Inspiring Innovation: An Interview with Susan Yashinsky, Sphere Trending

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator

Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! Be sure to attend some of the free executive-level educational sessions at the Innovation Theater. These programs will give you a fresh perspective as you walk the Show and will inspire, inform and improve your business.

The four days of the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events and educational sessions. To help you plan your valuable time at the Show, we preview the 21 presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center. Don’t miss the chance to meet the speakers in person and the opportunity to ask questions relevant to your work. All programs are audio-recorded and will be available on www.housewares.org after the Show.

The New Personality of Home and Retail

Monday, March 9 9:30 —10:20 p.m.

Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, Room E350

Today we are speaking with Susan Yashinsky, vice president of innovation trends for Sphere Trending. For more than 25 years, Susan has seen the future of emerging trends. She has been with Sphere Trending for 12 years and leads the macro division for consumer and retail trend insights. Earlier in her career, she was a head merchant for home products for a major retailer and also spent many years in marketing and market research. Susan is a frequent speaker at conferences and also a featured blogger for Builder magazine.

Susan, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your job?

I am fortunate to work for a company that lives in the future, studying macro and design influences and trends, yet needs to apply these insights to the present for innovative solutions for clients. My passion is inspired by the people I work with, great conferences throughout the year, books, articles and this exciting era we are living in which is largely defined by the quick pace of change.

In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?

The biggest change for our business is the breadth of industries we are working in. We started with an expertise in home environments but now that all environments are becoming like a home – education, commercial interiors, hospitality, retail, transportation – we are applying these insights to more types of business entities. In addition, with so much information available online, companies look to trend firms such as ours to be relevant curators for meaningful implications.

Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?

This Show is a great forum for a manufacturers and retailers to come together to inspire each other, as well as showcase the home evolution that is driving so much of consumer expenditures.

Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.

In “The New Personality of Home & Retail” we will provide a 21st century outlook on the evolution of residential and retail spaces, with a strong emphasis on the role of design in meeting the consumer needs of today. Attendees will see examples of inspiring spaces along with strategic connections to tie the needs of the consumer to the environments in which we reside and shop in a way that is actionable for future growth; validated by key macro drivers of society and technology.

Susan, your programs in the Innovation Theater always draw a big audience. What are you looking forward to most from speaking there this year?

I love speaking at the Innovation Theater as there is always a strong mix of attendees from various backgrounds and the energetic audience brings thoughtful questions and discussion.

What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?

The biggest concern is how to find solutions that enhance our lives. Consumers are looking for inspiring products that actually serve a relevant purpose. In this new economic era, we buy for meaning and consumption is very considered.

What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?

The challenges include modest economic growth, a strapped middle class, a glut of meaningless line extensions and an overstored retail sector that is almost overwhelming in the amount of choices available.

Thank you, Susan, for giving us a peek at your presentation. It’s sure to be thought-provoking, as your programs are every year. We look forward to your annual interpretation of lifestyles today and where trends are heading. Be sure to be in the audience in the Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center room E350 on Monday, March 9 at 9:30 am.