What stays in Las Vegas will be in your showroom soon!

 

BY PETER SCHOR
Showroom specialist

Everyone is talking about global warming and Sheryl Crow urges the use of “one square of toilet paper” on her Stop Global Warming tour. Sheryl caught the attention of the worldwide media, internet, talk shows and, of course, every jokester from Jay Leno to Rosie O’Donnell. Jay Leno said, “Sheryl, Thank you. I’m not going to shake hands anymore!” O’Donnell publicly wondered how she, personally, could possibly use one square. “Have you seen my (backside)?” she asked! Minutes before Crow said this on mainstream tv, she posted on her blog saying it was all a “joke.” But she’s happy it got everyone talking about global warming. Now there are songs about “bidets and toilets”.... A big win for our industry!  Get it -- sometimes we must do something way out of the box to market our showrooms better!

The recent NKBA first-ever Kitchen/ Bath Industry Outlook -- taken from 20,000 consumers nationwide and a survey of builders and architects attending k/bis -- reports there were 15.5 million total bath jobs in remodeling and new construction in 2006, of which 7.4 million were master baths, 5.9 million were other full baths and 2.2 million were powder rooms. Spending on those bath jobs reached more than $95.4 billion. Combining with the kitchen industry, the K&B industry is $265 billion in size!

K/BIS 2007 in Las Vegas was a blast!

There were a record 65,000 in attendance and over 1,100 manufacturers exhibiting. Coming on the heels of k/bis the same week in Las Vegas was the Hospitality Design Expo (www.hdexpo.com). There were over 100+ bath/plumbing middle to high-end manufacturers exhibiting. If you are not aware of the hotel industry around your market, start looking very closely around you, as the hotel segment has exploded with upscale bathroom and plumbing products.

I had previewed, reviewed and researched a major portion of the new bath/plumbing products at k/bis 2007 before the show. I started walking the show at 7 a.m. the day before it opened and found it nearly impossible for most attendees to walk the show and really see and examine everything of interest in the three days.

First of all, I want to acknowledge the major highly visible and better-known manufacturers for their innovations at the 2007 show. Some of those bath and plumbing manufacturers were: Kohler, toto usa, American Standard, Delta, Villeroy & Boch, Jacuzzi and Moen, among others.

The market trends in homes and bathrooms is going green

“Green Design” houses are in! Many things like green roofs and geothermal heating and cooling help reduce energy consumption by 50%. Some great things for sustainable (green) bathroom design are to:

• Use low-voltage lighting
• Use recyled glass and ceramic floors
• Avoid cabinets with particle board
• Install radiant heating in floor
• Good ventilation
• Use low-flow fixtures/1.6 gpf
• Provide good exterior light
• Operable windows
• Use a solar hot water system
• Use tankless water heaters, sustainable harvested floors, and safe cleaning products.

One great book for your showroom is Green Remodeling -- Changing the World One Room at a Time by David Johnston and Kim Master from New Society Publishers (www.newsociety.com). This book was sold at the K/BIS 2007 NKBA Book Store. Remember, when you are working with clients in your showroom, qualify their wants/ needs. Are they “green” or do they want to turn their shower into water slide parks and car washes? 

Minimalism through simplistic and Zen-driven bathroom design products are going strong. All of the other market trends in bathroom from the aging of the population/graying of America. Baby Boomers; and Generation Xers are going stronger than ever with bathrooms each with specific focus and from their point of view. I would need several pages just to write on this subject.

Electronics in bathrooms

As I predicted on my website (www.drknowledge.net) in 2005 and again in 2006, “electronics” in bathrooms would continue to grow. Moen (www.moen.com) launched their Destiny electronic faucet which features an infrared eye that activates the faucet when an object is 6 to 7 inches away.  Among electronic options are steam, faucets, toilets, chromatherapy, music, lighting, LCD-TV mirrors (www.seura.com), floor warming, towel warming, internet, a place to hook up your MP3.

Electronic faucets are hygienic, easy to use, and is water saving. Electronics will continue to astound you. We now have a door set lock by Kwikset (www.kwikset.com) that allows people to unlock their door by swiping a finger across a reader. Next year at K/BIS 2008, scheduled for April 11-13 in Chicago, you will see one of my manufacturer consulting and coaching clients who has the technology for electronic voice activated controls for everything in the house, including kitchen appliance and bathroom products!

A good example of today’s electronics and water combination is Kohler (www.kohler.com), which makes sure that all sensory needs are met with its new DTV II custom shower. The digital hydrotherapy system brings music, chromatherapy and steam together in the shower for a memorable experience. The DTV II interface controls the spray outlets, speakers, lights and steam generator, and each user can save individual preferences to memory.

