Founded in 1936 by Italian immigrant Ettore Steccone, Ettore Products Company introduced the original brass squeegee that set a new standard in window cleaning. Nearly nine decades later, the company remains a leader in the cleaning tools category, known for pairing durable construction with ergonomic design across its full line of professional-grade equipment.
In our April 2023 issue, we featured Ettore’s ProSeries Super System (click here) and highlighted its outstanding ergonomics and ease of use. That same user-first approach is evident in the Ettore Grip’n Grab—a 50-inch heavy-duty reaching tool built for both professional and household tasks for which extra reach and precision matter most.
The Grip’n Grab’s standout features include a lightweight aluminum shaft, comfortable soft-grip handle and articulating rubberized claws that rotate 90 degrees. These enable users to pick up everything from fine paper scraps to heavier objects like canned goods or tools with ease. The non-slip jaws deliver a firm yet gentle hold, eliminating frustrating drops or crushed items.
To test real-world performance, we handed the 50-inch version to a property maintenance supervisor. “The extra length made it perfect for reaching items behind bushes or on top of shelves without needing a ladder,” he said, adding that the claw grip held up well across uneven outdoor terrain.
Hardware retailers can stock Ettore with confidence. Like its ProSeries window system, the Grip’n Grab reflects decades of product refinement and real-world feedback. Whether you’re refreshing an endcap, expanding safety offerings or adding to an RV/Marine section, this tool is a practical premium addition that delivers everyday utility and value.
Reading aloud to young children has been shown to boost early literacy, expand vocabulary and strengthen emotional connections between parents and kids. That’s the foundation Moonlite Storytime builds upon with its award-winning line of smartphone-powered story projectors, designed to turn any bedtime into a magical multisensory experience.
Moonlite clips onto your phone and uses the flashlight to project vibrant storybook images onto a ceiling or wall. Meanwhile, the companion app displays the story text on your screen, enhancing the experience with music and sound effects. It’s an immersive twist on traditional story time, one that genuinely engages young listeners.
Families can choose from more than 80 licensed stories, including iconic titles like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon and Corduroy. Starter packs come in one-, three- or four-story options, each with a picture disc and activation code. It’s a gift-worthy package that appeals to parents, grandparents and caregivers of children ages 1 to 7.
What sets Moonlite apart is its focus on bonding and routine. Whether winding down for the night or creating special moments during travel, the system helps establish a calming habit that supports literacy development and emotional well-being. The projector is compact and easy to use, while the app provides a polished, user-friendly interface that guides adults through the experience.
For independent hardware stores looking to expand their seasonal or gift offerings, Moonlite is an excellent addition. The company offers in-store merchandising support, including a video display unit with qualifying orders, plus shelf talkers to drive customer interest.
Stops infestation at the source and attracts a variety of common pantry moths, including birdseed moths, Indian meal moth, raisin moth, almond moth and Mediterranean flour moth.
Uses safe, nontoxic ingredients so it’s family- and food-friendly.
Activates easily with a no-mess pheromone lure disc.
Lasts up to three months to reduce the need for frequent replacement.
Resists damage with a crush-proof, durable plastic shell.
Blends into surroundings with a discreet, neutral-toned design.
Installs anywhere moths lurk including kitchens, pantries and garages.
Includes two traps per package.
Targets indoor problem areas where food or birdseed is stored.
Water heaters are the second-largest energy users in most American homes, second only to HVAC systems, which can consume up to 50 percent of a household’s total energy. While heating and cooling dominate energy use in most climates, water heaters still account for an estimated 18 percent of the average household’s electricity consumption. This significant share highlights the critical role water heating plays in energy efficiency. By targeting this category with smarter control and optimized scheduling, households can reduce both their utility bills and environmental impact. With utility costs climbing and sustainability top of mind, homeowners and professionals alike are turning to smart technology to do more. That’s where the A.O. Smith iCOMM™ App shines.
The iCOMM™ platform connects directly with A.O. Smith’s Voltex AL and Voltex Max smart heat pump water heaters, providing real-time monitoring, leak detection, energy tracking and remote control via a clean and intuitive mobile app. Homeowners can adjust temperature settings, toggle between energy modes like hybrid or vacation and receive immediate alerts if a leak is detected—all from anywhere with a phone signal.
What really sets the A.O. Smith iCOMM™ App apart is its deep integration with energy-saving programs. By syncing with utility company incentives such as Demand Response and Time-of-Use plans, users can reduce strain on the grid and shave dollars off their power bills. By taking advantage of lower electricity rates during non-peak hours—typically late at night or early in the morning—users can program their water heater to operate more efficiently when energy costs are lowest. This time-based scheduling, enabled through the app’s Time-of-Use alignment feature, helps shift energy demand away from peak periods, leading to measurable cost savings over time.
Professional third-party installation companies stand to gain significantly from the A.O. Smith iCOMM™ App. These features are especially valuable for installers, who can leverage the app to improve post-installation service and ongoing customer support. With features like warranty checks, remote diagnostics and the XPERT Water Heater Selector, installers and service techs can provide higher-quality service while saving their customers time and money.
For any homeowner looking to cut energy costs, a pro seeking to stay ahead of the curve or a retailer aiming to differentiate their product lineup, the A.O. Smith iCOMM™ App is a powerful tool in the push for greater efficiency. Retailers benefit from offering a high-value, app-connected product that meets growing consumer demand for sustainability and control while reducing returns and boosting customer satisfaction through improved diagnostics and post-sale support.
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