Remember Crazy Eddie?
Back in the ’80s, the New York-based consumer electronics chain was known for its loudmouthed spokesperson, presumably Crazy Eddie himself. In ubiquitous television and radio ads, Eddie would proclaim at the top of his lungs that his prices were “insaaaaaaane!”
J.C. Penney,...
Call them a marketer’s dream—or nightmare—the consumer segment dubbed “millennials” (consumers aged 18-34) is starting to make its presence felt in the home furnishings industry.
Attention-getting products targeting millennials have been seen at every trade show this year. These items are usually...
As the home furnishings industry convenes for its annual gathering at McCormick Place, it’s interesting to note that U.S. consumers are in the midst of a rare housewares moment.
Fizz-maker SodaStream created a housewares buzz amongst consumers with a much-seen ad during the recent Super Bowl. The...
Remember the children’s game “monkey in the middle”? It was a blast for the kids throwing the ball, but it was not so much fun for the kid in the middle as he ran back and forth struggling to grab control.
Early reports of the recent holiday sales period reminded me of this playground favorite....
Even if you’re more apt to foresee fiscal cliffs than resolutions comprised of wishful thinking, the new year is a time for optimism and renewal.
Most of the most recent retail sales reports, along with early holiday sales tallies give good reason to be hopeful.
The impact of Hurricane Sandy on the...
Prognosticators can be excused for not knowing what to expect for this year’s all-important fourth quarter.
Quite simply, it’s difficult to predict where you’re going when you’re not even sure where you are.
On the heels of the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, and shortly after an insanely close—and...
I’m not particularly trendy.
Sure, there was that time back in the ’90s when I saw an unknown rock band that later hit the big time. But that was decades ago, before gray hair, children and the suburbs.
That’s why I’m shocked to find myself currently on the cutting edge of popular culture. So what...
Steve Lowsky, the CEO of outdoor furniture supplier Pride Family Brands, has a way with words.
“Outdoors is the biggest room in your home,” Lowsky said at his company’s crowded showroom at the recent International Casual Furniture Market.
“Fire is hot,” he jokingly added.
Those two declarations...
Retailers have made so much news this summer that it makes one wonder if store executives ever take a vacation. Say goodbye to the idea that not much happens during the summer months.
Maybe all of the activity is because retailers are staying primed and ready as they prepare for an about-to-happen...
Color is risky business in the gray/beige home furnishings world, but the summer trade shows prove that some companies are taking a gamble.
Dallas Market Center and AmericasMart in Atlanta were both flush with bold color schemes and if previews are any indication, Las Vegas will continue the trend...