Features drive kitchen gadget evolution by Mike Duff

The trouble with the gadget business today is that you always have to do yourself one better. Manufacturers and retailers are trying to do that with products that are easier to use, easier to employ-a different consideration-and more stylish looking.

All that has to be accomplished with an eye on price. Kitchen gadgets was among the first categories Wal-Mart revised in its efforts over the past couple of years to remerchandise its home assortment.

"Our focus had been on delivering better quality, more features and better styling of goods to our customers without raising the price," said Melissa Berryhill, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman. "In fact, we have rolled back the prices on over 100 of the items in this category over the last six months."

Audrey Schlaepfer, evp and cmo of Linens 'N Things, said rapidly evolving, feature-driven categories such as kitchen gadgets require equal parts innovation and cooperation.

Kitchen Gadgets Information Posted By: Blueshoots.com