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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.

Rich History Meets Modern Luxury at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago

Book now and enjoy these incentives: Early-Bird Rate as low as $135 has been extended 10% Discount at F+B Outlets Complimentary WiFi Complimentary Access to Fitness Center Complimentary Package Delivery Complimentary In-Room Tea/Coffee Book Your Discounted Room at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago > The 4-Star Millennium…

December Currency Outlook

In their December 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief The Fed has hinted at slowing the pace of interest rate hikes, thus slowing the momentum of the USD Despite pressure on the USD, consistent economic data kept it afloat November oil…

A Tariff Update: Initial Implications of the “90-Day Hold”

China and the United States held high-level trade talks at the G20 in Argentina and although many of the details are unknown or being debated, the decision to halt additional tariffs is a welcome development to housewares manufacturers and retailers. The planned increase to “List 3” tariffs from the current 10% level to 25% on January 1, 2019 was going to be painful to the…

IHA Trade Mission Will Explore Japan and South Korea Markets

Two important housewares markets are next for the IHA’s Trade Mission program as the plan to visit Tokyo and Seoul in June of 2019 is announced. Housewares suppliers interested in starting or building existing business in the home and housewares markets in the region can meet with key retailers and distributors and learn about the retail environment during the mission scheduled…

Global Retail Intelligence – December

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: December 18 – China’s JD.com’s JD Central Commerce forms JV with Thailand’s Central Group JD Central Commerce, the joint venture between Chinese internet giant JD.com and Thailand's largest retail firm Central Group, has teamed up with the government and a private university to enhance the competitiveness of…

Stats: Politics Plays Role in Shopping

When former Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill coined the phrase “All politics is local,” he didn’t know it at the time, but he could have been talking about retailing. According to a recent survey conducted by the NPD Group, consumers are paying closer attention than ever to politics these days and it is changing the way they shop. In a recent a survey, “The Holiday…

Trends: International Home + Housewares Show Promotes Trends

Looking for the latest housewares trends? Search no further than the International Home + Housewares Show which runs March 2-5, 2019 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. That’s where current product and consumer lifestyle trends are showcased and a host of experts weigh in on just where those trends are headed in the future. From special product displays to the IHA Global…

Home Appliances and Emerging Trends – A Global View Today

IHA connected with trends expert Norbert Herzog with GfK in Germany to hear about his perspectives on global appliance trends which he will discuss at the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include design innovation, smart home, digital commerce, and global market…

Stories to Sell: Global Trends in Retail

We talk to the four gia expert jurors about the new emotionally charged and uber-connected world of retail. by Michelle Hespe Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen, an expert at utilizing technology in retail, has noticed a massive trend in retail that is also reflected in everyday life: the pace at which people move and the speed at which they do things,…