I am sure you will not find this hard to believe, but I am a huge Golden Girls fan. So, when the Hallmark Channel introduces its “Christmas in July” movies, disrupting their schedule, I get cranky. I cannot believe we are already covering the holiday and its related trends for the end of the year. But I know how important this is to our business, and how appropriate and timely it is for the topic to be addressed in full in the July issue.
But now, let’s circle back to talking about summer. In this issue, we look at the newest and coolest smartphone accessories that every consumer will want. In addition to showing the many ways to make a phone look hip, we look at the new fitness trackers and smart watches that will work seamlessly with your new, trendy phone. These accessories are sure to make your customers look great on and off their phones.
As retailers and distributors, you’ll also want to make sure you’re reaching them with full effect on social media. So we have a great social media feature on Instagram Reels versus TikTok and how best to communicate with them. I am 58, and I love TikTok… there, I said it.
Since it is summer, travel tech is big. When I am at the airport, I am always browsing the stores to see what’s latest and greatest. What should our consumers buy to make their trip even better? Our editors have it covered. Of course, buyers need to have hearables and wearables covered, should something happen, so we look at this very great trade-in program that you can offer them that will make them smile.
And, for when our customers come home eventually, there’s our feature describing great “Tech Enabling New Apartment Experiences” and the latest in outdoor sound.
Lastly, I would like to touch on an annual program we have featured these last two years: the CT Lab Global Media “Black Leaders in Consumer Technology.” It is near and dear to my heart. When you go to an industry event, please take notice of the diversity of the room; it is surprising. Diversity in our workplace is important for our future. Growing up in the Bronx in an Italian community, I went to the Boys Clubs of NYC and faced bullying for it. However, so many of those who have influenced me in a positive way are people of many backgrounds, and I am fortunate to have been open to listen to them.
I want to thank Allstate, Nationwide Marketing Group, OnPoint Warranty Solutions, Premium Audio, Promounts, Savant Systems, Sharp Electronics, Sony Electronics, and Sound United for supporting this initiative. I look forward to seeing this list of supporters continue to grow.
As always, any comments and/or questions, please contact me at tmonteleone@ctlab.media – our great team would love to hear from you!