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Contact: Deborah A.Teschke
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
847-692-0110
International Home + Housewares Exhibitors, Buyer Attendees Take Aggressive Path to Business Growth
ROSEMONT, ILL. (February 3, 2009)—The upcoming International Home + Housewares Show provides a unique opportunity for buyers and sellers to meet up with current customers and potential new ones. More than 20,000 buyers from around globe are looking forward to seeing what’s new for 2009 from 2,000 suppliers from five continents at the Show, set for March 22-24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
"The buyers have told us that they will be aggressively seeking new opportunities to grow their business in answer to these challenging times," says Phil Brandl, president of the International Housewares Association, the Show’s owner and operator. "And the Show’s exhibitors understand this is their time to shine with innovative new products and merchandising programs."
Here is what key retailers and exhibitors tell us about why they will be at the Show:
- "In these most challenging economic times, newness is one of the best ways to buck the trend. The Housewares Show is where OXO tries to launch its most significant products for the year. We are looking forward to a great Show"
Alex Lee, President, OXO
- "With our customer's focus centering more and more on the home, I want to take advantage of this opportunity. I expect to see the innovative solutions to more of my customer's problems at the Show. My objective is to double our new ideas from the show."
Martin Rayner, Director, Lakeland (UK retailer)
- "It’s very important for Helen of Troy to be there; it’s THE major event for our industry. It’s more than just buyers and sellers discussing product. Where else can you go and meet buyers and senior level management from all domestic classes of trade and a broad base of international trade as well? It’s an efficient use of three days to meet with our diverse customer base."
Jerry Rubin, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Helen of Troy
- "Each of us has a real responsibility to our customers (and to our businesses) to know firsthand what’s going on. Because retailing can be such a lonely business, there is nothing like a show to revitalize you. Our store members are very upbeat and optimistic are now eagerly awaiting the Chicago Housewares Show."
Janis Johnson, President, Gourmet Catalog (US Buying Group)
The Show features thousands of housewares and homegoods products for every room in the house, apartment or condo — and outdoor living, too. From high-end international design to trend-setting basics, products range from kitchen electrics and small appliances to gourmet specialty foods and cookware, from bakeware and kitchen tools to home decor, space organizers and storage systems, home healthcare and home-office to pet supplies and lawn and garden decor. For more information about the Show, its educational seminars, special events and exhibits, please visit www.housewares.org/show/online/.
