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Fred's Diary - Around the world (again)

‎Posted September 17, 2007 in . Tagged with .

I just returned from another spin around the world in search of truth, justice, and cool stuff. I visited the gift shows in both Tokyo and Paris and sweated through a week of product development talks and factory visits in Hong Kong and China.

The Tokyo show is held at their aptly titled Big Sight (pictured). I’m not sure if this name was conceived as a clever double entendre or another example of the Japanese getting their English “almost right.” In any case the show is an effective antidote for all the same-same of the gift business around the world. It’s one of the few shows solely aimed at domestic consumers, and if there is anything the Japanese seem to enjoy, its consumption. This show is full of hawkers, spokesmodels, and inscrutable products like ear scrapers and plastic bonsai. And not much English is spoken. A humbling experience.

The Paris show is called Maison et Objet, and it has become an important rendez-vous for the gift business world-wide. Absolutely stunning displays, great hospitality, beautiful product, and did I mention it’s in Paris?

I want to send thanks to my French hosts Ivan Duval and Jean-Sebastien Ides of Atypyk. Their stand was full of clever “why didn’t I think of that” stuff that nobody needs but everybody wants, and they were quite busy as always. They did find time from their glamorous show experience to invite me to the amazing Le Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon for a classic French dinner. Look for some more charming Atypyk product in Fred's January introductions.

Now I’m happy to be back home, battling jetlag, back-orders, and the New York Yankees. Fred

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Fred's Rant - I am NOT your guest

‎Posted September 17, 2007 in . Tagged with .

I cringe every time I hear another retailer refer to their customers as "guests." I'm not sure where this trend started - maybe Wal-Mart? - but it's really become ubiquitous, and I hate it for two reasons. First it's a mealy-mouthed technically incorrect euphemism that does our language no justice. Oh I suppose I understand the patronizing message the retailers are trying to send their employees - treat us uncouth customers as family members rather than trespassers. But we're not your guest - you didn't invite me, I'm not visiting to share a social activity, I sure didn't bring along a bottle of wine or bouquet, and I am not the least bit interested in your Aunt Mildred's battle with psoriasis. Second, this usage blurs and demeans the concept of both "guest" AND "customer." There seems to be an implicit assumption on the part of these retailers that "guests" are better than "customers." I think not - when you're in business the customer is the most important person in the world. You learn from your customer, you earn from your customer, he/she is god. In reality, I think the big box guys have it wrong - treat me a like a valued customer, not a guest, and I will come back. My customers here at FRED are retail store buyers, and I hope you buyers out there feel well-treated by the FRED team. I know I can guarantee one thing - we will never call you our guest. Rant over. Fred

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Chopping Blog

‎Posted August 27, 2007 in . Tagged with .

Romeo and Julienne was featured on Core 77, the industrial design magazine and blog last Friday. They are the definitive guide for all things design. The post originated from another fantastic design blog called Pan-Dan. She has featured our items in the past, and currently has a link for the Good Shlepherd. Go check it out.

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