Enjoy a little light reader before the Halloween weekend.
Want to Start a Debate? Bring Up the Subject of Drying Laundry on Clotheslines
21 Recent Design School Grads Who Will Change Business
Homeowners Find Bargains in This Year’s Remodeling
Apply the Fun Theory to Your Home
One Researcher, John Cashmore, Takes a Close Look at Consumer Shopping/Purchasing Habits in Menards, Lowes and The Home Depot
The trends are significant when do-it-yourself consumers tell us where they shop and where they actually make their purchases, especially for larger ticket items.
Menards, a family owned Midwest chain of Big Box stores continues to have the highest ratio of those consumers who indicate they not only shop the store, but also actually purchase the items they shopped for.
When the other two giants in Big Box building materials retail, with more of a nationwide presence, customers are studied, it is clear Lowes is the place shopped and Home Depot is the purchase venue.
These trends were first uncovered about 8 years ago, and seem to be holding in the same trend more recently.
There could be a number of reasons for the indicators, but presented are a glimpse of one researcher’s newer on-site, in-store observations. Actual product estimate acquisition and shops were conducted for this process in the departments listed. All opinions expressed are those solely of this researcher and not statistically relevant, since not every location of each retailer was shopped. But, in the opinion of one researcher, the shops further solidified the quantitative, statistically relevant trends gathered in previous studies. Shops were conducted from coast to coast over the past 9 months.
As part of this series, the shops will continue into the future, with sporadic articles as they become available in all departments of all three Big Box retailers.
Brands are starting to ride the Earth Day Wave – here’s a look at who’s getting an early start.
Complements of Inhabitat
Just as the jewelry and chocolate industry has Valentine’s Day, the green industry has Earth Day. Earth Day is only six months away and this year it’s celebrating something bigger – it’s 40th Anniversary. So how are companies, organizations and brands taking advantage of the ramp up period and the main event to increase brand awareness and sales? We took a look at some of the early buzz and here’s some of our findings.
Toyota is using their assets, including the online forum PriusChat, to generate discussion around the announcement of the new price of the Prius. Toyota has hinted as to when they will be announcing the new price point (maybe Earth Day?) and forum participants have jumped on it and their discussions are spreading.
Procter & Gamble recently announced their new initiative “Future Friendly,” positioned as one of their biggest green initiatives to date, which aims to engage consumers and create awareness leading up to Earth Day 2010. We’re looking forward to seeing what types of communications and marketing tactics the brand will use for ramp up.
In San Francisco, officials are working to implement and announce an appliance rebate plan that gives consumers money back for purchasing energy-efficient home appliances – and when are they announcing the plan? Late April – just after Earth Day.
For some brands this Earth Day will not be about simply launching green products – they also aim to be listed as one of the major sustainable players of today. Whether it’s eco-minded operating standards or the use of recycled materials, brands will be working for mention among the leaders. Stay tuned to the “Green Magazine TV” series produced by WDDC, where they will highlight the companies taking the biggest steps to be eco-minded.
Earth Day is a platform that can be utilized to communicate a number of messages to a variety of consumers. But as the market place becomes flooded it’s essential to support your product with an educational component – how are you green and how will you help others be green? The Earth Day consumer audience will consist of green veterans and new converts – by including an educational component you will recruit consumers who are just getting their feet wet, and you’ll gain appreciation from the more seasoned greenies who look for a truly eco-friendly product and dedicated brand.
Habitat for Humanity Makes The Dream of Owning a Home Come True for Nine Baltimore Families
On September 9th, 2009, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, our client, kicked off construction on nine new modular homes on the 2400 block of East Fayette Street in Baltimore City. The 9.9.09 Build, named because of the date of kickoff and the high volume of homes being built, is the largest project in the history of the organization, a newly merged affiliate from Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity and Arundel Habitat for Humanity.
With hard-working, dedicated volunteers, the nine homes were finished in a little over one month. In order to commemorate the accomplishment of the organization and welcome the new homeowners into their neighborhood, Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake hosted a celebration in Patterson Park. Volunteers, staff members, new homeowners, board members, friends and family were invited to attend the celebration and enjoy light refreshments, get more information on the organization, tell their story about their relationship with Habitat for Humanity and listen to the kind words of Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore Housing Commissioner Paul T. Graziano.
