Experts Offer a Sneak Peak at Today’s Biggest Lifestyle Trends
Color, design and function are the buzzwords at the 2009 International Home and Housewares show in Chicago, IL.
Today, the second day of the show, opened with an enlightening keynote presentation by Tom Mirabile, vice present of global trend and design for Lifetime Brands. Tom, along with a panel of trend analysts, gave a sneak peak at the most important trends at work in the consumer marketplace right now.
Specific trend highlights include:
Generational Divides – We now have four generations of homeowners. The way each generation views the home is very different, so marketers cannot market to all homeowners in the same way and expect to get results. Rather, each generation needs to be targeted individually.
- Generation Y (Age 14 to 33, 84 million in America) are looking for color and style. Home is more of a turnkey space at this stage of life.
- Generation X (Age 34 to 43, 43 million in America) are looking for products that can multi-task. They will pay for improved functionality.
- Baby Boomers (Age 44 to 63, 81 million) are looking for durable products. Additionally, this group of homeowners is looking for products that make entertaining easier.
- Prime Timers (Age 64 and over, 40 million) want easy features and products that have ergonomic and intuitive designs.
Live-in Kitchens – Kitchens are being reinvented as the second living room, so homeowners are looking for things like camouflaged appliances. Tom urged manufactures to think about the total experience in the kitchen and look at the room in different zones. (One zone should be designated for cooking, one for homework/crafts and another for entertaining).
Living Within Our Means – This recession is a life-changing event for all consumers. It is redirecting value – quality and durability are replacing disposable consumption. Tom cautioned attendees to think about what it means to be a frugal customer and keep that question in mind when designing products.
The Green Kitchen – According to the panel this morning, over consumption is being replaced by commitment to conservation. Being green is becoming a key factor in how consumers perceive companies overall. Consumers want to know what is really green, and they expect retailers and manufactures to pick up the tab for green enhancements. In making this trend work for you, Tom suggested that manufacturers minimize consumer confusion by verifying and proving green claims.
Wellness Kitchen – Like green kitchens, wellness kitchens are on the rise. Given the renewed commitment to living longer and healthier lives, consumers want products that help them buy local and grow their own food.
Cooking for Fun – As a culture we are returning to core values, such as spending time with family and friends. Because Americans are foodies, making food has become a key outlet for these values.
Stay tuned for more updates from the show.
No related posts.
Tags: Green, International Home + Housewares Show, kitchens, Trends