By Vicki Matranga
Design Programs Coordinator
Jens is founder and owner of Global Brand Vision, an international retail consultancy specializing in assisting retailers to address their difficulties and growth opportunities in home products. The highly qualified team works together with clients to evaluate, change, and develop product assortments, visual merchandising, and store design concepts that help retailers to set themselves apart in a highly competitive environment.
Jens, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your work?
I would say that having a portfolio of international clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Traveling to different countries and working in different contexts allows me to see what are global and what are local challenges and trends. It also allows our team to share best practices and latest trends across continents. I also love technology and the U.S. is a fantastic place to be part of the advances and changes this brings with it.
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?
Some years ago working in different countries represented many differences. Today these differences are disappearing fast as access to internet and social media tend to harmonize styles and trends and expectations. This is particularly the case with the Millennial group.
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
It is a great place to meet with retailers and retail manufacturers who are looking for help with their home business and an excellent forum to broadcast our services. At the Show, away from the constraints of their office environment, it is easier to speak and to listen, and to develop initial contacts.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
I will speak about a case study of a department store retailer who asked us for help with their home assortment and their store design. They felt they had fallen behind competition and were looking for an innovative approach. I will focus on the assortment, the importance of brands, and the store design as an important communicator of product experience.
It is hard to always stay ahead of the curve with all the pressure that retailers today face on a daily basis. I wish to demonstrate that outside help can be useful and constructive, and give new impulses to an organization.
Build an Exciting Shopping Experience with Your Assortment and Store Design
Innovation Theater
Lakeside Center, Room E350
March 5, Saturday, 12:30 – 1:20 pm
You’ve presented in the Innovation Theater before. What are you looking forward to most from speaking here this year?
I love to engage with the audience in a casual way and hope that what I talk about will be perceived as relevant to their concerns. Let’s hope there will be plenty of questions!
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
In a sea of product choice, consumers are right to ask: why should I buy this product, how will it enhance my life? And why should I buy it from this retailer?
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
- Create products that are relevant to consumers who have everything.
- Incorporate smart elements into a product such as versatility and multi-functionality.
- Design products that help consumers in their daily lives.
Thank you, Jens, for outlining your work and approach to analyzing retailers’ questions as the environments for virtual and in-store purchasing experiences continue to evolve. We look forward to seeing your examples of how to retailers around the world are facing their competition. See you on Saturday, March 5 at 12:30 in the Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center E350.
For further information contact Jens Bauerle or Mary Rose Gearon at:
Global Brand Vision
559 E 2nd Street, Unit 4
Boston, MA 02127
+1. 847.287.8809
jbauerle@globalbrandvision.com
The four days of the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events and education. To help you plan your valuable time at the Show, we introduce you to the speakers and the 21 exciting presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center. Gain cutting edge insights that you can apply to your work. All programs are audio-recorded and will be available at www.housewares.org after the Show.
