and let's not forget simplicity

I just finished reading this gem of a piece by Iconoclast's Nissa Hanna on the value of both visual and emotional simplicity in today's market.

Last month, while browsing the booths at the International Home and Housewares Show, I noticed a strong theme: simplicity.

Spotted on the showroom floor: Sagafrom's minimalist self-watering plant container; Simple Human's shower dispensers, which edit the visual clutter of personal care products (and their packaging); and tabletop trends kickin' it earthenware-style with rustic and raw designs.

In this economy, is it any surprise that consumers are craving a redirect to simplicity? A recent survey by Euro RSCG found that shopper mindsets in the U.S., U.K. and France are shifting to a desire for "voluntary simplicity" (Financial Times 4.8.09). Whether personal bank accounts are affected or not, there's a sense that the accumulation of stuff is part of what got us into this mess.

Luckily, simplicity is a value that can be telegraphed to multiple marketing opportunities, whether product design, packaging or positioning. To start, offer the consumer an escape — mentally, emotionally, physically, visually — from the disorder of the economic downturn.

I often think of Rome cookware as having just the right amount of simplicity to make the products easy for anyone to use, yet with enough twists to the designs to keep them interesting and unique. That's probably one of the real appeals to our line and a key areas of continuity for what we're doing.

Iconoculture, Inc.

Staycation 2.0

While it would be crazy talk to say that the economy is buzzing along, it does seem like the few bright spots are in the outdoor industry. All signs indicate that staycation 2.0 is on it's way. Remember, the staycation is not just the backyard, it's local & state parks and visits within a day's drive. Campground pre-bookings are up all over the country & camping product sales are holding their own so far.

"Chain Stores Ring Up Early Camping Sales
Chain stores brought in $99M, down 17% in units and 18% in dollars from last February. As in specialty stores, nearly every category declined this month, with apparel categories falling the hardest. Positively, sales growth came out of water bottles, recreation tents, rectangular sleeping bags, camp cookware, water purification and hiking boots, suggesting that camping and outdoor vacations continue to resonate with cash-strapped consumers in early 2009."
source: Outdoor Industry Association

Rome's Good Chimin' Promotion

Dealers - We have a great promotion for first quarter wholesale orders.

Free Solid Brass Rome Windchime for every $200. (at dealer cost) ordered

Value of individual windchimes range from $8.00 - $15.00 dollars wholesale! That’s $16. - $30 of pure profit at retail for every chime.

We choose the windchimes. They’ll be selected from our item #s 502, 503, 504, 508, 509, 512, 513

No limit on chimes. For example, If you order $1,500 you’ll receive 7 free chimes.

When writing an order, put the code “CHQ1Promo” on the paperwork. We’ll add up the order and determine how many free chimes you qualify for.

Our solid brass windchimes are a tremendous value when we sell them – just think about what a deal they are when they’re free.

The chimes are on page 10 of the catalog and here http://romeindustries.com/bells.html

Bookings must be made between 01/27/09 – 03/31/09
All orders must ship by 04/01/09

To order contact your local rep or call Tait in our sales department at 800-818-7603.

First snow is upon us and we're still making pies

November may be the time of year when most of us cover up the grill and start settling in for winter, but don't put away those Pie Irons quite yet. Over the past few years, we've been hearing from more and more customers who use our products year round. Be it a nippy winter gathering around the firepit or even in the fireplace, this is the time when Rome dealers should think outside the campground.

We should also not forget the potential for holiday gift giving. Rome's nostalgic & well crafted products are perfect for those looking for a unique gift that is not seen in every big box retailer.

Rome atmosphere shot courtesy Woolrich's Holiday catalog.

Marshmallow roasting in the news

Garden Design magazine has a nice feature on Rome's Marshmallow Tree in the December issue titled, "Garden Gourmet." The quote, "When was the last time you had this much fun for $9.99" highlights the smiles to dollar ratio of Rome's roasting forks.

On the subject of the Marshmallow Tree, the LA Times Food section recently had this to say about it.

The Marshmallow Tree from Rome Industries looks like a work of wall art, a slender tree limb with 10 twigs on which you spear marshmallows. This tool requires adult supervision, because in the wrong little hands, this could become a weapon of mass destruction. That said, it's a delightfully goofy and effective way to perfectly roast a bunch of marshmallows at once.

links:
Garden Design Magazine
Los Angeles Times

Rome Camping Early Order Program

The cut off for the Rome cookware '09 early order program is rapidly approaching. This is your opportunity to receive an easy 5% discount off of your spring orders. Just get them into us by November 15th.

You may send them directly to us or via your local sales rep.