​By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

Well, as usual, there was so much going on in Orlando, I was unable to stop by every booth or see every program. But what I did get to see got me very excited. Not only did the new products bring on the excitement but the upbeat attendees and exhibitors, the number of programs and features available, and the overall vibe of the show made this another amazing event.

The NKBA started the night before the show with a Gatsby-style awards and gala dinner held at the Rosen Centre Hotel. The presentation of awards was one of the most organized ceremonies that I have been to. As you will see in this current issue and the March issue, we will be highlighting the various award winners in bath design (February issue) and in kitchen design (March issue). There are some amazing projects and I congratulate all the designers for a job well done.

The show floor was packed, and I was told that attendee numbers were up. I could tell by how many people were in the booths, aisles, and walkways that indeed, the number of attendees had increased. There was a buzz in the air and a low deafening roar throughout the halls as manufacturers and attendees got together to discuss all the new products. Over the next few months, we will be showing you many of the new products and innovations that were launched at this year’s event.

Some moments that stood out to me were Hestan joining the ranks of the indoor kitchen with a full line of products and Perlick entering the cooking worldwhileaddingtotheiralreadysuccessfulrefrigerationlines. Manybrands completely revamped their lineups such as Bosch, Thermador, Bertazzoni, and Fulgor. Dacor, Monogram, Samsung, and Electrolux/Frigidaire also had booths full of new products to peruse. The new kid on the block—Signature Kitchen Suite—and LG made a statement by winning the Best Large Booth Award for the show. Range Craft surprised the attendees with a new counter drop-in dishwasher, much as Fotile did with their sink with a vegetable/fish wash station. I don’t have the space in my column to mention everyone that showed at this time, but as I wrote earlier, there is a lot of news we will be sharing in this issue and over the next few months. The NKBA and Emerald did a great job in bringing it all together.

Happy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
​[email protected]

February is a special month–the Month of Love. It has always been a favorite time of year for me. This year, I challenge you to view this month as an opportunity to not only love others, but to love yourself. A healthier, happier and self-loving you will unveil the magic, freedom and power of becoming love in action. The only requirement of love is your willingness to accept it.

So how do you grasp love? Funny you should ask... I think you can’t. “Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is sign on as its accomplice.” –Tom Watson.

“Thinking with love sets you free! If you feel free, you are able to accomplish whatever goals you set your mind to,” says Adriana Cascata, author of Think with Love. “People think there are different ways to live and enjoy life, but the only way to be truly happy is through love.”

What is love? Love is an action. Love is an energy that can be felt but not seen. It is a bridge that connects you with others and, ultimately– conquers all. It is only through the acceptance of love that wholeness of mind, body, and soul is ever achieved.

How can you show some love today? Just ‘being there’ can be what matters most. Making amends and letting go of the past is a first step in rebuilding broken bridges and creating that pathway back to love.

Give of yourself, in order to bring another closer to love. Take that love and spread it everywhere you go–leaving people feeling happier and more inspired for having met you.

This Valentine’s Day remind yourself that you are deserving of the love sent your way. Spend it with somebody who gives selflessly to you or spend it with the number one person worthy of love in your life – You! Either way, hear the voice of love call your name... and answer it.

Become Love in Action!
Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]