by Michelle Hespe The 2019 gia Global Honoree Futako Tamagawa Tsutaya Electrics from Japan is part of a new wave of retailers that understand that to survive in this industry, you can no longer simply sell products. This company has further raised the bar, creating an enticing society for its…
CONTINUE READINGINTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW
Decidedly Danish
by Michelle Hespe When Bahne was established in 1965 in Denmark, they were already ahead of the game and vastly different from other retail outlets. The business was not just focused on offering customers a store filled with products that they could purchase, but rather, on creating an experience…
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Sculpting a Community
Above and beyond being a retailer, S-Kultur is a cooking school, a café/bar, an experience, a community and a homey place to indulge in some of the best things in life. by Michelle Hespe German gia winner and 2019 Global Honoree S-Kultur epitomizes the approach to retailing that stores…
CONTINUE READINGExecutive Networking
Innovative Talent Management Solutions for a Changing Workforce
The 2019 CHESS conference Building for the Future…New Leaders, New Markets, will present nine information-packed presentations by experts in many fields. On September 25, following two fact-filled sessions on current retail trends and the latest regulatory issues in international trade policy, David…
CONTINUE READINGInfluencer Marketing—How to Find, Use and Measure Effectiveness
The 2019 CHESS conference Building for the Future…New Leaders, New Markets will present two full days of content-rich presentations by experts in many fields. On Sept. 25, Embello’s CEO Laiza Cors and Talent Relations Strategist Anne Sage will share their experience in the dynamic field of…
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CHESS 2018 Recap: Reduce Motivation for More Tariffs
Presented by: Harry Moser Founder and president, Reshoring Initiative Sell More “Made in USA” Product to Reduce Motivation for More Tariffs Harry Moser discussed the increasing advantages of reshoring now driving U.S. retailers and manufacturers to bring back manufacturing to North America.…
CONTINUE READINGGlobal Opportunities
2019 Global Forum Recap: Top Market Opportunities: Mexico, Brazil, Colombia/Ecuador, India
Eduardo Lemus, IBC Global Forum program chair, opened Day Two with a summary of the day’s sessions and introduced the IHA Offices and representatives who outlined retail conditions in their countries. Lourdes Ramirez, Mexico; Alex Pinheiro, Brazil; Catalina Moscoso, Colombia and Ecuador; and C.K.…
CONTINUE READING2019 Global Forum Recap: Top Market Opportunities in International Markets Part One
Directly after a delicious lunch in the lovely garden of The Guild Hotel, Monday afternoon sessions began with a 30-minute group presentation by five IHA global sales offices and representatives. Linus Kolmevik – Denmark, Norway, Sweden Mark Chapman – United Kingdom, Ireland Pascal Glorieux…
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2019 Global Forum Recap: Reception and IBC 101
Every fall, IHA presents the Global Forum, sponsored by the International Business Council (IBC), a special interest group of International Housewares Association members dedicated to increasing their international business. The 2019 Global Forum, at The Guild Hotel in San Diego, Calif., opened…
CONTINUE READINGIndustry Resources
Spot Rates Remain Volatile
Ocean container spot rates from Asia to US West Coast ports increased 25.6% for the week ending August 30th. This is welcome news for the carriers who have been battling declining spot rates for much of the peak shipping season. The good news may not last long for the carriers. Industry…
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Carriers Expected to Fabricate Strong Peak Season
Analysts are now predicting that the peak shipping period from Asia to the US will be mild. This prediction is in stark contrast to last year’s peak when available space on ships was tough to secure. Many shippers were forced to pay hefty rate premiums to move cargo during their preferred shipping…
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IMO 2020 Will Impact Multiple Stakeholders
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed several mandates to reduce marine pollution. Effective January 1, 2020, container vessels will only be allowed to use fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 0.5%. The current regulation allows for fuel with a sulfur cap of 3.5%. The cost of…
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Stats: Meal Kits and Online Grocery Shopping Boost Home Cooking
Any renewed interest in home cooking rather than eating out is good news for kitchenware retailers. And, thanks to the growth in meal kits and online grocery shopping, more people are cooking meals at home these days. In fact, more than half of U.S. adults claim they really enjoy cooking (53%)…
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Trends: Top Cheese
With many gourmet retailers carrying cheese, here’s a rundown of the top cheeses in the recent 2019 American Cheese Society (ACS) Competition, held in Richmond, Va., in August. Beecher’ Handmade Cheese was a big winner taking home five awards. The cheesemaker’s aged clothbound cheese,…
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Retailing Outdoors
Traditionally a way to dump overstock merchandise and have fun with neighbors, street fairs and sidewalk sales are not as popular with independent retailers as they used to be. Most retailers interviewed for this story have participated in sidewalk sales in the past, but now have decided to take a…
CONTINUE READINGInspiration Magazine
The Art of Organization
We speak to Sharon Tindell— President and Chief Merchandising Office at The Container Store — for an insider’s view of how this iconic 40-year-old retailer retains its coveted spot as the leading organizational store in the U.S. by Michelle Hespe People love to buy things. To own things.…
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Think About Drink: Beverage Trends in Retail
At the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago, the Trending Today Preview features the specialty beverage movement– highlighting the various types of craft beverage trends, including coffee, beer, cocktails and water, along with specialty glassware and accessories, craft beer &…
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Cultivating Your Concept
We chat with Wolfgang Gruschwitz about how to create a successful concept retail store. by Michelle Hespe “What is your story?” That would be the first question that Wolfgang Gruschwitz would ask if you engaged his team to develop a successful retail store. Wolfgang is a consultant in the field of…
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