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IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

The Art and Heart of Branding

by Michelle Hespe Michelle Hespe catches up with Adrienne Weiss – a U.S. brand strategist, to talk about storytelling and her approach to branding. Adrienne Weiss and her team are legendary in branding in the U.S. and around the world. If you have eaten a burger or a donut, bought jeans or pumped your own gas, you have probably been up close and personal with brands they have…

Chicago – Inspiration by Restaurants

by Michelle Hespe Celebrity chefs, world-renowned restaurants, ethnic dining from around the globe. Chicago's dining scene is unparalleled and interesting even from a design and architecture point of view. Appetite for Design is a fantastic initiative created by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, marrying great design and architecture with innovative dishes…

A Picture Worth a Few Hundred Words

by Martin M. Pegler Seeing is believing and seeing what a great display a shadowbox can be is almost un-believable. Grange Interiors in the Aberdeen section of Hong Kong uses simple, four-sided boxes designed by Stefano Tordiglione Design Studio. These boxes are backless and the wall can be seen through them. The backless boxes, which allow the wall to be seen through their…

HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO – Downtown Chicago Luxury

Located in the heart of downtown just steps from the Magnificent Mile, the Hyatt Regency Chicago recently dedicated over $168 million toenhancing all aspects of their guest experience, including a welcoming lobby, engaging check-in pods and new restaurant concepts and menus. Indulge in spacious and sophisticated guest rooms – newly renovated guest rooms feature a contemporary…

IHA Trade Mission – South Africa

In late September IHA sponsored a trade mission to South Africa. The goal of each IHA-sponsored Trade Mission is to offer members involved in or wishing to grow their business in specific markets an opportunity to get a firm grip on the dynamics of that market and to meet the key retailers and distributors who are leaders in that market. The South Africa Trade Mission included…

2015 International Home + Housewares Show Almost Sold Out

With less than five months to go before opening day, the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show is over 90 percent sold out, according to the International Housewares Association, the Show’s owner and operator. The Show begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 and closes at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. A Power Hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Saturday through Mondayoffers…

New Online Resource “Inspired Home” Launches To Generate Housewares Excitement

Compelling Articles, Videos, DIY Tips, Home Ideas and More Found at IHAInspiredHome.org As savvy consumers increasingly turn to the web to select kitchen utensils, organization tools, cookware pieces, home décor and more to “make their house a home,” a new online resource launches to deliver fresh content on emerging home trends and housewares…

2014 CHESS Conference Highlights: Ken Harris

Day Two: Session Four The New Retail Landscape: Reaching the Omni-Channel Shopper Ken Harris, Managing Partner, Cadent Consulting Group As manufacturers and conventional retailers turn their attention and resources toward digital commerce, a critical question needs to be asked: What is the best path for your company if 95-99% of your business is through conventional…

2014 CHESS Conference Highlights: Linda Graebner, Katie Fitzgerald, Ted Koenig, Bruce Lubin, and Jon Lucas

Day Two: Session Three So You Don’t Want to Sell Your Business...How Do You Get the Capital to Grow It? Moderated by Linda Graebner, Executive Chairman, Chef’n Corporation Panelists: Katie Fitzgerald, CircleUp Network, Inc.; Ted Koenig, Monroe Capital LLC; Bruce Lubin, The Private Bank and Jon Lucas, President, CIT Last year’s panel suggested “Everyone Should Sell Their…