Vicki Matranga
Design Programs + Services
Retailers and media looking for trend-setting, high-design products at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show head for Discover Design in South Building. The inspiring Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features products submitted for the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design.
Specialty retailers, editors at influential websites and print publications, trendspotters and independent designers serve as Discover Design judges. They review exhibitors’ entries to choose six products as finalists, three of which will be honored as Global Honorees. They also select three companies as gia finalists for best product collection; one will be named the Global Honoree.
Get acquainted with some of the industry experts who will determine the winners of the Show’s gia product awards. Today we are speaking with Becky Tyre, Senior Trends Editor for GIFT SHOP Magazine, the key trade magazine of the gift industry, which provides resources, information, product ideas and inspiration for gift store owners and buyers.
Becky, please tell us a bit about yourself and your publication.
With a background of more than 20 years in the retail, fashion and visual merchandising industries, I joined GIFT SHOP Magazine as Trends Editor almost four years ago. GIFT SHOP’s mission is to educate and inspire novice and veteran gift retailers to achieve unparalleled success through informative and in-depth articles covering all aspects of the industry, comprehensive resources, expert advice, cutting-edge trends, clever how-to techniques and solutions and ways to share innovative strategies for retail success.
What is the most fun or rewarding part of your job?
The search for new and interesting products and identifying trends to share with our readers is both challenging and fun. Meeting the store owners and the artists, vendors and designers who create products is also quite rewarding.
What motivates you in your work?
Independent retailers inspire me daily. The passion they exhibit for their stores is remarkable and they are many of the most hard-working and creative people I have ever met.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business?
There are new standards for engagement and real-time interactions with readers and social media “followers.” Technology and social media have increased and enhanced the ways we communicate with readers, allowing more two-way conversations than traditional print media of the past. Fresh ideas are more important than ever as our readers turn to GIFT SHOP for the newest and latest products and retailing ideas. Our ability to respond almost immediately has changed the editorial mix across channels.
What are you looking forward to seeing at the Show?
I will be looking for trends in styling or product purpose as they pertain to the gift industry. For instance, an increase in home entertaining has created an opportunity for gift store retailers to expand their offerings in the tabletop, kitchen and housewares categories. I expect to find a nice selection of new product offerings in the outdoor entertaining sector as well.
How does Discover Design enhance the Show experience?
I am pleased to judge the Discover Design category for the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show. I see that as one of the fastest-growing segments of the retail landscape, housewares continue to generate interest within the gift industry. Programs like the Global Innovation Awards recognize the value of products driven by innovation and inspired by design.
What are some of today’s challenges that new product development professionals face in the housewares market?
Consumers are well aware of high style and are increasingly looking for it at affordable price-points. Having variations for different markets is quite a challenge for product developers.
What attractions, locations or stores do you visit while you are in Chicago?
Since this is my first opportunity to attend the Housewares Show, I plan to spend all my time at the Show venue and Show activities. I am extremely excited to walk the Show and attend the gia celebration.
Thank you, Becky, for your enthusiastic forecast for what you expect to find at our Show. You won’t be disappointed! As a first time visitor, you’ll be dazzled by the colors, designs and inspiring exhibitors and designers you’ll meet. Rest up before you come to Chicago, because you’ll probably be really tired every evening after walking this giant Show.
To learn more about GIFT SHOP Magazine, visit www.GiftShopMag.com
www.Facebook.com/GiftShopMagazine
Sign up for edit alerts at www.giftshopmag.com/get_featured
Visit Discover Design and See the Products Chosen by the Judges
In these final weeks before the Show, our blog introduces Discover Design and Design Debut exhibitors to give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see in March at McCormick Place.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by clicking here.
