Old dogs show off new tricks at Housewares show

Discount Store News, Jan 26, 1998

CHICAGO -- If this month's International Housewares Show was short on revolutionary products, it certainly wasn't for lack of trying. While manufacturers may have fallen short in the area of new developments, several concentrated on improving packaging, rethinking merchandisers or putting a slightly new twist on shopworn commodity items.

Anchor Hocking, for example, displayed several new merchandisers, including four styles of dump displays for off-shelf placement of its Pop Top Glass introduced a new cut-case display for its Whitehall bowls, platters, pitchers and vases. Sylvania has created displays to show consumers how halogen lamps differ from incandescent lights. And gussied-up packaging made an appearance in everything from glassware to gadgets.

In the realm of teaching old dogs new tricks, Black & Decker introduced a microwaveable espresso pot. Depending on the wattage of the microwave, the dishwasher-safe pot can make two servings of espresso in one to two minutes. The suggested retail is $19 for the pot alone and $29 for a kit that includes a recipe pamphlet and a milk frother.

Other manufacturers pursued improved stylings, and fashion extended even to the most unlikely of places. Braun, for the first time, brought out color versions of its FlavorSelect coffeemaker (blue, green and yellow) to complement its standard black and white models. Icon Imagine showed a 56-sku line of DecoPlate decorative switch plates. Designs incorporated elements as diverse as country kitsch, quirky retro patterns and classic artworks from Botticelli, Raphael and Da Vinci. Suggested retail is $5 for a single-switch plate and $6 for a double.

The humble bathmat also got a makeover this year. Manco unveiled a six-sku line of fabric-covered rubber mats priced from $12.97 to $14.97. The mats are coated with anti-microreal to reduce mold and mildew.

Also targeting the anti-bacterial consumer, Bissel introduced the Steam 'n Clean nozzled cleaner. The corded appliance, modeled after popular European models, uses tap water, to blast scum from countertop crevices, grouted tiles and other hard-to-reach, gunked-up spots. Currently available only through infomercial, the handheld steamer is set to roll out at retail in the late second quarter at a $139.95 price point.

The pursuit of healthier living has also given the once moribund pressure cooker business a shot in the arm. T-Fal is relaunching its Safe 2 mass market version under the name X-Press and backing the effort with a third quarter promotional campaign that emphasizes the cooking method's health benefits. Presto introduced a new pressure cooker with a more highly polished finish and a bimetal-clad base.

Finally, even Fido is a target customer for improved health. Sargeants unveiled an over-the-counter flea and tic salve called PreTect that is designed to help mass merchants combat the market share erosion they've suffered due to the rise in vet-prescribed remedies. PreTect ships Feb. 1, and a similar formula for cats is slated for introduction later this year.

Other new product introductions for the mass market included:

* Anchor Hocking: Unique storage container configurations and value sets in the Stowaways for specialty chains. In addition to a new color palette (sea grass, champagne, ocean blue), the sets include more upscale packaging. Price points range from $5.99 to $9.99.

* Closetmaid: A new seven-sku kitchen line of wire systems, including stackable bins that will ship in mid-1998. Price points range from $1.99 to $8.99. Also new is a drawer that builds into a wire closet set. A single drawer unit is priced at $29.99; and a four-drawer set at $99.99.

* Hoover: A cordless Brush Vac, the company's first excursion a cordless upright. The brush on the lightweight vac can be turned off for cleaning on hardwood and linoleum floors. The price point is $39. A corded version is also available for $29 to $34.

* Indiana Glass: A new six-sku line of bubble glass candle holders with price points from 45 cents to $3.00. Its Colony division also debuted a bubble lass line which included a platter, serving bowl, salad bowls and four vase skus available in boxed or bulk. Bulk prices range from 80 cents to $5.00.

* Intercraft: A new line of gift frames, shipping April 1 and retailing for $12.99. It's an effort to lower the seasonality of the products. Frames are themed toward baby, wedding, pets and timeless "events" consumers want framed pictures of, rather than just buying frames as gift or impulse items.

* Libbey: New dinnerware and flatware to complement its Sirrus, Hobnail and Garden Vine designs in glassware. All are sold open stock, and most of the dinnerware pieces are available in four colors, each set's palette carrying a slightly different hue of white, light blue, light green or subtle orange. Price points range from $2.99 to $3.99.

* Manco: The Double Stick light adhesive roller. A swipe of the roller, which resembles a glue stick, turns any piece of paper into a stick-up note. The roller can also be used in place of tape for gift-wrapping, and because the adhesive is acid-free, it can also be used for mounting photos. Price points for the six-sku line run from $2.50 to $3.50.