RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2016
10
W
e are very pleased with U.S. and International buyer
attendance, which were a virtual match with last year's
record numbers," said Phil Brandl, president & CEO
of the not-for-profit International Housewares Association, which
owns and operates the Show. "This is very positive given the
recent retraction at retail and the strength of the U.S. dollar,
which makes exporting more difficult.
"2016 was a year of substantial transition with the complete
rebranding of the Show to the 'It's SmART' theme and graphics,
along with the re-categorization and location of the Discover
Design Expo to a new area," Brandl added. "Exhibitors and buyers
alike expressed their satisfaction with these Show enhancements.
All in all, the 119th International Home + Housewares Show was a
successful marketplace for the industry."
The New Exhibitor Preview on Saturday morning attracted more
than 500 buyer and media attendees, increasing attendance over
last year. The event offers buyers and media the opportunity to
meet with 62 first-time exhibitors in advance of the official 10 a.m.
Show opening. Response from the buyers is very positive about
the New Exhibitor Preview, and we anticipate attendance to
continue growing as more buyers want to begin their day earlier,
Brandl said.
Media attendance included a significant increase in bloggers
and internet media, coverage by NBC's Today Show, CBS's Early
Show, The Steve Harvey Show, Xinhua News Agency, Yahoo!,
home-focused YouTube channels and live remotes by Chicago TV
stations. Other major publications included Akron Beacon Journal,
America's Test Kitchen, Better Homes and Gardens, Boston
Globe, BRIDES, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, CNET,
Consumer Reports, Consumer's Digest, Country Living, Fine
Cooking, HGTV Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Hearst Design
Group, Inc.com, InStyle, The Nest, Philadelphia Daily News,
Rachael Ray Every Day, Taste of Home, Traditional Home, USA
Today/Reviewed.com and Woman's Day. The Show will generate
in excess of 350 million consumer impressions through broadcast,
print and Internet coverage.
2016 INTERNATIONAL H O M E
+
H O U S E WA R E S SHOW
"
