Today’s SMART world is becoming more and more relevant as consumers become more and more connected to their home, appliances and other products through the use of technology. If you sell any of these “smart” products, they are looking for you to be the expert.
Many of the majors and even specialty manufacturers have smart and connected product offerings. At the Smart Kitchen Summit, I saw a host of new products and technologies that are being introduced to the industry. Google, Amazon and Microsoft are now making the transition to connectivity even easier to assimilate into the day-to-day lives of your consumers. I am personally looking forward to KBIS and CES this month to see what new products will be presented there.
So are you connected? Not just you personally, but in your business. Are the products on your sales floor actually connected? Not just connected to a plug, but to the internet/wifi via bluetooth. Telling someone what a product does and actually showing what it does are two different things. Consumers come to you to be educated and to experience these products’ capabilities. Are your staff members able not only to answer questions, but to demonstrate all the features of what you sell to help consumers make the right decisions? There is nothing worse than a consumer knowing more than a salesperson, and today that can really make a possible sell go sour.
I would suggest it’s time to get SMART and CONNECTED. Make your store not only a showcase, but a functional space for these products and a learning center for the consumers you are targeting. The buying shows are a great place to see new product offerings, engage manufacturers and get the education you and your staff need. Hope to see you there.

Happy SMART Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
​[email protected]

Many of you will probably be reading this issue at KBIS during Design & Construction Week. As a proud media partner, we are super excited for what’s planned! Especially all of the new destinations this year, including the KBISNEXT EXPERIENCE combining former stages into one experience to educate, inspire and connect show-goers.
Always on the leading edge, the new CEDIA Smart Home Pavilion will showcase exhibitors who specialize in the latest in home automation solutions. Improve your awareness and understanding of home tech- nology solutions with ongoing presentations at the pavilion.
The Backyard and Outdoor Products Area is also new this year. An outdoor space for attendees to relax, grab a bite to eat and discover some of the hottest new products in outdoor living. As you know, this category is booming and should be another hot-spot at the show.
Did you hear about the new Discovery District? A fun destination for exploring unique and potentially undiscovered brands and products, entertainment and giveaways. At this show, there will be over 150 companies, with most being first time exhibitors at KBIS.
Get your learning on at this year’s 2017 Voices from the Industry Series (VFTI) consisting of more than 70 speakers covering every area of the industry. And new this year are the VFTI Interactive Labs, interactive sessions that allow the attendees to participate in the session for a hands-on learning experience!
Our best advice is to plan, plan and PLAN your visit so that you get the most out of the show. And oh, don’t forget to reach out to us and say hello!

See you at KBIS,
Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]