The 2016 IBC Global Forum will take place in Chicago on June 8-10. All IHA members who are interested in growing their international sales should attend to learn from and network with industry peers and key retailers & distributors.
Four high-profile speakers confirmed to present include ACE Hardware Indonesia, Corporación Lady Lee and Hippie De Luxe. Details on additional speakers and about the popular IBC Executive Education session will be announced in the near future.
Key Retailer Update – ACE Hardware Indonesia
ACE Hardware Indonesia has 116 stores across the country and plans to add up to 10 stores in 2016, targeting mid to high-level consumers–67% of the population falls within the middle to upper middle class. ACE’s customers are very open to western-branded home and housewares products and encourage the ACE team to add more to their current selection.
Mrs. Nana Puspa Dewi, Marketing Director, and Mr. Donny Prayoga, Head of Purchasing, will provide perspectives on the growing Indonesian market, explain how to work with ACE in Indonesia and about the many opportunities that exist.
Key Retailer Update – Corporación Lady Lee
Headquartered in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Corporación Lady Lee has several business units under its portfolio, including Lady Lee department stores. Within the main cities of Honduras, the 20 Lady Lee stores offer a full range of products, with a focus on home and housewares.
Mr. Carlos Zelaya, Commercial Manager of Lady Lee, will present their strategies for success within the home and housewares market in Honduras. Learn how to work with this growing retailer and how to enter this key Central American country.
Key Market Update – Denmark, Norway & Sweden
Mr. Linus Kolmevik of Hippie De Luxe, a home and housewares distributor working in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, will discuss the nuances of these three Nordic markets that have a combined GDP of US$ 1,437 billion. Mr. Kolmevik will present Hippie De Luxe’s approach to product distribution as well as identifying key retailers to target.
Additionally, the three-day conference has other key educational and networking elements including:
IBC 101: International Essentials
IBC 101 is an optional session designed for those new to IBC and/or new to export. Meet the IBC Board of Directors and IHA staff while learning about international essentials through a presentation led by industry veteran and former IBC Board member, Jeff Murphy of Wilton Brands. Market selection, export mechanics, distribution models, international pricing and INCO terms are among the topics that will be covered.
Networking
Throughout the conference, attendees will have frequent opportunities to meet and network during lunches, receptions and dinners. And, dedicated Networking Sessions are scheduled to discuss current topics that are relevant to your specific business issues and concerns.
For more information and to register to attend, click here or contact Lori Szudarek directly at Lszudarek@housewares.org.