What’s new and hot in bathroom and plumbing products

Showering -- The replication of bringing water from the outside (oceans, rivers, water slide parks, and car washes) to the inside and the privacy of the shower will continue to grow and amaze most of us. Jaclo (www.jaclo.com) continues to dominate and add more exciting devices in “Canopy” showerheads; Hansa (www.kwcamerica.com) water color (chromatherapy) shower heads operate with a change of a button; Zucchetti Rubinetteria Spa (www.zucchettidesign.com) ce iling built-in showerhead in stainless steel with circular jet and anti-limestone system, combined with audio speaker and multi-colour led light. You can use this component independently.

One of the hottest shower product categories at the show were vertical shower columns/panels. Many of these pre-plumbed units can be retrofitted to be attached to a 1/2-inch IPS outlet which is exceptional for remodeling projects of both residential and commercial (hotels). One of the best-made manufacturer units (code approved) of the show was made by Smart Showers (www.smartshowers.net), which had several models on display at their booth.

I liked Graff’s (www.graff-faucets.com) Ski Tower shower column. One of the huge hits of both K/BIS and The HD Expo was Tile Redi (www.tileredi.com). Tile Redi manufactures leak-proof, mold-free shower pans that are ready to accept tile, marble or stone. Everything was well thought out. Prosun Shower (www.prosunshower.com), voted the K/BIS 2006 Best Bath Product (www.prosunshower.com), has added a new anti-aging option to its sun-tanning and chromatherapy shower.

Steam Showers -- I have heard around the industry that “many” showrooms consider that a steam generator is more of a “generic” item to be sold. The Doctor of Bathroom Knowledge (myself) had thought for many years that Mr. Steam was the best product out there. But I have also discovered that Thermasol (www.thermasol.com) also makes a superior product. It offers fast-start technology for steam in seconds -- not 4 to 8 minutes; a lifetime warranty -- no questions, no worries; constant steam at a constant rate --no irritating steam lags and bursts; it can be installed up to 50 feet away without upsizing the generator; whisper quiet -- no potential water hammer or noisy solenoids valves; all metal controls with advanced pvd lifetime finishes -- no plated or plastic controls; patented thermostatically controlled steam head with self-cleaning aroma therapy; PowerFlush inner tank cleaning system -- Powerflushing is the only way to clean the inner tank. The Doctor is always open to learn new things.

Bathing -- Bathing continues to flourish and grow with air massage, whirlpool and air massage/whirlpool combination, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, digital controls and more. MTI Whirlpool (www.mtiwhirlpools.com) came out with the H20, an invisible audio system that delivers full bodied sound through the bathtub. MTI has the “Radiance” heated acrylic system to keep water hot. Jason International (www.jasoninternational.com) continues to manufacture a high-quality product. Jason was rated #2 out of 19 whirlpool tub manufacturers in a 2006 study made by an independent marketing research firm, The Wayman Group, for a leading K&B magazine.

What else is new in bathing? Ozone sanitizing systems, which have been used on outdoor spas and hot tubs for many years, are offered by Prozone (www.prozoneint.com), Del Ozone (www.delozone.com), and gg Industries (www.ggindustries.com). These systems neutralize the bacteria, mold and other materials that are commonly found or created when bathing.

Americover (www.americover.com) had the most innovative and exciting protective product for the protection of bathtubs, showers and toilets called The Ultra Tub Covcers. Pulte Homes has ordered thousands of these covers through plumbing wholesalers. Coming to a plumbing wholesaler near you. Jump on it!

Palazzo (www.palazzotubs.com), based in South Africa and with distribution in the U.S., had the most “art-in-form” tubs of the show and its products have won many International Awards in design, materials and in 5-Star Hotels throughout the world! Teak Tub-My Trading Company (www.teaktubs.com),came out with some new wood bathtubs including the industry’s first baby tub. Luxury Copper (http://www.luxurycopper.com) has a high-quality copper claw foot tub in a 12 gauge that is MSRP’d at $12,700.

At K/BIS, we saw the most extensive collection of ADA-compliant, barrier free and assisted living bathtubs ever, meeting the challenge of the aging of the population. The two that stood out from the rest were: Safety Tubs (www.safetytubs.com) and Best Bath Systems (www.best-bath.com ). There were also offerings from Safety Tubs Step Safe, Aquassure Bath Products, AKW Medicare and others.

With all of these big bathtubs and multiple showers, one must have 24/7 hot water on demand. From Rinnai (www.rinnai-us.com), take a good look at the newer high-volume flow rates and capacities.

Why not? Outdoor hot tubs/spas  in plumbing/bath showrooms!

