Small Strategies

Recent news reports spotlight what specialty independents have known for years – smallscale formats, great service and thoughtful selection of retail products are a winning combination.

The Wall Street Journal penned an article just as the International Home + Housewares Show was opening in March 2011, discussing the shrinking big-box store. From Sears Holdings Corp. to Home Depot to Best Buy, the big guys are looking to smaller footprints for new locations and even going as far as leasing out space in their stores to other retailers. Case in point: Sears’ deal with Whole Foods Market, Inc. for a 34,000-square-foot grocery store in Greensboro, N.C. Sears will operate the remainder of space in the store. So, as the retail landscape continues to change, specialty independents will continue to grow and mature with new technologies, new forms of communication and tried-and-true service.

The palpable energy of these retailers at the IH+HS was contagious. We were honored to be part of Housewares Training & Information Group’s first annual One Voice educational program prior to the show. The dedication and focus of these retailers to continually strive for improvement and share ideas with one another is what makes this segment of the marketplace so strong. Closing out the show, I was lucky to gather with a select group of Gourmet Catalog members and listen to their summary of the show – sharing product finds, show specials and helping each other sort through vendor-retailer communication issues.

Our next issue of Gourmet Business is coming next week...so stay tuned or sign up to receive our publication every month and stay tuned to the wildly delicious world of the hottest trends in specialty food and housewares.

Cheers!
Michelle Moran
Executive Editor, Gourmet Business
mmoran@gourmetbusiness.com

Great new site tells a sweet story

Just out, a hands-on exploratory site TheStoryofChocolate.com <http://www.thestoryofchocolate.com/>  imparts the unique and delicious story of chocolate; created and released by the National Confectioners Association's (NCA) Chocolate Council. The all-new site unwraps the sweet story of chocolate, including a look at its natural origins and history, its connection to cocoa communities and its healthful properties.

The Story of Chocolate is a first-of-its-kind site, including interactive videos, picture galleries and fun-fact libraries compiled from chocolate and cocoa experts, cacao farmers, boutique chocolatiers and even large manufacturers from around the world.

"The site celebrates chocolate and allows visitors to explore the full life cycle of chocolate's journey, beginning with its humble, natural origins from pods grown onfruit trees in the tropics, in order to build a better understanding of this unique food," said Larry Graham, President of NCA.

To tell the complex story of chocolate, the site offers videos direct from cacao farmers in the field, updates on sustainable methods practiced around the world and even an informative video-short on the ingredients that make up chocolate hosted by Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolates, NY.

Visitors can also take a taste of the site to friends and family by using the step-by-step tips for hosting a chocolate tasting and experiencing the nuances of white, milk and dark chocolate.