Honouring the most promising products of the IAW on the first day of the event is a tradition that was observed once again at the 28th International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports in Cologne. The IAW Trendseller Product Award was bestowed on three products in the home and leisure categories. A prize was also won in the Special Interest Product category. The jury member and Channel 21 television moderator Ralf Kühler presented the prizewinners with their prestigious certificates at the Trendforum during the event.
First prize was bestowed on the burglar protection device ESB 10 from Huber-Systeme in Egglkofen, Germany. This door and window guard provides additional security, is extremely easy to install and provides a high level of protection against burglary. The system is robust and includes all the screws needed for installation. Certification provided by institutes such as the Institute for Window Technology in Rosenheim testify to the effectiveness of the security afforded by the product. According to Jörg Hamel from the Trade Association of North Rhine-Westphalia: “The additional protection provided by this system is in tune with the shift in market demand and growing interest in home security across society. The product is a good idea, well executed and will be a hit among home-owners.”
Bluetooth-enabled headphones have been popular for quite a long time. So in order to win second place in the IAW Trendseller Product Award competition a headset would have to offer something extra. The Bluetooth headphones and loudspeaker from Moin Mobile in Hannover do just that, integrating the functions of headphones and loudspeaker in a single device. When the headphone cup on the headband is twisted inwards it serves as a conventional headphone, when twisted outwards it functions as a speaker. In addition to the Bluetooth interface, the device features an AUX auxiliary port and a SD card slot with a headband that can be adjusted in length. The idea of being “able to easily switch directly from headphones to speaker by a simple twist, thereby sharing the latest hits with friends”, appealed to business consultant Ulrich Eggert, who added: “Two devices in one is always a good idea.”.
Helium balloons currently enjoy strong sales so it is not surprising that the foil balloons from Top Ten Handels GmbH in Senden were so well-received. Their originality won the company third prize. The balloons come in various designs, including a pug and a dinosaur, and do not float when filled with helium because their feet are weighted. Thus an impression is created of an animal pulling on its lead whilst being taken for a walk.
Commenting on the remote-controlled firing system FireFly developed by the Berlin-based company Nico Europe, Martina Schimmel from zentrada Europe spoke of “a brilliant innovation for a specialist target group, but not a money spinner with broad appeal.” Nevertheless, this special interest product was considered a trend-setter and highly praised by the jury. The product provides for up to 15 fireworks that are activated via a smartphone app and Bluetooth not only in sequence, but also with synchronized music. FireFly is something that will delight amateur pyrotechnicians.
The IAW Trendseller Product Award regularly places the spotlight on the best trend-setting products exhibited at the event. They are selected by a jury of experts, including Ulrich Eggert, Martina Schimmel, Jörg Hamel, Ralf Kühler, Philip Reichardt (Head of Commerce and Location Marketing at the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and Sven Zimmermann, authorized officer of U. Zimmermann GmbH. The International Trade Fair for Retail Promotions and Imports, Europe’s biggest event for orders, is open to the trade until 21st September in the Cologne exhibition halls 6 and 9.
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