Received Feb., 19, 2003 // ROSEMONT, Illinois -Reflecting the surge in consumer interest in products for the home, U.S. and international buyer attendees registered in near-record numbers, up over 10 percent, for the 2003 International Housewares Show-a gathering of products that Make It Home®. The Show, held Jan. 12-14 at Chicago's McCormick Place, was sponsored by the International Housewares Association.

Total buyer registration was 17,450-including nearly 12,200 U.S. buyers and 5,300 international attendees-1,750 more buyers than registered for the 2002 Show. High volume U.S. retailers showed another increase in individual buyer attendance, reflecting the value these buyers derive from attending this truly global Show. And, continuing a trend of the last few years, U.S. specialty and independent retailers' attendance surged to nearly 60 percent of U.S. retail buyer attendance, up from 45 percent two years ago.

"The 2003 Show buyer registration demonstrates the strength of the mass channels and the continuing importance of specialty retail in the U.S. home goods market," said Phil Brandl, IHA president. "Overall, we experienced a challenging retail environment over the second half of 2002. However, early reports and buyer interviews confirm that homegoods was a star performer during the fall. Buyers attending this Show were eager to maintain that positive momentum."

Total registration was just over 56,000, a slight increase over last year's 55,959 registrants.

Stable Exhibitorship
The Show also featured 1,780 exhibitors, including 429 new companies, 521 international companies and more than 100 international design leaders specifically recruited to the Show for their product innovation and creativity. Total Show size was 786,000 net square feet (73,024 sq. meters).

Exhibitors were grouped by category in three "show-within-a-show" expos:
- Electrics & Home Healthcare Home Organization,
- Cleaning & Furniture Kitchen,
- Dining & Decorative Accessories

Reflecting the growing global nature of the event, attendees from outside the United States at this year's International Housewares Show comprised nearly 30 percent of total attendees and represented 103 countries and six continents. Exhibitors at the 2003 Show from outside the U.S. grew by 8 percent over last year to nearly 30 percent of total exhibitors.

The 2004 International Housewares Show will move to new dates in 2004 and will be held at McCormick Place beginning Saturday, March 20 through Monday, March 22, 2004. This change reflects the desires of all elements of the housewares industry and will provide three basic benefits to the housewares community:
- Buyers and sellers will be better prepared at this distance from the busy holiday season.
- More new finished products will be in view.
- Buyers, especially international retail participants, indicate that they will be present in greater numbers.

In addition to the date change, the 2004 Show also will feature new categories, including the Gourmet Home District (GOHO). This section will feature gourmet specialty foods, which a rapidly growing category in traditional housewares retail channels. The GOHO District also will feature food tasting, celebrity chef appearances and a retailer education program.