Six IHA member companies participated in the IHA Trade Mission to Sydney and Auckland, October 30 – November 4 to develop sales opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.
The participating IHA members, Astage, Candle Warmers, Honey-Can-Do, Hutzler Mfg., Nordic Ware and Whitmor, met with key home and housewares retailers and toured retail stores to learn more about how their products would fit into the current product assortments.
In Sydney, participants met with key home and housewares retailers that are headquartered in the city, including: David Jones, Groupon Goods ANZ, TVSN, Trade Secret (TJMaxx) and Harris Scarfe, a Melbourne-based retailer.
“The experience offered by IHA was invaluable. The knowledge that the IHA team shared was incredibly beneficial in helping understand the Australian and New Zealand retail environment. The Trade Mission was well-organized and offered suppliers a fantastic opportunity to meet with retailers. I highly recommend the IHA Trade Missions to any business looking to expand their international business,” said Nicole Hedger, Business Development & Brand Manager of Master Distributors, representing Nordic Ware.
In Auckland, suppliers met with key home and housewares retailers, including: Farmers, Mitre 10, Stevens, The Warehouse, and specialty retailer Milly’s Kitchen.
Retailers were able to meet with new and existing product suppliers without the investment of travel and time outside their offices. Most retailers gave presentations to the group prior to meeting individually with each of the suppliers to explore business opportunities.
“The IHA Australia/New Zealand Trade Mission was the best, first step I have ever had to open a door to new market. I joined the mission from Japan, and I gained vastly more than I had expected. This is a not only a great avenue to find a new customers, but also a great way to network with other IHA members,” said Keiko Maeda, Sales Manager, Astage Company Ltd.
IHA’s Trade Missions allow members to explore new markets and meet one-on-one with global retailers to explore potential sales opportunities and follow up on current business. IHA’s next trade mission will be held June 11- 16, 2017 in Mexico City & Monterrey. Further details on the trade mission are available on the IBC website.
