ATLANTA – Judges will once again have tough decisions to make when the Innovative HME Retail Product Awards make their return to Medtrade, scheduled for Oct 20-23, 2014, in Atlanta. The biannual awards, sponsored by HomeCare Magazine, honor HME products that are particularly suited for retail sale.
“There were some really impressive and innovative product entries this year at Medtrade Spring,” said Jim Greatorex (pictured on far left with Cy Corgan of Pride Mobility), owner, Black Bear Medical, Portland, Maine, and a member of the judges panel. “We had lots of discussion about each entry. To pick the top 6 we really had to get nitpicky.”
The purpose of the competition is once again to promote and recognize products that contribute to providers’ bottom lines though cash sales. Attendees at this year’s Medtrade can view the winners, and all entries, in a special section of the New Product Pavilion on the Expo floor at the Georgia World Congress Center.
A retail panel discussion—The Best New Retail/Cash Opportunities—will show and discuss the winners as part of the 6-4-18 sessions (six building blocks for success in the next eighteen months). The session, which is open to all attendees, is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 22, from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
The purpose of the retail awards competition is to promote and recognize products that contribute to providers’ bottom lines though cash sales. Attendees at Medtrade will be able to view these products in a special section of the New Product Pavilion, sponsored by HomeCare magazine, on the Expo floor in Atlanta.
During the retail panel discussion at Medtrade Spring earlier this year at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, representatives from the winning companies made their case to a packed house. “At this year’s Medtrade Spring in March 2014, companies such as Pride Mobility managed to create a new buzz with an innovative take on the tried and true lift chair,” said Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “We look forward to introducing the new award winners this October where attendees will be the first to see, hear, and touch the most exciting and innovative products on the market.”
All entries will be judged on their contribution to the quality of life enhancement to users, and how well they would work in a retail environment. Products will also be evaluated based on: marketing support provided to suppliers; innovation; functionality; quality/durability; aesthetics/style; environmental sustainability; ease of retail set-up; and pricing.
This year’s Medtrade Spring winners were:
• The Rebound Health OTC TENS Unit from BioMedical Life Systems Inc
“The Rebound® Health OTC TENS Unit is a drug-free pain relief device,” says Mariah Griffith, vice president of Sales and Marketing, BioMedical Life Systems Inc, Vista, Calif. “The FDA is now recommending a tightening of controls on prescription pain medications, and combined with the recent changes to Medicare reimbursement, it is expected that there will be an even larger, under-served market of pain patients seeking alternative and affordable methods of treatment. For HME providers, creating access to new, drug-free pain management products presents a tremendous opportunity.”
• The iWalk2.0 Hands Free Crutch from iWalk Free Inc
“We fit the profile of a desirable retail product—functional, fills an identifiable need, shelf friendly, easy to learn and use, and economical,” says Brad Hunter, director of Business Development, iWALK-FREE, Long Beach, Calif. “We launched iWALK2.0 at Medtrade in Orlando, Fla, last year. The award we won there brought lots of awareness, and iWALK2.0 has since been picked up by hundreds of DME and HME retailers who are doing well with it.”
• TidyTop from TidyTop
“Adult bibs, currently called clothing protectors for the
challenged diner, were long overdue for adding dignified style, at a
reasonable price,” says Steve Kirby (pictured), CIO, TidyTop, Sandpoint,
Idaho. “TidyTop has it all: stain proof; reversible, pocket; comes in
four patterns; can be wiped off or machine washed; and includes a tote
bag.”
• Metro Walker from Stander Inc
“The Metro Travel Walker’s functionality is superior compared to its competitors,” says Tom Goldhardt, director of Special Projects, Stander Inc, Logan, Utah. “The Metro Travel Walker folds with the lift of a finger to become the world’s most compact, portable walker. The Metro Walker comes in industry leading retail packaging and point-of-purchase displays, making it ideal for cash sales.”
• Bax U Posture Support from Think Healthy Inc
“Bax U Posture Support is affordable—has an L-code)—and anyone age 12 and up can wear it,” says Romina Ghassemi, DC, founder/inventor and owner of a chiropractic practice in San Pedro, Calif. “It improves posture and reduces slouching during activities such as texting, sitting, and driving. It is small, lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn discreetly under clothes without anyone knowing you’re wearing a medical device.”
• Serta Perfect Lift Chair Model SR 525 from Pride Mobility Products Corp