Beth Dempsey, Author at International Housewares Association

U.S. Retail Intelligence – December

November 30 – A Measure of Success: Independent Retailer Index 38% of respondents reported that sales increased in Q2 2025 versus Q2 2024. From: Hardware Retailing November 26 – Belk Set to Debut Smaller Store Concept with Local Flavors Each of the Belk Market stores will offer a curated assortment of national and private label brands in the smaller footprint. …

Navigating China “Nearshoring” to North America?

by Dave Akers, IHSA "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Ancient Chinese proverb, Lao Tzu Most of us have heard this (translated) Ancient Chinese proverb, but the Chinese have adopted this ancient proverb. The essential concept of this proverb is that huge goals must be broken down into smaller, manageable parts and that it can be applied to all…

Potential IEEPA Tariff Refunds

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — On Nov. 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments on whether the Trump Administration can use the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on some 200 countries and “fentanyl tariffs” on Canada, Mexico and China. The tariff cases, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v.…

Navigating Decarbonization of Ocean Shipping

by Dave Akers, IHSA "In a huge step toward our 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the company has declared war on the office thermostat" - Unknown The decarbonization of ocean shipping is a critical global effort of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce the maritime industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by or…

November Trade and Tariff Updates

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — This edition reviews trade agreements from President Trump’s Asia trip; a new investigation into China’s compliance with previous agreements; adding more International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff exemptions; and recent Senate votes rejecting President Trump’s tariffs. President Trump’s Asia Trade Agreements President…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – November

October 30 – Hy-Vee Makes $125K Donation to Nourish Local Families Hy-Vee has donated $25,000 to DoorDash’s new initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits, helping families stretch their budgets even further. From: Drug Store News October 30 – Why This Manufacturer isn’t Crumbling Under Tariff…

Navigating SCOTUS and POTUS Tariff Legality

by Dave Akers, IHSA A federal appeals court ruling that said the President does not have authority to impose broad tariffs, has introduced significant uncertainty into the U.S. tariff landscape. "Inflation is the one form of taxation that can be imposed without legislation." – Milton Friedman Here's a breakdown of the current situation and its impact on the global…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – October

September 30 – Mastercard: Macroeconomic Factors Will Drive Holiday 2025 Spending Larger retailers that purchased and stocked holiday items in advance of tariff changes are likely to have a competitive advantage. From: HomePage News September 30 – Target, Netflix Partner on ‘Stranger Things’ Collection Spanning Halloween to New Year’s The product lineup includes…

The Government Shutdown and Federal Programs

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — On Sept. 18, House Republicans passed a “clean” continuing resolution (CR) to keep the federal government funded at Fiscal Year 2025 levels from Sept. 30 – Nov. 21 in order to finish the 12 separate appropriations bills for FY26. On Sept. 19, the CR failed to get the votes needed in the Senate and a competing Democrat bill with some $1.5…