Beachcomber Hot Tubs (www.beachcomberhottubs.com) is an excellent quality manufacturer who was the only hot tub/spa manufacturer on the show floor. The company is looking for plumbing/bath showrooms. Their products are sold through dealer showrooms in limited distribution. I have known them from speaking at the Pool and Spa Dealer Shows over the years.

Bathroom suites

In my pre-show K/BIS 2006 article in the April issue, I talked about product lines that have “powder room guest suites” which I defined as furniture, lavatory, countertop, deco tiles, mirrors and accessories that can be all sold in a package price at a excellent profit. Three good examples of the product lines that were exceptional at K/BIS 2007 were Ashley Norton (www.ashleynorton. com); Suzanne Crane Fine Stoneware (www.suzannecrane.com); and The River Collection (www.the-stockmarket.com). The River Collection by The Stock Market has this exclusive product line of stone sinks and lavatories and  a wide variety of gorgeous wrought iron stands. In your showroom, these iron stands can house all of the 19 different types of materials vessel lavatories and sinks that are made today. This is a natural to disguise the price points with two separate components together. This is another way to get vessel sinks off the floor and on display stands.

Faucetry

Huntington Brass (www.huntingtonbrass.com) had a full range of new faucetry and it was one of the most profitable product lines at the show. Rubinet (www.rubinet.com) shined with “The Ice” series of Swarovski Crystal in the nickel silver finish. Showrooms were ordering this heavily for display. Italbrass (www.theitalbrassgroup.com), maker of last year’s Moody Aquarium Sink (fish tank), had some unique contemporary faucets that I have never seen at ISH or anywhere in the world! Some were ADEX Award Winners. Murano House (www.mura nohouse.com) had an exclusive line of jeweled Venetian Glass Vanity Wastes (drains) for baths, sinks and showers. KWC (www.kwcamerica.com) had some more great chromatherapy faucets; and Danze (www.danze.com) had some show stoppers!

Sinks and lavatories

Rivers Collection (www.the-stockmarket.com) had a full collection of exclusive stone sinks, lavatories, console units and wrought iron stands to house stone vessel sinks and other material sinks. Kohler (www.kohler.com) introduced a new undermount cast iron lavatory called “Ledges,” which has twin ledges integrated into the sides of the sink to create a great place to lay down a toothbrush and a bar of soap for a mess-free countertop. I would need five pages to report what else I saw and thought highly of in sinks and lavatories.

Copper sinks, lavatories, tubs and more

Copper has become a very popular finish for the above products and faucetry. There were 38+ manufacturers of copper sink and lavatory product, some of which -- like Native Trails -- have been displaying at K/BIS for years. One of my best picks of this category and the show is Luxury Copper (www.LuxuryCopper.com). The quality and designs of the products were exceptional. The products varied from sinks, lavatories, tubs, range hoods and much more. The copper products have a heat-bonded clear coat sealant that strengthens and protects the finish. Their products are also available in nickel silver, oil rubbed bronze and other finishes.

Glass sinks

While inexpensive glass sinks from China and around the world have cycled out and oversaturated the market, glass sinks that are truly “art-in-form” have maintained their market value and share. Such manufacturers as Vitraform, CBD, Gravity Glass, Bear Creek Glass, Coyote Glass  and a few select others have re-invented themselves and will be around for a long time with their pieces of ageless beauty. Glass countertops have taken on a whole new dimension and meaning with ThinkGlass (www.thinkglass.com). I could not get near their 600-foot booth, which was chocked full of bath and kitchen designers and showroom personnel.

Plumbing fixtures

Duravit usa (www.duravit.com) has partnered with Geberit (www.chicagofaucets.com) to sell the wall-hung toilet and chair carrier combinations. If you are not aware, this is very dominant throughout Western Europe, and they are betting their eggs with some heavy effort that it will happen here to some degree. VitrA USA (www.vitra-usa.com) had the most outrageously beautiful Istanbul Collection of 100 pieces by designer Ross Longrove!  SFA Saniflo (www.saniflo.com) featured its Saniplus macerating toilet systems that allow bathrooms to be built virtually anywhere. DecoLav (www.decolav.com) continues to innovate with beautifully designed products and good value!

Toilets

There continues to be many great imp  rovements in toilet performance and water efficiency from manufacturers, yet non-traditional toilet shapes and compact sizes made a strong statement.

