RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2019
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consumer wants, how they see themselves and how we can create
solutions for them."
Among the buzz-worthy themes seen at the show that retailers
should keep an eye on are:
• Products that allow consumers to express their own personality and
tastes. This includes smart home products that can be customized
to their personal needs, items to help make specialty beverages and
DIY kits for everything from bourbon to vegan cheese.
• "Bathleisure," which takes its cue from the athleisure trend by
elevating the bathroom to a spa-like retreat; and intelligent microfiber
for bathrobes, turbans and bath linens. The bathroom re-envisioned
as the next smart home frontier.
• In addition, several product categories seem ready to explode
based on the number of companies introducing their versions of
these products at this year's show. They include:
— Products to improve home air quality (air purifiers, aroma
diffusers and humidifiers)
— Countertop multi-cookers
— Air fryers
Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color
Institute and IHA color expert, presented her annual color forecast
keynote at the show. A wide range of hues from the Pantone forecast
are usually found on the show floor, appealing to customer segments
in different parts of their homes. This year robin's egg blue appeared
"INSPIRED HOME SHOW" 2020
