HTI Buying Group announced the winners of the 2025 HTI “Best Of” Awards, a prestigious recognition that honors exceptional retailers and vendors within the housewares industry.
For the awards, presented during The Inspired Home Show 2025, retailer winners are voted on by vendors, and vendor winners are chosen by retailers.
2025 HTI “Best Of” Award Retailer Winners
Overall Retailer
First Place: Grebe’s (Wausau, WI) – pictured above
Second Place: In the Kitchen (Pittsburgh, PA)
Rising Star Retailer
First Place: East Elm Kitchen Co. (Plymouth, MI)
Second Place: Artichoke (Cincinnati, OH)
Most Creative Retailer
First Place: Cooks | Bellecour (Minneapolis, MN)
Second Place: Grand Fête (Hudson, WI)
Dreamfarm; 2025 HTI “Best Of” Award Vendor, first place
2025 HTI “Best Of” Award Vendor Winners
Overall Vendor
First Place: Dreamfarm
Second Place: Hestan
Rising Star Vendor
First Place: Cangshan
Second Place: Opinel
Best Marketing & Promotions
First Place: Made In
Second Place: Dreamfarm
Best Products
First Place: Dreamfarm
Second Place: OXO
Cangshan; 2025 HTI “Best in the Industry” Award, first place
2025 HTI “Best in the Industry” Award Winners
The newest category in the HTI awards this year, Best in the Industry, recognizes a person who has significantly impacted retailers’ businesses and is highly valued for their relationship and hard work.
First Place: Ed Bartush (Cangshan)
Second Place: Alex Lapiana (Zwilling J.A. Henckels)
“We are so proud to recognize the incredible achievements of our winners this year,” said Robert McGinnis, HTI COO. “Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and overall business acumen sets the standard for our industry, and we are thrilled to celebrate their success.”
