vicki matranga

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Susan Yashinsky, Sphere Trending

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator As a vice-president and innovation predictor for Sphere Trending, Susan Yashinsky works to infuse an understanding of macro trends occurring within society with retail experience to bring innovative insights for GAP opportunities for products, services and client growth. Yashinsky, who joined the trend forecasting company in 2002,…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Bryce Rutter, Metaphase Design Group

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Dr. Rutter is a renowned specialist in ergonomic product design and the leading expert in the design of handheld products. He has been profiled by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The Chicago Tribune. The Toronto Globe & Mail, Lexus magazine and Metropolis. He been awarded 100+ patents and his company has received 75+…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Naomi Shedden, Trend Bible

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Trend Bible is a UK-based trend agency dedicated to home and interiors. The firm works with global brands to predict and capitalize on future changes affecting their consumers. Trend Bible produces a series of industry-specific trend and insight publications and crafts bespoke consultancy services for individual clients. As…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Perry James, The NPD Group

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Since 2013, Perry James is president of U.S hardlines at The NPD Group, the category which encompasses the automotive aftermarket, home, office supplies and toys businesses. In an earlier role, he was president of the home and office supplies division which he successfully launched in 2007. James is responsible for all aspects of…

Brand Licensing in the Housewares Market

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Informing Innovation: An Interview with Jessica Blue, Advanstar and Stu Seltzer, Seltzer Licensing Jessica Blue is vice president of Licensing Expo, which is owned by UBM Advanstar. She is responsible for the strategic planning, growth, sales and day-to-day management of the annual Licensing Expo. Now in its 35th year, Licensing…

Work, Love, Play: Millennials Reshaping Your Business

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Informing Innovation: An Interview with Marsha Everton, The AIMsights Group The AIMsights Group focuses on analysis, insights and targeted marketing strategies to help companies "get smart" about Millennials and Boomers – and how they influence each other. AIMsights products and services include custom research and analysis for…

Chilewich Greets the Housewares Market

Chilewich/Sultan LLC will exhibit at the Show for the first time in 2016. Long recognized in the contract interiors market, Chilewich is an authority on color and texture for table and floor. Chilewich original designs have been selected by leading hotels, restaurants and properties around the world for their distinctive design, durability and ease of care. Gracing a table with…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Fran Groesbeck and Suzie Eberhardt, Whitford Corporation

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Fran Groesbeck is the worldwide retail marketing manager and Suzie Eberhardt is the associate retail marketing manager at Whitford Corporation. Together they educate retailers, importers and others who develop, buy or source nonstick coated products about how Whitford coatings can be applied to their private label and direct…

Alessi Headlines Discover Design

Since 1921, when Giovanni Alessi and his brother established a workshop to create tableware and household objects, the name ALESSI has defined standards of craftsmanship and elegance. Alessi represents not only the finest in Italian design, but is also the benchmark for global design excellence. Today we speak with Paolo Cravedi, managing director, Alessi U.S. Based in…