Presented by: Michael Dart, Partner, Consumer/Retail Practice, A.T. Kearney Retail specialist and visionary, Michael Dart advises retail and consumer companies on how best to navigate retail’s seismic shifts. He combines his economics and finance training from Oxford University and the Wharton…
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Insights,
Opportunities
and
Education
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The 2024 Election and the Housewares Industry
The election of Donald Trump to a second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States will result in dramatic policy changes from Washington, DC, immediately after his swearing-in on Jan. 20, 2025. He will start by issuing executive orders reversing those from his predecessor, President Joe Biden. One of the first actions by President Trump will likely be a temporary freeze on new…
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Shipping Challenges in 2025
The year 2025 is shaping up to potentially be a wild ride in container shipping. From potential strikes to looming increased tariffs and Chinese New Year, there's a lot to keep an eye on. Let's break down the key challenges and see how they might impact your supply chains. East Coast Showdown: The ILA Contract Negotiations The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) contract is up for…
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East Coast Strike: A Deeper Dive into the Standoff
The ongoing strike by dockworkers on the U.S. East Coast has brought maritime trade to a standstill, leaving many to wonder: why hasn't a resolution been reached? While it appears counterintuitive, several factors incentivize both the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to prolong the strike. Why the Strike Drags On Carriers Capitalizing…
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Proposed De Minimis Imports Rule and the SHOP Safe Act
On Sept. 13, the Biden administration announced new actions to “crack down on de minimis shipments with unsafe, unfairly traded products.” Under current law, imported items are eligible for a de minimis exemption that allows shipments of foreign goods valued at $800 or less to avoid tariffs and undergo little to no inspection. Over the last 10 years, shipments entering the U.S. claiming the de…
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Navigating the Waves: Spot Rates vs. Contract Rates in Ocean Shipping
The shipping industry is buzzing. Rates are climbing, carriers are thriving and shippers are feeling the pinch. Is it 2020 all over again? While the current market may feel familiar, understanding your options is key to navigating these turbulent waters. Let’s dive into the difference between spot rates and contract rates to help you make informed shipping decisions. Spot Rates…
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Canadian Railroad Impasse, Shipping Issues for Q3
On August 22, Canada’s two biggest railroads, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), locked out their workers after failed labor talks with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference on a new collective bargaining agreement for some 9,000 conductors and engineers. Sticking points are rest rules, labor availability and the railroads’ desire to shift salaries from a…
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The Inspired Home Show
Looking for news about the upcoming The Inspired Home Show? Visit their blog for recent updates!
Executive Networking
CHESS 2019 – Housewares Hot Seat: Recruiting the Next Generation of Housewares Leaders
Moderated by: Peter Giannetti, Editor-in-Chief, HomeWorld Business Panelists:…
CONTINUE READINGCHESS 2019: The Art of Business Influence
Former stockbroker Mark Jeffries is a popular keynote speaker and moderator/MC for events in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Jeffries has spoken before many business conferences, published two books, is a frequent guest on NBC Today, BBC News and writes for the Huffington Post. He recently launched his…
CONTINUE READINGGlobal Opportunities
Global Retail Intelligence – December
December 14 – Auchan Declares No Discussions about Tie-Up with Carrefour Previously reported discussions between France’s Auchan and Carrefour to tie-up the two retailers are now reported to be over, with Auchan declaring that there is no contact between the two families that control Auchan…
CONTINUE READINGGlobal Retail Intelligence – November
November 17 – Moderna Rolls Out Maxi Store Format With 170 stores, located in the Campania, Basilicata, Calabria and Puglia regions of Italy, Italy’s Moderna 2020 Rolls Out Maxi Store Format in Pompei. Moderna 2020 is a leading company in the organized retail distribution sector in Southern Italy…
CONTINUE READINGSupply Chain Spend in 2022 – Setting the Stage
By Thomas A. Cook, Managing Director, Blue Tiger International The Covid-19 pandemic brought significant increases in logistics costs and supply chain spend, along with limitations on service both domestically and internationally. Initial predictions pegged the disruption to continue into…
CONTINUE READINGIndustry Resources
The 2024 Election and the Housewares Industry
The election of Donald Trump to a second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States will result in dramatic policy changes from Washington, DC, immediately after his swearing-in on Jan. 20, 2025. He will start by issuing executive orders reversing those from his predecessor, President…
CONTINUE READINGU.S. Retail Intelligence – November
October 31 – Big Lots Names Nexus Successful Bidder Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings In its bankruptcy proceeding, Big Lots has filed notice of a successful bidder for its assets, Gateway BL Acquisition, an affiliate of Nexus Capital Management. From: HomePage News October 31 – Starbucks’ New…
CONTINUE READINGShipping Challenges in 2025
The year 2025 is shaping up to potentially be a wild ride in container shipping. From potential strikes to looming increased tariffs and Chinese New Year, there's a lot to keep an eye on. Let's break down the key challenges and see how they might impact your supply chains. East Coast Showdown: The…
CONTINUE READINGEducation
IHA Plans Sourcing Mission to Vietnam
To help members investigate alternatives to sourcing from China, the International Housewares Association will hold a sourcing mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, next year. The 2020 Vietnam Sourcing Mission will be offered in two sessions: April 20-22 or April 23-25. Each session is limited to…
CONTINUE READINGStats: Sustainability Aware
Sustainability is on the minds of many consumers and they are bringing the topic to both retailers’ attention and product assortments. Sustainability—the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, according to research firm The NPD Group’s…
CONTINUE READINGTrends: CBD Mainstreams
We’ve told you this before, but now a new study confirms that Cannabidiol (CBD) continues its mainstream appeal. According to a new NPD Group study, “With cannabis becoming legal in more states, it’s impossible to ignore the potential ramifications for the food and…
CONTINUE READINGInspiration Magazine
Heart of the Community
Jamie Butler went from running a kitchen and homewares business from a retro-inspired truck that became a well-known attraction at farmers’ markets, to owning a much-loved store that has community firmly in its heart. by Michelle Hespe Jamie Butler has always loved beautiful and…
CONTINUE READINGWings of Success
gia Global Honoree—Westwing Brasil—initially made its name and garnered its millions of followers online. Today however, its physical stores are proving to be just as popular, and as wonderfully creative, as its online campaigns and editorially led content. by Michelle Hespe Westwing…
CONTINUE READINGImmersion in the Weekend Life
The Argentinian gia Global Honoree—PAUL French Gallery—is a hidden sanctuary where relaxed weekend vibes are celebrated through an eclectic curation of beautiful products in a market-like atmosphere. by Michelle Hespe “We wanted to keep the original environment exposed, as we believe…
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