By Michelle Hespe Harrods needs no introduction, however, many people might not realize how progressive and innovative Harrods Home has become in recent years. No words are minced when it comes to the mission statement of Harrods. The iconic store’s goal is “to be the number one department…
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2018 gia Global Honoree – The Chopping Block
by Michelle Hespe We catch up with Shelley Young, Founder and CEO of one of the five 2018 gia Global Honorees, The Chopping Block of the USA. There are three major components to The Chopping Block, and although they sit under the same umbrella, they are like three separate businesses. There’s…
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2018 gia Global Honoree – Manufactum
by Michelle Hespe At the 2018 IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) in Chicago, German retailer Manufactum was announced as one of the top five most innovative stores in the world. Here we take a look at what makes this retail store so great, and so grounded. In today’s technology-driven world,…
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Housewares Hot Seat Panel: Reclaiming Control in the Digital Jungle
Digital commerce has unlocked dramatic new growth opportunities for housewares, but it also has unleashed new dangers. From the spread of counterfeit products to fake reviews to slashed postal rates on China-direct consumer shipments, the housewares industry is on guard as it works to adapt to a…
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The Art of Perception
While leaders by nature are observant and perceptive, there is a consistent breakdown across the professional spectrum in the effective communication of vision, strategy and crisis management. In this presentation, Amy Herman engages her audience in a highly participatory dialogue about perception…
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Trends Shaping the Future of the U.S. Retail Landscape
Preparing for the future of your business requires a deep understanding of what’s happening in the present. At IHA’s annual senior-level conference, CHESS presents top experts in their fields who share the latest information that can help industry leaders map their strategies. Don Unser,…
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Gain More Than Education at the IBC Global Forum
Although one key component of the IBC Global Forum is the education received through the retailer and distributor presentations, there are several other tangible benefits to attending this annual event. The 2018 IBC Global Forum will feature a Tabletop Trade Show as exclusive opportunity for…
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IBC 101: International Essentials
As a preview to the presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on the IBC 101: International Essentials workshop: The IBC Global Forum serves to provide attendees with practical, pragmatic resources to assist in developing resources that ultimately help support…
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August Currency Outlook
In their August 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief The USD lost .5% of its value, ending its appreciation run that had been ongoing for three months Tensions…
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Proposed Tariffs To Have Greater Impact On Housewares Industry
The list of tariffs affecting the housewares industry will have a greater impact on home and housewares products with the proposed tariff rate recently increased to 25 percent from the original 10 percent announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The list includes more than 6,000…
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Ships From Asia to U.S. Are Full
Shippers have become accustomed to seeing space on container ships in the Transpacific trade fill up during the traditional peak shipping season, but the current Asia to U.S. market is experiencing something much more than a traditional peak season. The majority of the space on ships is already sold…
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IHA Opposes Latest Round of Proposed Tariffs
The latest round of tariffs on products coming from China announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) affects $200 billion of goods imported and if enacted would have an impact on the housewares industry. The International Housewares Association announced today it will activate its…
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Proposed Tariffs To Have Greater Impact On Housewares Industry
The list of tariffs affecting the housewares industry will have a greater impact on home and housewares products with the proposed tariff rate recently increased to 25 percent from the original 10 percent announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The list includes more than 6,000…
CONTINUE READINGIHA Opposes Latest Round of Proposed Tariffs
The latest round of tariffs on products coming from China announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) affects $200 billion of goods imported and if enacted would have an impact on the housewares industry. The International Housewares Association announced today it will activate its…
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Making it an Eventful Summer
While retailers like to hold events year-round, summertime, with its pedestrian-friendly weather, is when stores really get creative. Kitchen a la Mode owner Ben Salmon recently took advantage of the street-facing picture window in his South Orange, N.J., store and parked himself beside it…
CONTINUE READINGInspiration Magazine
Home Smart Home
By Michelle Hespe Carley Knobloch knows a thing or two about smart homes: She’s consulted with HGTV on their annual HGTV Smart Home build for years, and is a regular tech contributor on the Today Show. Her home, a blend of California cool and high tech, was just featured in Good Housekeeping. To…
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Guide to Effective Retail Store Design
by Martin M. Pegler If RETAILING is your chosen path of livelihood, here are some simple guidelines you might like to consider when planning your retail store. 1. Let There Be Light! Without the proper light the merchandise cannot be seen or judged, colors cannot be appreciated, coordinates…
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Inspiring the Industry: Katrina Markoff
by Michelle Hespe Katrina Markoff is a highly-creative chocolatier and the founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a Chicago-based chocolate maker that inspires people to open their minds and travel the world through chocolate. As is the case with most successful business ventures, there was a…
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