Innovation takes the stage in Atlanta
Atlanta — Home Depot's top vendors descended on Atlanta this week for a series of presentations that included the unveiling of the retailer's Innovation Award winners: Topping that list was Cub Cadet's Ultima series of zero-turn radius lawn mowers.
Executive VP of Merchandising Ted Decker hosted the awards presentation, which embraced the idea of both technological innovation and marketing creativity. Ten companies were pre-selected as finalists, but Decker directed appreciation and raw enthusiasm for all the vendors.
"Your partnership gives us the power to sell the best products, best brands and best assortments," he said. "Let's rock on and go kick some ass."
Cub Cadet's Ultima riding mower.
Here's what the retailer said about the overall winner Cub Cadet: The ergonomic fit and high-accuracy cutting power of the Cub Cadet Ultima Series ZT1 50 FAB Zero-Turn Riding Mower by MTD raises the bar for durability without sacrificing operator comfort. The “zero-turn riding capability” allows faster mowing time. Dual LED headlights provide brighter, longer, broader light for working before dawn or after dusk. For a more even cut with fewer clumps and stragglers, the mower features a 50 in. heavy-duty fabricated deck with a reinforced AeroForce cutting system."
And here's how MTD's marketing representative described the product: "It looks really cool."
First runner-up went to American Woodmark for its easily swappable soft-close vanity doors and drawers.
Second runner-up went to Globe for its tool-free recessed lighting installation kit.
During a media presentation following the announcement of the winners, the theme of time savings for both the pro customer and the home owner figured prominently in discussions of product benefits. For instance the Cub Cadet mower provides faster mowing. The American Woodmark cabinet allowed for a simple adjustment to the location of the drawers to accommodate plumbing structure; and the thin-profile Globe lighting system could save an installer hours if a beam or some other obstruction blocked the placement of a deeper canister.
The overall winner: the Cub Cadet Ultima series of lawnmowers.
The company's three award winners earned the right to use the Home Depot Innovation Award logo on the shelves in stores.
Other finalists, in alphabetical order, were:
• DeWalt Atomic 20V Compact Series offers battery compatible platform from drivers to saws to screwdrivers.
Executive VP of Merchandising Ted Decker hosted the awards presentation, which embraced the idea of both technological innovation and marketing creativity. Ten companies were pre-selected as finalists, but Decker directed appreciation and raw enthusiasm for all the vendors.
"Your partnership gives us the power to sell the best products, best brands and best assortments," he said. "Let's rock on and go kick some ass."
Cub Cadet's Ultima riding mower.Here's what the retailer said about the overall winner Cub Cadet: The ergonomic fit and high-accuracy cutting power of the Cub Cadet Ultima Series ZT1 50 FAB Zero-Turn Riding Mower by MTD raises the bar for durability without sacrificing operator comfort. The “zero-turn riding capability” allows faster mowing time. Dual LED headlights provide brighter, longer, broader light for working before dawn or after dusk. For a more even cut with fewer clumps and stragglers, the mower features a 50 in. heavy-duty fabricated deck with a reinforced AeroForce cutting system."
And here's how MTD's marketing representative described the product: "It looks really cool."
First runner-up went to American Woodmark for its easily swappable soft-close vanity doors and drawers.
Second runner-up went to Globe for its tool-free recessed lighting installation kit.
During a media presentation following the announcement of the winners, the theme of time savings for both the pro customer and the home owner figured prominently in discussions of product benefits. For instance the Cub Cadet mower provides faster mowing. The American Woodmark cabinet allowed for a simple adjustment to the location of the drawers to accommodate plumbing structure; and the thin-profile Globe lighting system could save an installer hours if a beam or some other obstruction blocked the placement of a deeper canister.
The overall winner: the Cub Cadet Ultima series of lawnmowers.The company's three award winners earned the right to use the Home Depot Innovation Award logo on the shelves in stores.
Other finalists, in alphabetical order, were:
• DeWalt Atomic 20V Compact Series offers battery compatible platform from drivers to saws to screwdrivers.
- Husky Welded Garage Cabinets by Hyxion organizes and offers ample garage storage to maximize space and fight clutter.
- Jeld-Wen F-2500 Fiberglass Folding Patio Door features a seamless style to transition from your home to outside. The fiberglass is both durable and upscale.
- Home Legend Water-Resistant Bamboo Flooring is sustainable, stylish and durable. The glueless installation is easy and economical.
- Milwaukee Packout Tool Storage features a stacking design and integrated dolly for durable, weatherproof jobsite conditions.
- ReVent Bath Fans are easy-to-install exhaust fans allowing installation from the inside, which eliminates the requirement to install from the attic.
- Traeger Wi-Fi Pellet Grill with Wifire Technology offers a deluxe grilling experience. The grill is Wi-Fi-enabled and controllable from an app on your smart phone to easily heat up and cool down in just a few seconds.