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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.

Export 101: Understanding the International Business Plan

Having a plan is important in all areas of business, but it may be even more important when selling products on an international basis. Conducting international business is complex, and you need to properly plan in order to maximize global success. Creating a plan for each of the following eight topics is essential for success overseas, and the combination of these plans…

Global Retail Intelligence – November

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: November 30 – Miniso Plans to Ramp Up Expansion in Mexico Japanese-Chinese low-cost retailer, Miniso, announced an agreement with Mexican investment consortium Fibra Uno (FUNO) to accelerate the store chain’s expansion in the Mexican market. Miniso, which offers kitchenware and other products for the home,…

Retail Profile: Rhubarb Kitchen Shop

“I still feel like the new kid,” says Ellen Kluge as she celebrates her store’s 25th year in business. “But apparently I’m not.” Even though Kluge has been with the store, Rhubarb Kitchen Shop, since she first welcomed customers as its manager in 1992, the excitement she feels running the store and greeting customers has never waned. “I’ve been happy,” she says. She’s…

Practical Solutions to MAP and Antitrust Pricing Challenges

As IHA members look for solutions to MAP pricing issues, they must be mindful of the U.S. antitrust laws in the sale and resale of products, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. A paper, based on a live presentation at the 2017 CHESS Conference, explores five antitrust challenges: illegal price agreements, minimum advertised price (“MAP”) policies, non-price…

IHSA Declares Rebate Dividend

IHSA has declared a rebate dividend of $173,572 for the period June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017, which coincides with IHSA’s fiscal year. IHSA is pleased to report that the declared rebate amount is 20.5% larger than last year. The rebate will be distributed among eligible association members during the month of November 2017. IHSA is proud of the fact that they continue to…

Newly Renovated Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile

Book now and enjoy: Room rates starting at $141 per night Complimentary WiFi, Fitness Center, Local Calls, Newspaper (Mon-Fri.) Book Your Discounted Room at the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile > The Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile (formerly MileNorth Hotel) embodies a modern upscale boutique hotel experience with an irreplaceable location adjacent…

October Currency Outlook

In their October 2017 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief Populism and separatism threatens political landscape in Europe Merkel confirmed for fourth term in German election Fed’s confidence, improved indicators and Euro-zone politics…

CHESS 2017 Recap: Antitrust Pricing Challenges

Attorney Wendelynne Newton, of the Pittsburgh-based firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC is no stranger to CHESS audiences. She has spoken to IHA groups in the past and delivers complex information in a straightforward manner. She set the stage for her remarks by stating that the rapidly changing marketplace is hazardous: the retail sector is not for the faint of heart. The…