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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.

Latin American Market Update

Juan Francisco Espana, EPA Director EPA is a home center chain that operates in four countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela. Founded in 1992, EPA has more than 3,000 employees working at its 27 stores, whose average size is 7,000 sq. ft. Speaking from San Jose, Costa Rica, Juan Francisco Espana summarized operations in each country: store…

Spain Market Update

Gabriel Solar, Founder, Yestis Speaking from Barcelona, Gabriel Solar, whose company represents major international brands in Spain, prefaced his remarks on the Spanish market by addressing current conditions. Before Covid-19, Spanish consumers purchased mid-range products, but the pandemic conditions caused households to reduce purchasing and shift toward lower-priced…

Market Opportunities in Europe: Top Five Trends in UK, Spain, France, Italy, Germany IHA Offices and Representatives

IHA brought insights from around the world to Global Forum attendees with short presentations by its offices in varied regions to close each morning and afternoon session. Mark Chapman, IHA UK Office Online Retail: The online retail space in the UK continues to diversify, even in the shadow of Amazon. There are many new, independent online retailers finding their niche in…

2020 Global Forum

IHA’s first live-streamed Global Forum presented three days of informative sessions by experts in Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America. The series of virtual education programs took place September 22 - 24. As the housewares industry has learned new ways to conduct business remotely this year, suppliers eager to grow their global business and learn about current market…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – September

September 20 – Will ShopRite Continue Its North Jersey Reign?With Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Amazon, Aldi and Lidl setting up shop in northern New Jersey, competition is heating up for the region’s No. 1 grocer. From Winsight Grocery Business September 20 – QuikTrip's Network Reaches 850 C-StoresThe convenience retailer opened four new locations on Sept. 17,…

Global Retail Intelligence – September

September 15 – Auchan to Invest in Urban Development of Retail OutletsFrance’s Auchan aims to increase market share in urban centers by investing heavily in both proximity and digital services. From European Supermarket Magazine September 9 – Australia’s Myer Partners with AmazonAustralians are now able to buy items on Amazon and have them sent to their nearest…

Seven New Directors Elected to IHA Board of Directors

ROSEMONT, ILL. (Sept. 14, 2020)—Seven new directors have been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association (IHA), the full-service trade association for the housewares industry. They are: Kim Cole, CEO, Gleener Inc.; Kristine Malkoski, business unit CEO, Foods, Newell Brands; Tom McMahon, president, Jura Inc.; Robert Michelson, president &…

2020 IBC Global Forum Offers Buyer Connections, Networking Through Virtual Education Series

ROSEMONT, ILL (Sept. 10, 2020)—The 2020 IBC Global Forum, the annual gathering of the International Housewares Association’s International Business Council (IBC), will be held Sept. 22-24 as a series of virtual education sessions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The live-streamed event will offer housewares suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives…

US Imports Expected to Remain Strong Through October

The surge in US imports from Asia is causing supply chain challenges for shippers. The challenges come at a time when shippers are desperately trying to replenish their depleted inventories. The surge in imports is expected to last through the end of October. Some logistics experts are predicting the surge could last through the end of the year before the market…