That headline might have you asking: “What’s weather got to do with it?”
As it turns out: a decent amount.
Changes in U.S. weather patterns and an increase in weather-related emergencies are helping fuel growth in the home and housewares industry. Extreme weather events are also sparking consumers’ interest in a number of related products.
Read more on this home product macro trend and for more on what consumers want in 2025:
2024 Housewares Industry Growth
Home and housewares was one of just a few industries across general merchandise that grew in 2024, Joe Derochowski, Circana vice president, home industry advisor, told attendees at The Inspired Home Show 2025.
Last year, dollar sales of housewares and small appliances — as measured by Circana retail tracking — registered a 1.2% increase over 2023.
Changes in weather patterns was one of five driving factors contributing to what consumers want in 2025, Derochowski cited. (The others were consumers eating more at home, consumers entertaining more at home, high frequency products purchased during the pandemic hitting the replacement phase, and innovative new products hitting the market.)
Changing Weather Patterns
The newly released IHA State of the Industry report shows that home comfort and water filtration represented one of the industry’s highest sales increases in 2024 (4.4% growth over 2023*).
Unusual weather patterns in many parts of the country last year caused consumers to seek products to help them stay cool or warm, not to mention hydrated and/or breathing clean air in their homes.
That includes fans (like this Black and Decker oscillating tower from Equity Brands), portable heaters (like this portable heater from Dr. Heater that can also be wall-mounted), air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and room air conditioners.
Weather Emergencies
Separate from unusual temperatures, many parts of the country are experiencing an increase in extreme weather events. Whether hurricanes, tornados, blizzards or wildfires, it’s boosting consumer interest in emergency preparedness.
Home and housewares retailers may want to consider adding or emphasizing products to help consumers feel prepared for all types of weather events. Any item that helps with a loss of power or water, or even a homebound or evacuation situation, will be appreciated. Think this fireproof and waterproof backpack from Getxgo or this solar battery charger, Power Friend by Jokari.
Extreme weather events may also be contributing to greater interest in water filtration devices. (Though some consumers may be looking at such devices as a way of saving money, reducing waste or avoiding disposable plastic water bottles.) Consider easy at-home systems like Cleara from Arrow Home.
Access all of the data in MarketScope — the first installment of the 2025 IHA State of the Industry report — on HomePageNews.com.
*Statistics based on Circana retail tracking.