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 SouthBuilding. 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.
Let’s 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 Mary Liz Curtin, owner of Leon & Lulu in Clawson, Mich., in metropolitan Detroit. Leon & Lulu is serious about good design and great service but it has a sense of humor about everything else. The store’s invitation to Live well. Laugh often. Shop much. suggests the spirit of the destination lifestyle store that features an eclectic mix of well-designed furniture, unique gifts and accessories and work by local artists and artisans in an environment unlike any other. Set in the historic 1941 Ambassador Roller Rink, Leon & Lulu offers 15,000-square feet of adventurous shopping, with a new 7,800-square foot expansion into the neighboring Old Clawson Theatre slated to open this spring. Family run Leon & Lulu prides itself in providing a fun, welcoming atmosphere, serving hot coffee, cookies and popcorn – often via roller skates – to visiting patrons. Mary Liz was named by The Detroit News as a Michiganian of the Year 2013 for her many community contributions and has received many retailer awards.
Mary Liz, what is the most fun or rewarding part of your job?
It is hard to say whether buying or merchandising is more fun. Of course, I also love selling products. But the very, very best part is making our customers happy.
What inspires your passion in your work?
Building a fabulous collection of product in an exciting atmosphere. I am passionate about searching and digging for the most exciting product.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business?
Leon & Lulu is constantly evolving and adding new products and categories. We are always searching for new products, new ways to show the goods, new promotions and surprises for our shoppers and new categories to add to our mix.
How many years have you been coming to the International Home + Housewares Show?
More years than I care to admit!
What are you looking forward to seeing at the Show?
New product and great displays.
Will you be searching for specific items to carry in your store?
I always shop with an open mind and look for new directions and interesting items.
Are you especially interested in any specific trends and products that fit those trends?
Our customers love interesting items for the home. If I can find more gadgets that are truly worth their space in the drawer I will be thrilled.
What do you find exciting and inspirational at our Show?
I love an annual market. The sense of excitement, big product launches, international shoppers, products from all over the world…it is exciting to be part of it!
How does Discover Design enhance the Show experience for buyers?
A tool that works is handy. A beautiful tool that works is a joy to own and a pleasure to use. Discover Design helps bring awareness to beautiful objects and that makes me happy.
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
Our shoppers are always looking for something to make life easier in the home. As a design-oriented store, our concern of offering our shoppers things that are so interesting, amusing or just plain well designed that they will replace the utilitarian tools they currently own.
What are some of today’s challenges that retailers face in the housewares market?
The challenges are the same: competition, awareness, price…but the biggest challenge for many of us is training our staff to know how to use and sell the products in the store.
What places do you like to visit while you are in Chicago?
We shop the Show, then we shop the stores, then we eat, then we collapse. It is a full day!
Thanks, Mary Liz, for sharing your energy and interests with us. Our Show is packed with excitement in every building and four days is hardly enough to see it all. I’m sure many people agree with you that we collapse after each very full day! See you in March!
For more information, or to shop online, please visit www.leonandlulu.com.
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 visiting www.housewares.org/discoverdesign.