We helped plan, organize and run the event earlier this month. After the speaking program commenced, all in attendance walked a couple blocks to the build site on the 2400 block of East Fayette Street for the nine dedications. Complete strangers, all who play a range of roles in the organization, huddled together beneath a tent on the street to watch as each homeowner and their family members joyously received their keys. Each homeowner was invited to address the crowd and share words of advice, encouragement, and in most cases, words of gratitude.
We were amongst the crowd beneath the tent on that rainy Saturday night and we watched the eyes of each individual light up as their hands grasped the tiny key. They all held on tightly to the key, the first tangible item signifying their home. As each homeowner spoke, we began to notice a common theme in each of their messages. After thanking everyone involved in the process, the new residents spoke of being a homeowner, and the power and confidence that comes with owning a home.
While many may take for granted the fact that they own their own home and have the freedom to decorate, modify or improve it whenever they please, we should all take some time to reflect on the how important homeownership is and how much it can change the lives of those who would have never, in their wildest of dreams, thought that they would have a structure and foundation to call their own.
Watching a community come together and work with these nine individuals in order to make their dreams become reality was a truly touching experience. We wish all nine homeowners and their families the best, and we are confident that they will take pride in their new homes and create lots of great memories under their new roofs.
It may be a little early for some people to think about Thanksgiving, but considering its already the last week of October, Turkey Day will be before we know it.
Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving-Day dinner, or attending as a guest in charge of bringing a side dish –from table settings to home adornments – the harvest theme is sure to make its annual appearance. Our experts checked out some of the latest trends and blog posts covering the holiday season, and came up with a list of some of the most recommended products and stylish décor for Thanksgiving-Day festivities.
Our Favorite Unique Thanksgiving Décor Ideas
After browsing some of our favorite home and design websites, we found a few innovative ideas that keep the Thanksgiving table looking fresh and ornamental this season!
Must-Have Cooking Tools
Preparing the right meal with the right tools leaves no time to be frugal when it comes to supplies. So, here are some of the top cooking supplies that cannot be skipped this year!
From IMRE’s table to yours – Happy (early) Turkey Day!
Check out the links below for news and trends you may have missed this week.
Norm Abram Bids Farewell to New Yankee Workshop
10 Essential iPhone Apps for Do-It-Yourselfers
Cash for Clunkers Could Help Appliance Industry…but Companies May Have to Wait
Must-Read Style and Design Blogs According to Forbes
Apple and Amazon Do Platform Innovation And Succeed in a Recession
Hooked on House Tours: Fall Edition
HIRI Fall Conference Sees Bottom
Favorite Images from Design Blogs
Courtesy of Hooked on Houses
It’s obvious that the status of the economy has made the cost savings benefit of “going green” very attractive, so this week we’ve interviewed Ross Dulmaine of the popular eco-living blog, Alternative Consumer his theories on the evolving green consumer with us.
HomeIntel: In your opinion how has the down economy had a positive effect on spread of the green movement among households and consumers across America?
Ross Dulmaine: In many cases the down economy has gotten people to slow down, consume less and become more conscious consumers. We find people are more interested in DIY approaches to meeting their needs, and they’re also interested in saving energy. Consumers are less likely to jump to buy the gadget or gizmo, and are squeezing more mileage out of their cars, iPods and everyday items.
HI: In your opinion, how has the down economy had a negative effect on the flourish of the green movement?
RD: As evidenced by the Climate Change battle in the Congress – many folks equate “going green” with spending more. Solar and wind power projects are facing financing challenges and small retailers are having a tough time making a go of it. There’s also a political backlash from The Right that characterizes “treehuggers” as liberal dreamers looking to meddle in local issues.
HI: Once the economy begins to rise and consumers find themselves with more disposable income, how do you think the green movement will fit into this picture?
