I’d like to start by saying Happy 100 Years to Thermador. Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment for any company, but especially by an appliance manufacturer. Very few companies in North America–let alone the world can claim that longevity. Congratulations to the thousands of people who have worked for this iconic company over that time span. You should be proud.

In 2015, numbers increased throughout the industry, including show attendance, buying group sales volumes, and member involvement and manufacturer’s shipments of products soared. I hope your individual companies have also thrived with this resurgence of consumer purchases.

Design Construction Week has now built itself into one of the largest trade events in the world and I, for one, can’t wait to attend. This year at KBIS, The Retail Observer has sponsored a new (sold-out) Outdoor Pavilion in the South Hall, with products from BBQs to cabinet companies to help you grow your outdoor offerings. Our media partnerships for 2016 include KBIS (Las Vegas), Asti (Miami), Architectural Digest Home Design Show (NY), The National Hardware Show (LV), Dwell On Design (LA), IFA 2016 (Berlin) and Westedge Design Fair (LA), to name a few. You can find the 2016 show calendar on our website at www.retailobserver/events. We will be adding a few more partnerships for 2016 and will keep them updated there.

This coming year is already looking up to surpass 2015 in all numbers and we plan on bringing you more news and information about products and manufacturers , the shows, buying groups and trends. We at The Retail Observer are here to be your Voice in the Industry and strive to bring you up-to-date on a monthly basis. Please feel free to reach out if you think there is a topic or category that we can add to the magazine or website that will be a helpful tool to aid in making this 2016 a successful year for you–our loyal readers and supporters.

Happy New Year and Happy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
[email protected]

Ahhh... a fresh start. Just the sound of that phrase seems to lift some of the pressure around my shoulders and relieve the tightness from my chest. Like I can walk right into my office and my desk is wiped clean. When I open my email, my inbox is empty. My chores are  nished. My projects completed. To start fresh means I look forward to what the day will bring. I have the time, energy, attitude and brain power to take on absolutely anything that may come my way.

I don’t know about you, but this is a far cry from what usually happens in just the first hour of each day! Before I even open my eyes, I’m already getting “urgent” emails sent to me from around the globe. Before I brush my teeth, I’ve added about 100 additional items to my to-do list for the day. Before I’ve showered and gotten dressed, I’ve received texts that will change an otherwise tight schedule to an even tighter one. No wonder why my first instinct is to grab a very large cup of coffee!

However, there are those days when I wake up and don’t look at my phone immediately, so I’m unaware of the emails and texts that I’ve received. I turn on Pandora to listen to my favorite music during my morning routine. I enjoy breakfast and a cup of tea outside on my veranda. Closing my eyes for a few minutes, breathing in the fresh morning air and enjoying the feeling of the morning sun on my skin.

When I choose to start my day like it is a fresh start, like it is brand new—these are the days that seem to effortlessly fly by. The days I have the best conversations and get the most out my day. It’s not because there was less work, less responsibility, less meetings, less emails, less chores or demands, it’s simply because I chose to start my day fresh.

​This new year, I am committed to choosing more fresh starts!

Happy New Year!
Eliana Barriga
[email protected]