2013 International Home + Housewares Show to open early

Buyers say extended hours allow more time to shop

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 7/3/2012 7:52:00 AM

ROSEMONT, Ill. - After a successful Saturday opening in March, the International Housewares Association announced that the 2013 International Home + Housewares Show will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 2 and close at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 5.

"The decision to adjust the hours slightly was made after a full review of all the buyer scan data and listening to all of our customer segments through surveys, exhibitor and retailer advisory groups and one-to-one conversations," said Phil Brandl, president of IHA. "Lengthening the 2012 Show to a four-day pattern was extremely well received by our retail customers. Survey data shows the average length of stay for a buyer increased by almost one-half day."

"We felt the extra day was a win-win for us," said Bruce Kaminstein, CEO of Casabella Holdings. "We were very busy on Saturday afternoon and did not feel we had a drop-off on Tuesday afternoon. Additionally, the buyers were not as rushed during their visits."

Peter Cameron, CEO of Lenox, said his company benefited by the extended hours this year. "I found the larger customers seemed far less frantic in their meetings and visits, and that we had much more time to spend with the customers we didn't have relationships with and explore new opportunities," he said. "This was particularly helpful with the international buyers as you have to spend more time with them."

Janis Johnson, president and founder of Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group agreed. "At Gourmet Catalog we are thrilled with the announcement of earlier opening hours for the 2013 Show," she said. "We will plan a robust offering for our store and vendor members in order to take full advantage of the extended show dates and hours."
Other exhibitors also praised the additional day and revised hours, and the slightly earlier close will allow smaller exhibiting companies to dismantle their booths and leave town Tuesday night, saving the additional night stay-over, Brandl said.
James Glenn, president & CEO of Household Essentials, said the Saturday opening was beneficial to both retailers and exhibitors. "Our exhibit was very busy Saturday afternoon," he said. "Most of our customers requested that we open the Show floor earlier as they were waiting outside to come in. The new opening at 10 a.m. is a perfect solution. Closing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday will be a welcome change to all exhibitors."

"Our gourmet store members have requested on multiple occasions that they need more time to work the Show," said Richard L. Boynton, Jr., president & CEO of Jura Capresso, Inc., and IHA's Chairman of the Board. "They need time to meet with their current suppliers but also more time to seek out new product as well as new suppliers. Large chain buyers have said they are in Chicago on Saturday and would prefer to meet with their vendors."