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Food for thought
State
of the
Leading members from across the housewares community look back at 2019 and forward to the opportunities of the new decade.
Nation: 2020 visions
Below: The book released in 2019 by Instagram cleaning sensation, Mrs Hinch was an instant bestseller.
Industry figures were asked these three questions: POSITIVE What had the most positive influence on the housewares industry in 2019 and how would you explain this? NEGATIVE What had the most negative influence on the housewares industry in 2019 and how would you explain this? 2020 VISION What do you think is the biggest opportunity for the housewares industry in 2020?
Clean and green sensations Lisa Meth-Cohn, buyer for Cleaning, Laundry and Home, Lakeland
POSITIVE: “For Cleaning in particular, this is the surge of house-proud cleaners right across social media, but Instagram in particular. Cleaning has become a hot topic for all ages, and as part of that customers are looking for products, hints and tips, and are seeking effective ways of cleaning in a way they never have before. We’re also clearly seeing the increased prominence of eco across all housewares categories, from cleaning to how we store our food – this is a great challenge to set our industry and one which we are very much embracing at Lakeland.” NEGATIVE: “The retail market in general has seen challenges in recent years, such as the decline in footfall on the high street. At Lakeland, we continue to focus on our customers, enhancing their shopping experience both online and in store while delivering the very best service and price.
Our stores are showrooms for our brand and allow customers to get hands on with our most innovative products and to seek advice from our knowledgeable staff. The launch in August 2019 of our new loyalty club, myLakeland is testament to our dedication to our customers with the club already proving hugely popular.” 2020 VISION: “We see the interest in eco-friendlier products very much continuing and indeed getting stronger. We’ll continue with our strategy of giving our customers choice wherever we see a viable and genuine alternative, and we’ll also be watching and testing all new product developments in this area with great scrutiny.” Left: Lakeland’s Lisa Meth-Cohn.
PROGRESSIVE
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HOUSEWARES
Pulling together
Alex Frubel, general manager, Tramontina POSITIVE: “Although a bit of an enigma, despite the undoubtedly very difficult time retailers and suppliers alike are having at the moment, this situation has created better cooperation and understanding and has brought more people in the industry together to help each other.
Above: Alex, who overseas the UK arm of leading Brazilian brand Tramontina. Inset: The repercussions of knife crime have had a negative influence on the housewares industry.