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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 2025 Tides of Global Trade: Are You Ready?

Your Executive Director here, back with another update from the ever-exciting world of ocean freight. If there's one thing we've learned, it's to expect the unexpected! Just when we thought we had a handle on things, the ILWU and USMX threw us a curveball with their tentative agreement. Now, the challenge is getting it finalized. But that's not the only wave we're…

The 119th Congress and Budget Reconciliation

When the 119th Congress began on Jan. 3, 2025, the big question was whether House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would have the votes to keep his post with the Republican majority at 219-215 per Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) departure. Johnson could only lose one Republican vote to hold the necessary 218 for reelection but he prevailed with President-elect Trump corralling wayward…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – January

December 30 – Big Lots’ New Deal Could Keep up to 400 Stores Open Under the transaction, Variety Wholesalers would acquire at least 200 stores and up to two distribution centers, saving jobs in the process. From: Retail Dive December 23 – Party City to Close all Stores in Bankruptcy The party supplies specialist also announced it will close its entire footprint, which…

What You Need to Know About the 2025-26 Shipping Season

As we sail into the new year, it's time to batten down the hatches and prepare for some potential choppy waters. Here's the latest on the looming port strikes and a rundown of what you need to know about the 2025-26 shipping season. Port Strikes: A Storm on the Horizon? Remember the port strike in October? Well, we might be facing another one soon. The current contract…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – December

November 27 – Nordstrom Q3 results top Street with strong results from off-price banner, digital By banner, Nordstrom Rack sales surged 10.6%, with comparable sales going up 3.9%. at Nordstrom Rack. At the Nordstrom banner, sales rose 1.3% and comp sales increased 4%. From: Chain Store Age November 26 – Best Buy Misses Street Estimates as Wary Consumers Await…

The Trump Tariff Strategy

The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2025, will alleviate the “tax uncertainty” that’s gripped businesses with the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) at next year’s end. Trump’s inauguration and Republican control of Congress means the TCJA will be extended and some provisions made permanent perhaps by the end…

The 2024 Election and the Housewares Industry

The election of Donald Trump to a second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States will result in dramatic policy changes from Washington, DC, immediately after his swearing-in on Jan. 20, 2025. He will start by issuing executive orders reversing those from his predecessor, President Joe Biden. One of the first actions by President Trump will likely be a…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – November

October 31 – Big Lots Names Nexus Successful Bidder Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings In its bankruptcy proceeding, Big Lots has filed notice of a successful bidder for its assets, Gateway BL Acquisition, an affiliate of Nexus Capital Management. From: HomePage News October 31 – Starbucks’ New Strategy Includes Four-Minute Service, Cozier cafes, Simpler Menu On the…

Shipping Challenges in 2025

The year 2025 is shaping up to potentially be a wild ride in container shipping. From potential strikes to looming increased tariffs and Chinese New Year, there's a lot to keep an eye on. Let's break down the key challenges and see how they might impact your supply chains. East Coast Showdown: The ILA Contract Negotiations The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA)…