Much that was new in Las Vegas

Between 9 and 11 May, retailers, distributors and agents from all over the world came to Las Vegas, where they were able to get an overview of the range of products offered by 3 280 suppliers, who occupied a space of around 71 000 m². The garden segment provided the biggest contingent of around 1 000 exhibitors. The number of participants was not yet known at the time of going to press, but is being established by Exhibit Surveys.
The products were divided into categories to help visitors with their orientation. On display were sections covering hardware, tools, paint & decorating, lawn & garden, and outdoor leisure. The Gourmet Housewares Show was also held concurrently.
One special advantage of this show is the possibility of getting a quick overview of new products. Several hundred new products were this year again presented on an exhibition space specially set aside for the purpose. This proved to be the first stopping place for many buyers. There seemed to be a greater number of innovative items this year than last.
Being first to bring a new idea to market has many advantages: differentiation from the competition, a chance to increase margins, and providing buying excitement for customers. Successful retailers are well aware that they must promote and display these new products, so that customers actually know there are new solutions to their problems.
Last year manufacturers really put a lot of effort into developing new products. For instance, they produced improved painting and wallpapering tools, making them easier to use, and making preparatory work easier as well.
It seemed that tool manufacturers were particularly innovative this year. Tool kits were very popular, especially for women. Through all the product groupings it was evident that manufacturers have now recognised the importance to the DIY sector of women as customers.
Two product categories were particularly in the spotlight: security and storage. In the field of security the palette ranged from cheap, simple lines to sophisticated, expensive items, encompassing both security concepts for the entire home as well as for individual objects.
In the field of storage solutions, the emphasis was on systems that make optimum use of garage space, such as fixtures for hanging bikes or wheelbarrows from walls or ceilings.
One focal point of the garden range was to be found in the outdoor leisure section, with a broad selection of products for open-air cooking and accessories, as well as…