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Homeowners Rejoice in the Era of the Shrinking, Smart Home Products (24/5/2005)

2005 National Hardware Show Showcases Array of New Home Improvement Products that Provide Ease, Convenience and Ability to Think for Themselves

From the introduction of the first washing machine to today's robotic vacuums, technological advancements constantly change homeowners' lifestyles, making day-to-day tasks speedier and more efficient. Today, high-tech "smart" products have led to increased consumer interest in technologies that not only enable more efficient home improvements, but also add new conveniences to the home.

"Technology is the constant driving force for improving the rate and speed of home improvement projects and comfort," said Rob Cappiello, industry vice president of the National Hardware Show(R). "With continuous advances in technology, we're seeing a slew of new home products that are truly innovating the way homeowners enhance and maintain their homes."

The most evident advancement in technology in the home improvement industry is seen where tool makers are offering an increasingly wide range of tools with built-in laser and sonar technology.

"Laser measuring tools and levels illustrate how technology can enhance a do-it-yourselfer's skill and add new capability," said Scott Taylor, vice president of marketing, Zircon Corporation. "Not only do measuring tools calculate distances faster, but lasers don't scuff up your walls and leave pencil marks behind like traditional levels."

One of the most popular technology trends in 2005 is "hybrid white goods," or smart kitchen products. These are appliances that combine old features with modern technologies, such as refrigerators with the capability to monitor the shelf life of their contents and ovens that can download and execute recipes.

Another modern home technology marvel: robotic vacuums, which offer the ultimate convenience, as they clean all by themselves. The Roomba by iRobot is an intelligent vacuum that uses robotic technology to clean floors through "set it and forget it" technology. Only 13 inches in diameter and lighter than the average bowling ball, the smart vacuum roams the room devouring dust and dirt, then returns automatically to its charging base.

"There are many new and exciting technologies that enhance a home's livability and value," according to James Carey, co-host of On the House, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program. "Innovations like keyless front-door locks, either remote-controlled or using new fingerprint recognition technology, and motion-sensor lighting and electric garage-door openers are helpful, secure and convenient."

In addition, Carey predicts that in the near future, countertops will be anti-bacterial with integral sinks that are recyclable when they wear out. Homes will be more user-friendly for all ages, with adjustable countertops, glare-free surfaces and skid-resistant floors. With easy access ramp entries and solar heat and electricity, homes will be totally pre-wired for the electronics of the future.

Other trends signifying the shift to advanced technology in the home include:

-- A survey commissioned by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, which found that 61 percent of home builders currently include or plan to include Smart Home technology in the homes they build.

-- Hands-free faucets, a staple in airports, movie theaters and other public places, are now trickling into the domestic market, particularly in powder rooms and children's bathrooms, according to the Chicago Tribune. Hands-free models have caught on not only because universal design is becoming more popular, but also because manufacturers have improved the installation technology. Consumers can pre-set water temperatures and stylish new models are more suitable for a family bathroom than a public restroom.

-- The number of cordless products continues to grow. Cordless models continue to have huge market gains due to their performance advantages over plug-in models, such as recent improvements to battery life and the introduction of ergonomic, multi-position handles.

"These new things have a cool factor," says Melissa Birdsong, director of trend forecasting and design for Lowe's home improvement stores. "I think they're going to become very popular as the styling, ease of use and the price reach a point of acceptability."

A national poll of 31,505 consumers for Casual Living, in addition to a home furnishings-specific study of Furniture/Today of 50,000 homeowners, offered compelling data about generational differences in purchasing patterns and home improvement interests. Among the most critical findings of the study is the growing influence of Generation Y consumers -- those homeowners who were born between 1976 and 1985. By 2010 there will be 78 million Generation Yers who have the potential to outstrip their Baby Boomer parents' influence on the home furnishings market.

Technology is a key driver of Generation Y purchasing habits, with products that not only look cool, but that do more contributing to home improvement-related sales. They expect -- and demand -- two-way communication from retailers and manufacturers; the generation that grew up in an environment of cell phones, PDAs and the Internet has come to expect instant notifications, interactive Web sites, gift registries, and other convenient features.

Many new home improvement products will be on display at the 2005 National Hardware Show's(R) New Product World(R). This year, due to the expansion of the show to two facilities, there will be a New Product World at the Sands Convention Center focusing on Lawn & Garden World(R), a 310,000-square foot area of the show featuring a broad array of products for outdoor living. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, the New Product World moves beyond table displays to include floor displays, allowing manufacturers to highlight what they feel is most important for retailers and consumers, from packaging and merchandising to product features.

www.nationalhardwareshow.com