00-00 Part time report 3pgs KRM2.qxp_Grid 18/05/2024 14:37 Page 1
INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE Inset: Coffee is a key focus for Smeg in 2024.
HALF TIME REACTION
JOHN GRAYSON
Claire Budgen
Christophe Leblan
Matt Balm
Carl Branigan
Hayley Baddiley
As the industry nears the halfway point of the year, PH chats to John Grayson, country commercial director, UKI at Le Creuset; Claire Budgen, commercial and marketing director at Lifetime Brands Europe; Christophe Leblan, managing director at Groupe Seb UK; Matt Balm, small appliance sales director; Carl Branigan, country head, UK and Ireland at WUSTHOF; and Hayley Baddiley, global marketing director at Denby, to find out how the year has been so far, and what their hopes and expectations are for the remainder of 2024.
How has 2024 been so far for your company and the industry as a whole? John: “We’ve enjoyed a strong start to the year, despite the continued pressure on shoppers’ spending considerations. There’s no doubt the industry within our particular sector has become increasingly selective about where and how it chooses to invest. We remain cognisant of the choices retailers have to make and strive to ensure that when partnering with Le Creuset, the opportunities for greater conversion and ATV’s at the point of sale remain strong, even in a challenging economic environment.”
Inset: WUSTHOF has exciting new product lines in development for 2024 and beyond.
PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES