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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.

PANTONE®VIEW home + interiors 2019: Focusing on the Future

by Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute Films, fashion and design are hugely influential in color trends, as are food, consumer products and social movements. On other fronts, the healthy eating trend and the subsequent culinary culture that has evolved in recent years has also brought with it a movement in natural, earthy colors being used in…

Retail Profile: Somethin’s Cookin’

Location: Panama City, Fla. Owner: Hannalore Holland Founded: 1972 --This is the store’s third location. Square footage: 3,000 sq. ft. Rent or Own: Own When Hurricane Michael tore up Panama City, Fla., packing winds of 155 miles per hour this past October, Hannalore Holland dug into her supply of perishables and fed the first responders. Holland, whose store…

Make the Sheraton Grand Chicago Your Stylish Home Base in Downtown Chicago

Take Advantage of Special International Home + Housewares Show Amenities: Power Up Savings by December 31, 2018 with Early-Bird Rates: $139 Traditional/$159 Premium/$199 Club Lounge Take Advantage of 15% Discount in Food & Beverage Venues, Excluding Alcohol Enjoy Complimentary Access to the Sheraton Fitness center Book Your Discounted Room at the…

More Capacity Management Expected from the Carriers

Shippers hoping that 2019 will bring some much-needed stability to their rates and supply chains may be disappointed. Carriers have already informed shippers that capacity management will be a major point of emphasis moving into 2019 and 2020. Shippers have been experiencing higher freight costs and disruptions in their supply chains since August 2018. Further cuts in carrier…

Stats: Foodies of the Future Unite

When it comes to where food trends are going, it is not just Millennials who are shaping eating patterns. According to a new study, a group of consumers that crosses demographic lines is shaping the future of food. Meet “Gen Food.” The report released by FleishmanHillard at the Culinary Institute of America’s re-Think Food conference, shows when it comes to food and…

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago: An Icon of Exceptional Accommodations

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a new hotel partner for the 2019 Show! Book now and enjoy these incentives: Rates as low as $259 (early-bird rate) Complimentary WiFi, Fitness Center and Spa Access Local and National Calls, No Shipping and Handling Fees Complimentary Macaroon Book Your Discounted Room at the Waldorf Astoria > The Waldorf Astoria Chicago…

Trends: Blended Retailing

Holiday shoppers have more retail options than ever this year, from pop ups and local street fairs to traditional brick-and-mortar and, of course, online shopping. And consumers are increasingly exploring all the options, leading to something that is being called “blended retailing.” The distinct separation between brick-and-mortar and online retailing is waning as retailers…

IHA Members Explore the Home and Housewares Markets in Spain and France

Five IHA member companies interested in learning about new export markets and increasing sales within Spain and France joined IHA on a recent Trade Mission to Europe. To begin the Mission, attendees visited home and housewares retail stores in Madrid, Spain, during a retail tour. Visiting the stores prior to meeting with buyers allowed the attendees to learn about competition…

Global Retail Intelligence – November

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: November 15 – Australia’s Coles Opens Small Format Stores Coles has unveiled its answer to competitor, Woolworths’ Metro small-format store, Coles Local. The first outlet is about half of the size of a full supermarket and will offer gourmet local produce, specialty ranges, an in-store chef, barista and a…