Innovators dominate Hardware Show '99

Discount Store News, Sept 6, 1999 by Debbie Howell, Mike Duff

As for paint, faux finishing products continued their popularity streak. Wagner Spray Tech introduced a new line of faux finishing products under the Wall Effects label. The pattern painting systems come in kits that include specially designed rollers.

At Rust-Oleum, the emphasis was on a new merchandising system designed to get consumers to find the correct--and premium-priced--items that the company specially designed to meet specific needs.

Krylon also has introduced a new display program, including portable dolly and rolling mini-pallet merchandisers. Red Devil was emphasizing not paint, but a line of new home repair products. Dubbed Red Devil House & Home Restore, each product was developed to suit a different task, for example: Driveway Crack Repair, Patch-A-Wall Spackling Paste and Wallpaper Seam Repair. Ohio Sealant also was emphasizing merchandising, in its case, with a new system of clear plastic, front access bins.

In housewares, T-fal debuted two new indoor grills at the Hardware Show, one with a griddle, one without. An upgrade on its previous mass market product, both newer models have built-in thermostats, but retail the same price point, $49.99 or $59.99.