Gittlitz joins ‘First Look Housewares’

Organizers of the First Look Housewares Show have announced a partnership between Ian Gittlitz, former president and CEO of business-to-business publisher ICD, and Rob Cappiello, president of First Look Housewares and a longtime organizer of industry trade shows, notably the National Hardware Show.

The show, a preview event for the housewares industry, has been set for Jan. 8 to 10 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Cappiello said of Gittlitz: "His vast knowledge of the industry, his contacts and friendships will help make the First Look Housewares Show a first class event serving the housewares community."

The show is meant to help "retailers and manufacturers to get together right after the close of the fourth quarter to review the previous year and find the winning products for the coming year," Gittlitz noted. "Timing is key and only the First Look Housewares Show is addressing that point."

According to Cappiello, the show will emphasize new products and is "designed to allow retailers to get through the show floor quickly." Booth sizes will be limited to a maximum of 400 square feet per exhibitor. The show is slated to feature more than 300 exhibitors of a wide range of household items, including kitchen electrics, bath products, storage and organization items, cleaning supplies and more.