Every year, thanks to the International Housewares Association (IHA), I get to bring some HomeTrend Influentials (HIPsters) to the International Home and Housewares Show. The HIPsters typically walk the show, do interviews with the members of the press, and do a panel presentation.
As usual, I’ll be at the International Home and Housewares Show with a group of HIPsters again in 2008. Only this year will be a little different from previous years. Yes, we’ll be walking the show, doing media interviews, and doing a panel presentation (Monday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the Design Theater) as usual. But, we will also be doing focus groups on Saturday, March 15. Now for the first time ever, exhibitors will be able to get feedback on their new product introductions not just from their retail customers but also from real live consumers. And not just any consumers ... from HomeTrend Influentials.
HomeTrend Influentials are a good population from whom to obtain feedback because they pick up on new home-related trends and embrace new home goods much sooner than the rest of the U.S. population. As such, these influential consumers are the bellwether for predicting changes in the behaviors, habits and practices, and attitudes of mainstream Americans. If HomeTrend Influentials embrace a new product, very likely it is going to be embraced by mainstream Americans within a couple of years. If they reject a new product, very likely the product is not going to be embraced by mainstream Americans either.
If you’ve been hungering for consumer feedback on your new products (or new product concepts), here is your chance to find out what real live consumers think of your products. If you are interested, e-mail me at ajr@4rmg.com for a proposal.
