Hearthlist Digest #281 - Wednesday, March 31, 1999 Back from HPA by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Back from HPA From: Craig Issod <[email protected]> Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 14:18:28 -0400 Back from the valley of the Sun, where about 10,000 members of the Hearth industry gathered to pay homage to the booming economy and the upcoming Y2K. The show was probably the largest ever - the industry appears very healthy with many retailers reporting heavy spring traffic...and, more importantly, buyers. Gas AND wood are selling, pellets are probably holding their own or possibly losing some ground due to power concerns by the Y2K buyers. A picture summary of the show is posted at: http://hearth.com/show or at the top link off of http://hearth.com Other show vibes: Not too much new - more evolution as opposed to revolution. This industry seems to have a lack of creative thinkers and risk takers. But, then again, this is the sure bet for now. Cream floats to the top? Certain vendors, such as Travis, Majestic and Heat n' Glo appear to be gaining ground...ther booths were quite busy. Others seemed empty - it may be that there is power in numbers and that the consolidation angle of the industry is working... At the same time...newer companies like Lennox and FPI may have a little tougher time breaking into all of the specialty dealers that they crave. These dealers are fiercely loyal and do not change on a dime - especially if their suppliers have been good to them. It's quite a marketing challenge for the "consolidated" manufacturers to be everything to everybody...yet it is possible. It would be my guess that consolidation will continue. On another note, I would not be surprised if we saw certain brands and manufacturers give up the business...or parts of it...in the coming years (after the Y2K boom). There is just not enough room in the market for 40 vent-free stoves that look alike and cost the same. The BBQ business appears to be really happening...lots of them at the show. It goes without saying that the Travis bash was the best party at the show...1000 attendees and beef, beer and blues. By the way, Hearth and Home did an excellent article on our old store, Stoveworks (Medford, NJ). The 8 page spread explains how we passed the institution on to new owners that appreciate our "baby", and also talks about the formation of HearthNet and this list. I read every word and would like to compliment them on the accuracy of the article. Not often do you read such an extensive piece that gets it all right! - It's in the March Edition AND the Show Edition. OK, now it's your turn - what's cool? What's not? .... ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------