Hardware Show: Green trends abound
LAS VEGAS Energy-efficient and green products dominated the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas this week. The three-day event ended May 8 and drew an estimated crowd of 35,000 to the Las Vegas Convention Center where 3,500 exhibitors displayed new products that will arrive in stores later this year.
Green products continued to be the fastest-growing sector – particularly in lawn and garden – and they even had their own Green Product World venue on the show floor. Just as popular were energy-efficient products that protect the environment and – on a more practical level – save money.
A good example was solar powered landscape lighting from Westinghouse that feature new amorphous solar panels. Tom Kaufman, a senior electrical engineer with the International Development Corp., said nearly all Westinghouse’s outdoor lighting is now solar-powered and that amorphous panels make them more energy-efficient.
The panels absorb sunlight more readily – even on cloudy days – and supply power more efficiently, delivering brighter lights using less energy. “And they come with Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that contain no toxic materials,” said Kaufman.
Paint supplier Kilz showcased its new line of Kilz Premium paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), toxic chemicals that are released when paint dries. And companies like Scott’s showcased expanded lines of organic fertilizer and feed at their booths.
While most attendees were resigned to riding out the retail slump caused by the housing market meltdown, they did hear some good news. Fred Miller, managing director of the Home Improvement Resource Institute (HIRI), said during a seminar that home improvement retail sales should rebound with a 2.9% increase in 2009 in a recovery that could start by the end of the year.
But even with a late rebound, sales are expected to drop for the second straight year in 2008 with a 1.5% decrease to $302 billion. “It will mark the first time we’ve seen sales decline in back-to-back years,” said Miller.