Despite often being small in size, tools and gadgets can be a great footfall driver for cookshops and houseware retailers, as well as providing a strong source of incremental sales, alongside larger purchases, while also inspiration for gifts.
Progressive Housewares speaks to some key suppliers to find out the latest in the sector.
For tools and gadgets to work, they must answer a need around the home – making life easier, tasks quicker, more fun, and bonus points if they’re also stylish and feel good. Paul Marchant, key accounts manager at Kuhn Rikon expands: “We always approach product development with the question ‘what is the need?’ and how can we make something utilitarian look and feel great. With the Essential Tools range, we wanted to ensure we offered the key items, the essentials, but also offered a point of difference where we could.
“A great example of that is the addition of silicone on some tools to ensure no damage to either the pan or the utensil with prolonged use and so making them suitable on all surfaces.”
Antony Joseph, creative director at Joseph Joseph furthers: “Our strategy is to design products that solve everyday problems. We always start by looking at the core tools and gadgets used in the home and thinking ‘what is the problem with this and how can we make it better?’ and we take it from there.”
Problem solving is also key for Dreamfarm (distributed by Forma House), as founder and ceo Alex Gransbury tells us: “Good design starts with finding a problem that is worth solving. Products that solve problems get used, products that don’t solve problems collect dust. We draw from personal experience but also have a keen ear to the ground with our customers. We’re known as problem solvers, so we’re lucky that people are consistently telling us their problems.”
To read the full feature in the latest issue of Progressive Housewares, simply click here.
