Quality, design and multi-functionality are the essential benchmarks for the plastic houseware, either of plastic or metal. In 2004, houseware designs focus on modern tastes, the humorous and whimsical with a broad spectrum of shapes, sizes, colors, materials and innovative features to meet the different market segments. Stainless steel hardware, either brushed or polished, remains the dominant position. Plastic houseware is still transparent, with colored elements such as handles or lids, dominated by colors from the blue spectrum.
Alongside blue in different shades and variants, gray is often the preferred color for larger storage boxes or containers.
Even if geometric and organic shapes are still beloved, found for glass, ceramic and porcelain articles, the organic are marked by clear, unadorned lines. In the classic approach, flowers are fashionable, but not in the ornate styles of 50 years ago. Flowered borders are back for dinnerware, along with shades of purple and violet.
The hybrid of aesthetics and function in houseware products is always up-and-coming, especially in the fields of glass and ceramics, which are characterized by colourfulness and a blend of modern and traditional techniques. Here, cup handles with little compartments for sugar cubes, trays with long leather straps for carrying, or solid stone doorstops make everyday life easier and more attractive. "Nature" as a theme is still very much "in". Articles and accessories made of wood are quite popular. Wood is regarded as authentic and dependable.
Design-led innovation, and particularly home-grown innovation, together with multifunctionality are never emphasized too much as it is combined not only with the functional and contemporary but also with reproductions of traditional products. A twist of humor or modern irony is the key point. The use of gimmicks in designs creates the more new-found pleasure fun in everyday life. For instance, plastic plugs modeled on reeds enable holiday feeling in the bathtub.
The examples can be found in the combination of body-care and household products: teabags made of organza, sweet-jars with aluminum lids used as containers for washing powder tabs, or trendy washing-up liquid bottles are useful and, meanwhile attractive.
Due to the need for stress relaxation or revitalization in modern life, growing hot is an array of products dedicated to relaxation - candles, potpourri, aromatherapy, bathtime, cosmetics, toiletries and healing sectors. Cocooning is still here and the my-sweet-home fashion is never over. A house must be a place of comfort, beauty, cosiness and warmth, give a sense of homing. Here, warm, sensual colors such as red, orange and yellow, along with patterns are quite significant. Now, the comeback to light colors and pastels sets the trend.
As markets become increasingly competitive, the use of internet is a must for the sector to drive sales and reduce costs, which enables companies to evaluate their progress against others in the industry. MARKETS SNAPSHOT
US- Fueled by the favorable interest rate structure, and ongoing solid increases in house values, housing continues to hit a 19-year high. In 2003, new-home sales will break the million-unit mark for the first time on record, and the production of new single-family homes will hit its highest level in history at about 1.5 million units Professional remodelers also reported a busy third quarter, and many expect to stay busy in the coming months. Each new home requires furnishings, largely boosting the sales of carpeting, furniture, houseware and major appliances.
FRANCE- Sustained by higher real estate prices, as house owners opt for upgraded kitchens and living spaces and the increase in consumer spending, spread in all household goods sectors, French market for houseware are dynamic, especially functional products suitable to microwave cooking and to dishwashers as an increasing number of women are working and consequently spent less time in the kitchen. In addition, the shorter workweek also benefit the sector as home lovers have more time for shopping. Yet, France is a country where the cafe society was born, and societal life is traditionally more significant than domestic life.
UK- Minimalism was surely gone, with its place taken by luxury and glamour, multifunctionality, Cubism, art deco, ethnic modern, and Scandinavian. Getting tire of mass-produced stuffs, people now embrace nostalgia, a return to luxury, based on the Hollywood movie stars of the 1940s and for innovation - but with a twist.
CHINA- Although China only accounts for 4.2% of total houseware exports, China, crowned the laurel of "world factory", like a powerful magnet attracts myriads of overseas investment and new and advanced technology thanks to its cheaper labor and abundant supply of skilled workers, that it is able to manufacture products at 30-40% of European manufacturers. China has been accelerated the pace in opening its domestic market, leading to the unleashing of immense opportunities for trade. However, there is also a real worry of over-supply in the houseware industry as China spoke openly of its ambition dominate housewares manufacturing. This may result in too many suppliers, too few retailers and even fewer consumers.