A record number of retailers joined the more than 59,100 attendees and exhibitors at the 2004 International Home & Housewares Show, which took place March 20-22 in Chicago, IL, U.S. While visas were more difficult to obtain, international attendance equaled that of 2003, drawing from more than 100 countries.

As evidenced by products exhibited at the annual trade fair, the home is still hot, and manufacturers are creating sleek and colorful products to enable consumers to express themselves.

An increasing number of major appliance producers are entering the housewares segment with professional-grade (and priced) mixers, blenders, and even kitchen utensils.

The retro look is still in demand, and serious coffee drinkers and wine enthusiasts certainly weren't forgotten in this year's offerings.