One of the biggest challenges facing retailers in a growing economy is a shortage of workers. Independent kitchenware retailers are no different. In one of the tightest labor markets in years, stores around the country are struggling to hire and keep staff and many find the experience frustrating, especially as the summer was nearing. “The employment situation around here is…
CONTINUE READINGArchives for August 2018
Global Retail Intelligence – August
To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: August 16 – Mexico’s Elektra Announces Online Shopping to Compete with Amazon Mexican department store chain Elektra announced it will launch an on-line shopping portal to compete with Amazon. Elektra’s marketplace will launch with 25 consumer products business partner brands and the goal of expanding to…
CONTINUE READINGTariffs Update: Impacts of Proposed Tariffs on Housewares Suppliers
As a preview to the upcoming IBC Global Forum, to follow is additional information on the session focusing on the latest tariff actions unfolding in Washington DC presented by Jonathan Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy, for the National Retail Federation: Jonathan Gold of the National Retail Federation (NRF) will provide an update on the latest tariff…
CONTINUE READINGSodimac: Key Colombia Retailer Update
As a preview into the upcoming IBC Global Forum, to follow is additional information on the retail overview session presented by Marta Córdoba Vélez, Assistant Commercial Manager of Sodimac (Homecenter) Colombia: With more than 240 stores in Latin America, Sodimac has nearly 40 stores in Colombia. Sodimac is owned by Chilean retailer, Falabella, which operates stores in…
CONTINUE READINGRetail Profile: Kitchenworks & Gourmet Gifts
Retail Profile: Kitchenworks & Gourmet Gifts Location: Litchfield, Ct. Founded: 1979 Owner: Elizabeth Ericksen Square footage: 1,000 sq. ft. When Elizabeth Ericksen bought the long-established Kitchenworks in 2008, she also took over a store with a fairly basic approach to retailing. Her work was cut out for her. “We changed the layout and way things were…
CONTINUE READINGDerek Miller Named President of IHA
Derek Miller has been named president of the International Housewares Association, succeeding Phil Brandl who will retire at the end the year, IHA announced today. Miller, currently IHA’s vice president, global marketing, will assume the role of president Oct. 1. Brandl will remain at IHA through Dec. 31. Miller was selected by a unanimous vote of the IHA Executive…
CONTINUE READING2018 Global Honoree – Harrods
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 store in the world for luxury branded merchandise, maintaining an unprecedented…
CONTINUE READINGWayfair/CastleGate: European e-Market Overview
As a preview to the upcoming IBC Global Forum, to follow is additional information on the European e-Market session presented by Evangeline Wiles, Associate Director, Wayfair/CastleGate: Wayfair’s order fulfillment and logistics division, CastleGate, partners with suppliers to provide access to a portfolio of services, including inventory management and reporting,…
CONTINUE READINGShips 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 out for the entire month of August. No one could have predicted the severity…
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