WE ASKED INDUSTRY LEADERS TO TALK ABOUT WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL AND INDUSTRY TRENDS THEY SEE ON THE HORIZON AND HOW THEY THINK THESE CHANGES AND INNOVATIONS WILL SHAPE OUR WAY OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE FUTURE.

“The technology Helen of Troy is most focused on is social media and exploring our options on the web. With the shrinking of independent full service outlets and the consolidation of inventory in ‘professional only’ stores we are exploring opportunities to ensure our full selection of appliances are available to the salon professionals.

I am often asked at trade shows why we discontinued our small irons or our Marcel irons. The truth is, we have not discontinued them. Many items that have a long life span (like appliances) do not meet the required amount of turns required for a business to devote the shelf space so items that move the most are what they focus on.

The explosion of various social media venues has allowed us to alert our fans of appliances they will love or that will help them do a particular task with a customer’s hair. We love social media and the direct interaction with our users. We have started a rewards program for fans of Hot Tools and it is launching next month.”

--Terri Taricco, vice president of marketing, Helen of Troy / Hot Tools