The latest issues of Progressive Housewares and Progressive Tableware Worldwide are available to read online now.
2025 is here and the housewares industry is readying for a busy start to the year, which, for many of us, begins with a trip to Birmingham for Spring Fair, followed by Frankfurt for Ambiente.
Statistically, 2024 saw a somewhat disappointing end, with footfall down 2.2% overall in the UK, compared to 2023. The BRC termed December as ‘drab’ and ‘lacklustre’. 2024 was the second year in a row where footfall has been in decline.
Anecdotally, things looked a little brighter, with many of the UK’s housewares retailers reporting a busy end to the year. Many indies we spoke to over the festive period were seeing busy shops and some of the major retailers, like Next, have already reported strong sales at year-end.
Sadly there have been some casualties this year, and we were saddened to hear that Dinghams cookshop in Salisbury has made the difficult decision to close next month.
As is tradition in our first issue of the year, we have gathered our trade associations, along with some key retailers and suppliers to find out the state of the nation in the housewares industry.
As we look ahead to 2025, there is certainly plenty to be excited about. Suppliers are readying exciting ranges to present at Ambiente and Spring Fair, as you will see in our previews in this issue.
Director of Dining Ambiente, Thomas Kastl, has also told us about the exciting plans in place for the show this year, making it an unmissable event for housewares buyers once again.
I was lucky enough to visit Harrods at the end of last year, to see its pop-up Winter Boutique with Stanley, a great demonstration of what can be achieved to create theatre in-store when retailers work together with brands. Read more about it on page 24.
We also caught up with the group ceo and co-owner of Sostrene Grene, Mikkel Grene, to find out about the retailer’s ambitious expansion plans in the UK and its story so far.
Elsewhere in the issue, we launch a new market focus, looking into the growing strength of water and hydration products. We also take a look at the tea and coffee sector, including its latest trends and innovations.
Over in Progressive Tableware worldwide, we talk again to Thomas Kastl about the dining and hospitality focus for Ambiente and what the plans are for the show.
Key suppliers in tableware also tell us about the latest trends in the sector and the new ranges launching at the moment, as well as their plans for Ambiente.
The Progressive Housewares team is hugely looking forward to seeing many of you in Frankfurt and Birmingham in the coming weeks. Please do get in touch if you’d like to book in a meeting and we very much hope to see you there.