International Houseware Association Tradeshow

Entrepreneurs who have taken one of my marketing classes know that I am a big believer in going to tradeshows. You don't need to have a booth to gather invaluable market research.

The International Houseware Association runs the International Home + Housewares Show in the Spring. If you cannot make these tradeshows, sometimes you'll get lucky: an attendee, like a Gourmet Retailer journalist, will write about the trends she/he discovered. In March 2009, Gourmet Retailer published an article that identified the following trends: Living in Our Kitchens, The Wellness Kitchen & Cooking for Fun, Living Within Our Means, and The Green Kitchen. If you're in the food business, these trends are worth checking out.

If you know your industry tradeshow is taking place, be extra-vigilant in visiting related websites, and searching for press releases.

Market Research for Designers: Color Palettes

If you make clothing, handbags, or other accessories, you know you've got to keep up with the hot new colors. You can download a PDF swatchbook from Pantone, called Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2009. It's late to be looking at colors for 2009, but it's also free, and if you're still building your line or accessories, it's perfect.

Pantone also publishes the PANTONE VIEW Colour Planner, which is $750. But take a look at their press release: they don't include swatches, but it does discuss the eight palettes for use in women’s wear, menswear, and active wear. palettes