The latest issue of Progressive Housewares magazine is available to read online now.
As we enter the final month of the year, retailers are steeling themselves for what is fast becoming the norm in the golden quarter trading period – last minute Christmas shoppers – while suppliers are already looking ahead to the spring show season and planning stands, marketing, diaries and more.
2024 has been another uncertain year for many, with consumers and industry alike remaining nervous about political changes, the new budget and rising energy costs again, creating challenges for retailers and suppliers. But as always, the housewares industry has remained positive, forging ahead with fantastic new product development, wonderful customer service, impactful campaigns and incredible spirit to keep the sector thriving.
As we look ahead to 2025, there will of course be new challenges to overcome, but the trade seems largely upbeat, planning exciting new ranges, campaigns and more.
For this issue, we were lucky enough to sit down with our Excellence in Housewares Awards Outstanding Achievement Award winner, Theo Paphitis, to chat about his time in the housewares industry. Theo talked about how Robert Dyas has navigated the economic crisis and how the business has adapted to the huge changes in the housewares industry over the past 12 years, as well as offering advice for fellow retailers in the sector.
Elsewhere in the issue, we look at the SDA sector, which has also adapted to big changes in consumer buying habits over recent years and found out what’s trending now. We also chatted to some key suppliers about the enormous and ever-important issue of sustainability in housewares and how they are constantly upgrading processes, design and manufacturing to become ever more eco-friendly.
On the topic of sustainability, we find out more about DK Household Brands’ Zyliss range in this issue, winner of the Eco Award at the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2024. We also chat to Mepal about its recent B Corp accreditation.
