Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2023 20 The first study, during the fall of 2022 at the University of Alabama, tested whether an electric fireplace could induce physical relaxation. To establish an electric fireplace as an effective tool for relaxation, 226 adults were asked to spend 15 minutes in two separate rooms. The rooms were exactly the same, with a single exception: the presence of an electric fireplace in one room. Participants wore a simple heart rate monitor, and pre- and post-test blood pressures were compared. The study found statistically significant decreases in both heart rate and blood pressure in the room with the fireplace. The results indicated that a fireplace could be used as an effective in-home amenity to combat feelings of stress, which can lead to enhanced well-being and improved health. "Stress-related disorders are among the leading causes of disability in the modern era and pose significant economic impacts worldwide," said Garry Scott, vice president of marketing at Napoleon, "This study proves that fire can not only feel relaxing, it can also physically reduce stress. In essence, a fireplace is more than just a fireplace. It's not just a source of warmth or nostalgia. It's a beacon of health and well-being in the home." The second study, in the fall of 2022 at the University of Illinois, tested whether an electric fireplace could support well-being by creating environments that bolster enrichment-seeking in adults aged 50 or older. Enrichment-seeking is the process of seeking new information, skills, and insights. Those who seek out and engage in novel, intellectually challenging, or socially complex activities also tend to maintain higher cognitive and socio-emotional well-being as they age. Therefore, enrichment-seeking is important for health and well-being – but it must be nurtured. Sixty adults played a game in high-pressure/no-pressure conditions with and without a fireplace. Participants in the room with a fireplace saw a 12% improvement in cognitive ability (as measured by game performance), and their adaptivity to enrichment-seeking increased. The results provide evidence that adding a fireplace to a home environment nurtures curiosity and openness to new ideas, thereby supporting health and well-being as people age. "Enrichment-seeking fosters resilience to age-related tendencies and is important for health and well-being," said Shannon Mejia, Ph.D., professor of health, technology, and aging at the University of Illinois. "Adding a fireplace to your home could reduce stress response and support enrichment-seeking. The more adaptive you are to enrichment-seeking, the more healthily you age." When the global pandemic hit and new normals took their toll, daily stress and anxiety were on a universal rise. From that, topics such as mental health and wellness – particularly in the home – emerged as a new priority for people. This trend has become an enduring shift in people's priorities. "For builders, architects, and designers who are on the front lines of consumer requests for wellness in the home – including spa-like bathrooms, outdoor oases, or indoor gyms – this research supports that adding a fireplace can help provide yet another positive health experience in the home," Schroeter added. "And not just in the living room, but any room. No matter where your 'happy place' is in your home, a fireplace, including an electric fireplace, has the capacity to transform any space into a sanctuary and encourage healthy aging." Visit www.napoleon.com to learn more about the research and its impact. FORZA INTRODUCES 48-INCH WIDTH TO RANGE TOP PRODUCT LINE New range top features proprietary radical Italian design and edge-to-edge cast iron grate system Forza, the ultra-premium Italian cooking appliances brand, debuts its new 48-inch Professional Range Tops, expanding on its previously released 30- and 36-inch offerings. These appliances embody the soul of radical Italian design with the heart of an American muscle car, featuring unique angular racecar-inspired lines for a bold form and style. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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