.

AV VA AILABLE FROM M

/ T · +44 (0) 121 604 6 6000 E · saleseu@lifetimebrands.com www.kitchencraft.co.uk

MC Progessive Ad 95 x 78mm.indd 1

08/04/2021 09:14

PROGRESSIVE

49

HOUSEWARES

CLEANING NEVER LOOKED

SO GOOD!

ide l g y as E tless for effor ironing

Chemical-free way to kill bacteria!

PRACTICAL CLEANING SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY HOME WITH KLEENEZE Cleaning and housework doesn't have to be a chore. Choose Kleeneze’s latest ranges of colour coordinated electrical appliances, cleaning and laundry products to add something different to your utility room.

TO KEEP ON TOP OF THE LATEST KLEENEZE PRODUCTS, CONTACT OUR SALES TEAM | sales@upgs.com 00_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

12/04/2021 14:05

PH SHELF PORTRAIT.qxp_Grid 14/04/2021 15:18 Page 51

Retailer profile

THE TOP

5 SHELF PORTRAIT

THE SHOP’S CURRENT BESTSELLING HOUSEWARES:

l Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Cookware l Chilly’s Bottles, Coffee Cups and Food Pots l Emma Bridgewater and Thornback & Peel Tins from Elite Tins l Robert Welch Signature Knives l Ulster Weavers Textiles

THE KITCHEN RANGE COOKSHOP The Kitchen Range Cookshop in Market

ON THE WAY UP “Le Creuset across the board since the first lockdown. People have spent more on pans and kitchenware that will last as they have not been going out to eat.”

Harborough has won multiple Excellence in Housewares Awards for display, including the 2020 trophy. In the run-up to the grand reopening, PH spoke to merchandising maestro Jade Johnston about the family business

UPS AND DOWNS “Cake decorations have slowed down. It’s easy to buy these online where there is a huge choice.”

Below: Kitchen Range Cookshop in Market Harborough.

Inset: Emma Bridgewater products are part of a window display.

COOKING ON GAS

Former gas engineer Andrew Johnston opened The Kitchen Range as a showroom for gas range cookers. He added pieces of cookware to create a lifestyle feel, but – with the likes of Jamie Oliver encouraging everyone to cook – the kitchenware business took over.

WE ARE FAMILY

Jade Johnston joined the family business “temporarily” in 1999.

She intended to become a paramedic and needed to wait until she got her advanced drivers’ licence. However, her retail talents have been indispensable and she has been helping Andrew run the business ever since. Jade’s sister Ella runs Polkadot Gifts across the road.

THE BEST THING

“People like to see our displays, to see what colours are fashionable and to wander round and chat to staff. We have a very big selection: something for everyone, including a lot of good cooks who are always looking for the next big thing.”

Facts and stats l Situated in the Leicestershire town of Market Harborough, The Kitchen Range Cookshop is 1,500 square feet. l The shop was extended three years ago, bringing in drinkware, which had been sold across the road in the separate emporium, with a small coffee shop - now totally dedicated to the family’s gift shop. l The Kitchen Range stocks “thousands” of SKUs “We'll stock one product in ten colours!”

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN

“Kitchen Range has been offering click and collect every Saturday, as well as during the week when I’ve not been home schooling. I have also been creating regular product demonstration videos for Facebook and Instagram. This has worked really well for sales – people realise why particular gadgets are worth the price. I will carry on with this after lockdown; I can tell people to watch the videos and it saves lots of time explaining.”

PROGRESSIVE

EYE FOR STYLE

“I often get ideas for displays in the middle of the night - so I have a notepad by the bed – or I might be walking around and see a top in a clothes shop, or some stationery with bright colour combinations. Or there might be a nice range of textiles, and I will find products that work alongside it.

FORWARD THINKING

Inset: Jade in one of her product videos.

51

HOUSEWARES

“Our click and collect customers are telling us they can’t wait to come to the shop when we reopen – there’s a lot of excitement brewing. It will be so nice to have customers back inside, and to have some new stock. I hope there will be more new launches coming out – it’s what keeps customers coming in.”

OBC_HW_March April 2021.indd 1

14/04/2021 17:50