In the lead up to the big day, PH caught up with some of the finalists in the EIH Retail Employee of the Year category to find out their predictions for the festive season.
The housewares retailers also offered up their top tips for other retail staff during the busy Christmas trading period.
Energy savers
Victoria Lyndon, company buyer, Lawsons
What do you think your customers will be looking for this Christmas?
“I think that energy saving and keeping warm will be at the forefront this Christmas. Hot water bottles and large cosy throws are a must have, as well as low energy essentials such as slow cookers, air fryers, electric blankets and wearable heated blankets. They also make great functional gifts.
“Family and coming together to celebrate this Christmas is still a key factor after the uncertainty of the past three years. Co-ordinating china, mugs, placemats and decorative serveware are effective ways to create a festive and celebratory atmosphere at home, as well as being multipurpose to use all year round so they have that added value for money as well.
“Le Creuset is a great and desirable brand that offers good value for money on gifting products such as their range of mugs which are always in our top sellers this time of year. Denby is also up there with quality bakeware from the Quantanium range and a brilliant range of tablemats and coasters which our customers can’t get enough of. Gift food is also an increasing range for us, who doesn’t like a hamper of goodies at Christmas?”
To find out what the other retailers are expecting Christmas to bring to the housewares industry, click here to open the digital issue of Progressive Housewares magazine.