RD: All the major retailers and manufacturers, from Wal-Mart to Apple, are going green and emphasizing sustainability in their ad campaigns and marketing initiatives because focus groups are showing that “green” is an important component in consumer purchasing decision making. If given the choice, consumers will pick the greener product – as long as prices are in the same general ballpark. Even all the greenwashing and TV ad campaigns by oil companies like BP and giant brands like McDonalds and Kraft will only make consumers more aware, and more ready, to transition to eco-friendly products.
HI: This year we saw a lot of movement around green measures that homeowners took to save money and be less wasteful – for example gardening, composting, using energy efficient products – this was a good compromise between economic and green living; what do you think will be the next big trend to save?
RD: I think the recent Cash for Clunkers program showed that consumers are interested in saving money on gas and finding alternative means of transportation like EV’s and bikes. On an everyday basis there is definitely a trend toward re-use and re-purposing of products and just plain-old buying less. Also, people are becoming more concerned with what they are ingesting and putting on their bodies which will ultimately translate into less medical costs. Trends toward a more vegan lifestyle will be seeing a big boost as people become aware of where their food comes from, how it’s produced and what’s in it.
HI: What are your 1-3 green hero products right now and why?
RD: We’re hot on prefab homes – like Blu Homes; electric bikes – R Martin makes good ones in the USA; and one of our guilty green pleasures – 360 Vodka
HI: What brands/items do you see getting their message out to the consumers most clearly while still offering performance driven products?
RD: Terra Cycle, Whole Foods, Seventh Generation and Tesla Motors all do a great job of getting their message out while pushing to create great products.
HI: What site/blog do you follow personally that gives tips/ reviews products related to living as green as possible during the recession?
RD: We really don’t have much time to surf our green brethren but we do occasionally drop in to read Triple Pundit.
Spending on home remodeling is expected to pick up to nearly $105.5 million in the first quarter and $107.6 million in the second quarter of 2010, according to its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity report.
After the new year, we expect consumers will be on the look out for projects and products to help them spruce up their homes. Don’t be left behind as these shoppers hit the stores post-holiday shopping season. Remember to target home remodelers in the new year.
Streamlined overhead, on-point inventory and smart promotions are key to retailers’ success in 2009’s economy
Up! Down? Flat!? Sounds like directions to a children’s dance or a board game, but it’s the ambiguous collective predictions for this year’s holiday season sales. According to the Jayne O’Donnell at USA Today, the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that holiday retail sales will be down one percent to $437.6 billion, while the International Council of Shopping Centers last week predicted sales will be up 1% and Deloitte predicts it to be flat.
Hmmm…. So what now for retailers and marketers? I like the quote in O’Donnell’s article from John Long, a retail strategist for Kurt Salmon Associates: “The only thing you can take to the bank about this holiday season is that it’s not going to change very much from last year, except perhaps for less panic.”
Some reports say that retailers are smart to trim their stock and inventory to save overhead costs, while other marketers think this approach could leave bare shelves and angry customers.
Retail Info Systems (RIF) News held a forum in early October 2009 including executives from Walmart, Target, Toy “R” Us, Lowe’s and many other prominent retailers. The Retail Forward’s 2009 Strategic Outlook Conference, Retail Renewal, netted some interesting conclusions as the holiday season approaches. According to RIF News, the conference had “engaging sessions that outlined the macroeconomic effects on retail, how retailers are winning online and fresh thinking on shopper engagement.” Some takeaways included:
NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells recently commented that as the global economy continues its recovery from the worst economic crisis most retailers have ever seen, Americans will focus primarily on practical gifts and shop on a budget this holiday season.
Best advice to retailers? According to NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin, the best companies will cut back as much as possible on operating costs in order to pass along aggressive savings and promotions to customers.
Last week we told you that Design*Sponge will be launching its first book next fall, and we talked about how excited we are to learn about their tips and tricks for designing the perfect space.
Now, we are happy to tell you that Elle Decor has also compiled a “best of” book for all design and decor enthusiasts. Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor, written by Margaret Russell, is a compilation of the best of Elle Decor over the course of 20 years.
If you’re interested in purchasing the must-have book it is available through Amazon.
