Education

Learn about educational events, informative webinars and special reports, designed and prepared to help members stay up-to- date on current business topics, trends and issues!

Stats: Organic Growth Spurt

The Organic Trade Association’s most recent survey puts the 2017 growth rate of organic food at six times the pace of the overall food market. That, along with recent information released from The NPD Group, shows why independent gourmet and kitchenware retailers need to be aware of the rise in organic consumerism. According to the OTA’s newly released 2018 Organic Industry…

Trends: Organic Remains Strong Force

Face it Luke, the organic label remains strong with consumers in our galaxy, at least in the United States. This despite recent publicity about pesticide levels in organically grown foods being equal to that of conventionally grown foods. Researchers tracking what people eat at the marketing firm The NPD Group say shoppers are “not likely” to switch back to conventionally…

Teach a Kid to Cook and Gain a Customer

Many retailers who start off offering adult cooking classes up the ante by adding kids’ cooking classes, especially during the summer months when the tots are on school vacation. With parents looking for creative outlets for youngsters, along with the popularity of kids’ cooking shows, those running cooking programs say such classes are a natural fit. “It is socialization in…

Retail Profile: Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School

Retail Profile: Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School, Sweet Basil Market Cafe Location: Scottsdale, Ariz. Owner: Martie Sullivan Founded: 1993 Square footage: 4,000 sq. ft. One thing most independent retailers share, if they are in business as long as Martie Sullivan has been, is a talent for being flexible. It is not enough to come up with a good idea. For a store…

Stats: What Are People Eating Now?

According to the 13th Annual Food and Health Survey, released by the International Food Information Council, many in the U.S. are on diets. More than one-in-three U.S. consumers are following a specific diet or eating pattern, the survey found. And consumers are increasingly averse to carbohydrates and sugar, with more Americans than in previous years blaming carbs…

Trends: The Current Food Trend? No Food

If everyone you know seems to be on a diet, that’s because most of them are. It’s a trend that is likely to continue to boost sales of Spiralizers and other diet-friendly gadgets, retailers say. In fact, 36 percent of American adults are dieting, more than double from 14 percent a year ago, according to the annual Food & Health Survey, released recently by the International…

Making it an Eventful Summer

While retailers like to hold events year-round, summertime, with its pedestrian-friendly weather, is when stores really get creative. Kitchen a la Mode owner Ben Salmon recently took advantage of the street-facing picture window in his South Orange, N.J., store and parked himself beside it with a knife sharpener. “Start your Memorial Day Weekend with an edge” he posted…

Retail Profile: Stock Culinary Goods

Retail Profile: Stock Culinary Goods Location: Providence, R.I. Owner/Founder: Jan Faust Dane Founded: November 2012 Square footage: 900 sq. ft. Stock is the hottest kitchenware/gift store in what has arguably become America’s hippest city. Providence, R.I., long sitting in the shadows of Boston, has been named “America’s favorite city” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and…

Stats: Sales of Housewares Products Rise

U.S. online sales of housewares products increased 18 percent in 2017. That’s according the The NPD Group’s Checkout consumer receipt mining service. On average, nearly a quarter of online buyers purchased housewares in 2017. And when they did, they bought nearly four items online during the year. “E-commerce has changed the way consumers shop for home products,” says Joe…