Sloan Flushmate (www.flushmate.com) continues to improve and master the pressure-assist technology along with hands-free Intelli-flush.  Neptune’s (www.neptune.com) Murano dual-flush toilet looks like an exclamation point when facing it head on. The VitrA (www.vitra-usa.com)b vvvvollection of Ross Longrove’s designs have an extremely high-tech design. The AquAvanti (www.aquavanti-us.com )  “Avant-Garde” toilet from China had a similar design to Kohler’s “Hat Box” with a vertical swirl of about 18”. The toilets were IAPMO and CSA approved in a 12” rough-in. AquAvanti had several unique-looking toilets. Big John toilet seat company (www.bigjohntoiletseat.com) has a seat that will fit most toilets and has a structural rated over 1200 lbs. Who-ah! Mystic Glo (www.mysticglo.com) has the most unique product for the toilet. A night light that goes inside the toilet. Sure coul     d have used this at my Las Vegas hotel bathroom!

Bath accessories

Lighting: Bear Creek (www.bearcreekglass.com) caught my eye with some very unique designs. Jeeves and Amba (www.jeeves-na.com) had one of the most extensive collections of towel warmers. New Home Bath and Mirror (www.clearmirror.com) is one of my favorites, with a shaving mirror built-in the shower that is low voltage and code approved. Sonia America (www.sonia-sa.com), in my opinion, now rules the bath accessory market along with Ginger. Seura’s LCD-TV mirror (www.seura.com) allows the units to be  clicked on and off, and are being sold for not only bathrooms, kitchens (backsplashes), and fireplace mantels, but throughout the home and the hotel industry.

Bathroom furniture

Waterfall Bathroom Furniture (www.waterfallbat h.com) was my pick for one of the most unique and refreshing lines of bath furniture. Ambella (www.ambellahome.com), Fairmont Designs (www.fairmontdesigns.com) and Ron Bow (www.ronbow.com) had some great-looking pieces. Huntington Brass (www.huntingtonbrass.com) has some of the best-value bath furniture, marble or stone tops and bowl combinations that I have ever seen!

Kitchen and water treatment -- lightly

Everpure (www.everpure.com) launched “the new bubbly” -- the Exubera combination chilled/carbonated water dispenser. Booth visitors were treated to samples 3of Italian soda.

Everpure’s (www.everpure.com) whole-house water ultrafiltration was a huge hit! Plumbing wholesalers, this product is on the top 5 list at the yearly Custom Builder Symposium of  4000+ in the last two years. The InSinkErator (www.insinkerator.com) Evolution Series garbage disposers are extraordinary in every way. I have two of them in my home and sometimes I forget to turn them off, they are so quiet! They are incredibly efficient and a definitely green.

Electric floor warming

Easy Heat, Warmly Yours, Nuheat, Warm-up and Danfoss had booths at K/BIS 2007. Electric floor warming will continue to grow and be used in the bathroom and many other areas around the home.

Briefly from The Hospitality Design Show

There were over 120 bath and plumbing manufacturers that exhibited at this show. Following are some of the product lines that had the greatest punch for me and opportunities for you.

Sculptured Homes (www.wetspas.com) is a complete wet spa shower complete environment room for the most discriminating. Winner of several industry awards. Blackman Companies of New York has it in their showrooms. Keuco (Allied International Group-www.keuco.com) is an extraordinary line of beautiful contemporary bath products from head to toe in bathroom concepts and innovations. If you’re thinking bath accessories only, you are missing the boat. Linkasink (www.linkasink.com), one of the most creative libbbbbbnes in our industry and one of my best finds as a company some years ago, has the new Smithsonian Series. Lefroy Brooks (www.lefroybrooks. com), very well branded, is found in the world of high-end luxury showrooms and  hotels. Neo Metro (www.neo-metro.com) is one of the most inventive product lines of modern-day bathrooms. You must see the ebb Concept for residential and commercial concepts.

I am hoping that as plumbing and DPH wholesalers and showrooms you are not angry at me if I did not mention your favorite stocking or displaying showroom lines displayed at K/BIS 2007. I would need a whole magazine to acknowledge everyone’s favorite product line to do so. Maybe I should write about many more product lines as I respect them all. Perhaps, many more manufacturers would like to keep me well-informed, considering that I wrote and contributed a post-show report to 29 magazines on bath trends, products and new product showcases.

Check www.drknowledge.net to see my Top 15 Bath Product Picks of the show, and a lot more information on new products at K/BIS 2007.

Peter Schor, president of Dynamic Results Inc., is an educator, motivational speaker, consultant, coach and writer in our industry and many diverse others. For the past 17 years, he has conducted 100 educational programs yearly, including 34 industry conventions. Schor has great expertise in the field of showrooms and has won many industry awards. He also works with manufacturers in the field of sales, marketing and public relations. Schor can be reached at 1491 Ivy Arbor, Lincoln, CA 95648, phone 916/408-5346, fax 916/408-5899, e-mail pschor@dynamicresultsinc.com or through his website www.dynamicresultsonline.com.