Housewares SmartBrief

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February 13, 2013

News for and about the housewares industry

Industry Update

Electrolux returns to list of sustainable companies
Electrolux has been named as one of the 100 most sustainable companies on the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook for 2013. Electrolux last made the annual list in 2005. ApplianceMagazine.com (2/12)

Whirlpool unveils new member of Family Chef line
Whirlpool has unveiled the FT 381 SL as the newest product in its Family Chef range of microwave ovens. The appliance includes a fan cooking system, and Jet PreHeat and Jet Menu Crisp functions. World Interior Design Network (U.K.) (2/12)

Edgeware products gain Cooking Club Seal of Approval
The Cooking Club has awarded its Seal of Approval to Smith’s Consumer Products for two of its Edgeware line products. The Better Zester and coarse grater received high rankings from Club testers on quality, appearance and ease of use. HFNMag.com (2/7)

Trends & Innovations

Review: Ceramic knives have benefits over metal
Ceramic blades have gained popularity in recent years. Ceramic knives are harder than metal and best used for cutting fruits and vegetables. Evansville Courier & Press (Ind.) (free registration) (2/12)

Bottle takes guesswork out of salad dressing prep
The Mini Measure bottle is designed to help users create vibrant salad dressings with the perfect proportions of ingredients. The product comes with eight different salad dressing recipes printed on the bottle. Users simply add the ingredients and shake the bottle. Gizmodo (2/12)

Retail News

Dunelm sees significant increase in pre-tax profit
Homewares retailer Dunelm has reported a 13.4% increase in revenue for the 26-week period ending Dec. 29, 2012. The company, which owns 133 stores and plans to add six more, received a boost from the growing popularity of BBC cooking shows. HousewaresLive.net (2/12), The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model) (2/12), The Retail Bulletin (2/12)

Stein Mart reports sales growth
Stein Mart Inc. is reporting a 4.6% increase in total sales for the 53-week period ending Feb. 2 as compared the 52-week period that ended Jan. 1, 2012. The company also reported total sales of $365.2 million for the 14-week period ended Feb. 2, an 11.3% increase over the 13-week period ending Jan. 28, 2012. HomeWorld Business (2/12)

Kambo brings cafe experience into stores
Western Australian retailer Kambo has unveiled a new in-store experience for customers. The Kambo Cafes in the company’s Canning Vale and Malaga showrooms include coffee machines, café style tables and snack machines. Current.com.au (Australia) (2/13)

Finance & Policy

Obama calls for legislation to bolster middle class
President Barack Obama's State of the Union address proposed economic initiatives that include raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour, creating "manufacturing-innovation institutes" and increasing investment in clean energy. He said it is the task of today's generation to "reignite the true engine of America's economic growth -- a rising, thriving middle class." Good middle-class job creation "must be the North Star that guides our efforts," he said. The Washington Post (2/12), USA Today (2/13), Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/Politics Now blog (2/12)

Talks will begin on trade agreement with EU, Obama says
President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union address that formal negotiations will begin soon that could bring the U.S. and EU together in a trans-Atlantic free-trade zone. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., applauded the move as an important step toward creating good jobs for Americans. The Hill/On the Money blog (2/12), Financial Times (tiered subscription model) (2/13)

IHA News

Friday is deadline for New Product Showcase entries
Friday is the deadline for entries in the New Product Showcase. The showcases are located in the Buyers Clubs in each building and open only to buyers and news media to view. A must-see destination for buyers, the showcases also allow buyers to scan products of interest and receive a printout with more information about the item. Don't miss out on this opportunity to put your new products in front of the buyers and media in a secure area. Enter today.

Complimentary specialty retailer consulting sessions offered at Show
Specialty and independent retailers can take advantage of free, confidential consulting at the Housewares Show. The 45-minute sessions features experts in many business areas, including video vlogging; social media strategy; mobile media application design and development; promotions and marketing; managing inventory, cash and profits; visual merchandising; green remodeling; creating a green category and building and living a sustainable life. The consultants will be available Saturday through Tuesday. Sign up today.

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	Recent Housewares SmartBrief Issues: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Monday, February 11, 2013 Friday, February 08, 2013 Thursday, February 07, 2013 Wednesday, February 06, 2013			Lead Editor: Liz DeHoff Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004