Hard Thinking on Hardware

By Christopher Lyons

Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value and your local hardware store have become battle grounds for some of the best packaging designs and innovations available today. Hardware manufacturers are responding to the trend toward do-it-yourself solutions for painting, deck building, sprucing up bathrooms, gardening, and many other home renovation and beautification projects. These activities have transformed the once staid and steady business of hardware stores into bustling centers of commerce for consumers of all ages and talent levels.

With this increased attention to one's home, manufacturers have upped the ante in products and packaging category by category with design prowess. Stanley Tool Company has taken on the role of lead packaging innovator in a number of product categories. In our cover story, we explore the packaging philosophy and efforts being implemented by Stanley to help differentiate their products on shelf, and how those efforts provide a premium value image.

In Elliot Young's excellent article on the Nine Emotional Triggers that can be attributed to purchasing and branding equity, you will find research-based content that will have you examining again the importance of connecting to your consumers with one of, or a combination of these emotional triggers: pride, empowerment, trust, identification, familiarity, warmth, curiosity, relevance, or approachability.

In our monthly Global Trendsetter review, we examine the packaging trends happening in Chile. We were struck by the export power of this beautiful and fast growing country. Chile ranks fifth in wine exports worldwide and third in salmon and trout exports in fresh, frozen, or bulk container channels. Keep your eyes open for significant packaging innovations coming out of Chile.

In our profile of Pacific Southwest Container, we find jewels of packaging innovation inspired by some of the fastest growing and most recognizable brands in the country. Using some of the best printing technology available, and with a business philosophy driven by efficiency gains, Pacific Southwest Container has found ways to serve the packaging needs of their clients.

We hope this issue will capture your imagination and inspire great packaging solutions for your products.