They say that taste is affected by a
combination of the senses of sight,
smell and palate. This month we
have a treat to excite the senses.
First we were presented with a
bountiful feast of pleasing sights at
the Fall New York Tabletop Market,
where suppliers showcased their
fresh assortments for 2011. We
saw more color and bold design
integrated into products that were
more durable and more affordable
than ever. Remember when elegant
and dishwasher-safe were mutually
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exclusive terms? Well, that is all changing rapidly.
Consumers will have plenty of opportunity to showcase
their enthusiasm for a bright future with these upbeat
assortments without putting a dent in their pocket book.
Vice President of Sales
Brad Simon
bsimon@gourmetbusiness.com
800-765-9797
Advertising Sales
Bonnie Nelson
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914-478-4408
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If the April New York Tabletop
Market seemed hopeful, but
cautious, the October tabletop
market was downright giddy.
Ok, maybe not giddy, but no
one was holding back on product
introductions.
New product, new companies
and new showrooms were front
and center at the market. Laurie
Burns, Senior Vice President and
Director at Forty One Madison told
me that the October market had
the most introductions she’s seen in years.
I’m hoping this bodes well for the 4th quarter, the 2011 show
season and the consumer. New product will also test the
chicken or the egg theory. Will consumers come back to the
market because there is new and exciting product or is there
new and exciting product because the consumers are trickling
back into the market?
Predicting consumer behavior is an art and a science. But no
matter the mindset of the consumer, I do know that without
new, quality product that speaks to the lifestyles of today’s
consumers, they won’t buy.
With respect to lifestyles, tabletop suppliers are not taking
the bridal market for granted. The newly hitched could just
as easily choose matching kayaks over fine china for their
wedding presents, so designers are offering fresh products
that speak to this new customer.
Judging from what I saw at the October 2010 tabletop
market, suppliers did their job. They debuted new products
catering to both style and substance. Eco-friendly materials,
great design and great value were all on hand. Now it’s up to
the retailers and the consumers.
Karen Martin
Executive Editor, Gourmet Business
kmartin@gourmetbusiness.com
