KBB - January 2009 - (Page 12)

Editorial Proceeding with Caution Happy New Year! Here’s wishing you all one that is not only happy, but healthy and prosperous. Now, if we can just get that wish to impact the economy too… In this issue, as in Januarys past, we’ve included a brief synopsis (see Focus, page 14) of just some of the data gathered for and presented in K+BB’s annual Market Forecaster, which celebrates its 24th anniversary. This year, for the third consecutive year, K+BB partnered with Georgia-based StandPoint, a marketing research ﬁrm, to develop the statistical report. While the 2009 K+BB Market Forecaster, in its entirety, is available for purchase—go to www.kbbonline.com or call Fatima Ruiz at 646-654-5763—this issue’s Focus piece summarizes just some of the findings so that industry professionals can better understand the business environment in which they operate. One word can best describe the whole outlook: uncertainty. The forecast for 2009 is indicative of the economic sentiments held around the country—a cautious outlook with a number of homeowners’ dollars waiting on the sidelines until consumer conﬁdence improves—with responses that cement that lack of confidence. Of course, the hope is (and this is where that wish comes in) that the “I don’t knows” and “I’m not sures” swiftly turn into the solid “Yes, we cans” and “Let’s do its” we’ve been enjoying in recent years. Which brings me to this: We’re adding quarterly updates to the Market Forecaster to track the economy and provide you with insight into consumer trends and market performance indicators; the first update will be released in February. For manufacturers, we’re offering an additional opportunity: StandPoint screens nearly 60,000 households quarterly to find those engaging in or planning a kitchen or bath remodel in the current year. Industry suppliers can time their custom research studies with the household screening and receive up to 2,500 qualified responses depending on their budget or information needs. The first survey is being conducted this month. Those interested should book their questions now, as space is limited. Also, coming in September 2009, a comprehensive report on brand performance among kitchen and bath designers, remodelers and specifiers will be released. It will include all key product categories and be repeated annually, so that industry suppliers can track the performance of their brand-building efforts among industry professionals. Stay tuned. I mentioned this last year, but it’s worth mentioning again. You, too, can participate in research studies by becoming a panelist. DesignThoughtLeaders is a research panel of the nation’s leading kitchen and bath designers and remodelers. As members, panelists are provided access to a members-only networking tool and have the chance to earn money and prizes by participating in periodic surveys. If you are not presently a member of the DesignThoughtLeaders panel but would like to join, go to www.standpointgroup.com/DTL and follow the link to a brief enrollment survey. For industry suppliers, DesignThoughtLeaders is a cost-effective way to test new product ideas and advertising campaigns among a prequaliﬁed group of industry professionals. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Kip Creel at StandPoint at 770-270-4800 or kcreel@standpointgroup.com. And for anything else, of course, give me a shout… I Christina Trauthwein, Editor-in-Chief ctrauthwein@kbbonline.com 12 + K BB January July 20042009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.standpoint-group.com/dtl http://www.standpointgroup.com/dtl http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - January 2009

K+BB - January 2009
Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Focus
Consumer
Trends
Products
Options
Profile
Design
Green
Additions
Opinion
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - January 2009