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,
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Education
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IHA Submits Comments to USTR Tariff Review
As required by the Trade Act of 1974, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must conduct a “necessity review” of the Section 301 tariffs on some $350 billion of products from China (Lists 1, 2, 3 and 4a) or the tariffs automatically sunset after four years. However, the Trade Act is somewhat vague on how a review should be done, giving USTR a fair amount of latitude in carrying out the…
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Significant Trade and Shipping Regulatory Actions
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is required by statute to conduct a “necessity review” of Section 301 tariffs, which in this case concern tariffs placed on some $300-$350 billion of products from China (Lists 1, 2, 3 and 4a). Former President Donald Trump started imposing the duties in 2018 under Sec. 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which automatically expire after four years unless USTR…
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Labor Relations Regulatory Update
The Biden Administration’s regulatory agenda will face Republican scrutiny in the next Congress by way of oversight hearings and a stream of information requests to agency heads between hearings from committee chairs. Administration proposals concerning labor (employee) relations will be one of the more controversial areas based on Republican concerns that they will create more headwinds for…
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Connect Fall, IHA’s Virtual Industry Event, Features Sessions on Shifting Lifestyle Trends, Critical Business Developments
ROSEMONT, IL (Oct. 5, 2022) – Connect FALL, an IHA virtual event, is set for Oct. 11-13 with exclusive, in-depth content designed to bring the housewares industry together around critical industry education. Session topics include opportunities in inflationary times; consumer lifestyle trends; an update on PFAS chemicals regulations and housewares; trends influencing housewares, food, cooking…
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Tariff Update
In early September, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it had received comments from a number of entities supporting a continuation of the Section 301 tariffs on products produced in China. This culminates the first phase of USTR’s statutorily mandated “review of necessity” for Sec. 301 tariffs before they expire after four years. However, by September’s end, USTR had yet to announce…
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Three Housewares Executives Elected to IHA Board of Directors
ROSEMONT, ILL. (Sept. 19, 2022)—Three new directors have been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association (IHA), the full-service trade association for the housewares industry. They are: Scott Felsenthal, CEO, Whitmor, Inc.; Sal Gabbay, CEO, Gibson Homewares; and Michael Hayes, chief customer officer, Newell Brands. Their three-year terms begin Oct. 1, 2022 and…
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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:…
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CHESS 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…
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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…
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Global 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…
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Supply 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…
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New Container Vessels Pose a Problem for the Carriers
Ocean carriers have a problem on their hands. Aside from a lackluster Asia to U.S. shipping market, carriers are about to be inundated with brand new containerships. This couldn’t happen at a worse time for the carriers. They are already being forced to slash freight rates to unprofitable levels in…
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IHA Submits Comments to USTR Tariff Review
As required by the Trade Act of 1974, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must conduct a “necessity review” of the Section 301 tariffs on some $350 billion of products from China (Lists 1, 2, 3 and 4a) or the tariffs automatically sunset after four years. However, the Trade Act is somewhat vague on…
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U.S. Retail Intelligence – February
January 31 – Dollar General President/CFO Plans to Retire in June John Garratt, president and CFO at Dollar General Corp., has announced his intent to retire, effective June 2. From: Progressive Grocer January 30 – Tops Completes $1.4M Remodel in New York In December, Tops unveiled a $1.8…
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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…
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Stats: 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…
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Trends: 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…
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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…
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Wings 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…
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Immersion 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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