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Stats: Sustainability Aware

Sustainability is on the minds of many consumers and they are bringing the topic to both retailers’ attention and product assortments. Sustainability—the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, according to research firm The NPD Group’s Health Aspirations & Behavioral Tracking Service—also is used in a broader sense to…

Chicago Athletic Association

Originally a social and sporting club built in 1893 and reopened as a lifestyle boutique hotel in 2015, the Chicago Athletic Association has long served as the foundation for big ideas and intentional connection. And this year, newly part of the World of Hyatt membership program, it serves as a new addition to the 2019 show — no membership required. Join us this year to…

Retail Profile: In The Kitchen

Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Owner: KC Lapiana Founded: 2002 Own or rent: Own After years in the retail business KC Lapiana has moved out of her home base of Pittsburgh and put her store In The Kitchen into the hands of a trusted group of managers. The reason? Her husband retired from a long broadcasting career and the pair decided to move south. “We made the…

New Look, New Locations Planned for Special Displays at The Inspired Home Show 2020

When the housewares industry meets in Chicago next March for The Inspired Home Show, exhibitors and attendees will find not just a new name but new displays and new locations for many Show destinations. Formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show, The Inspired Home Show, IHA's Global Home + Housewares Market, will be held March 14-17 at Chicago's McCormick Place…

UPU Agreement a Win for Housewares Industry

The housewares industry realized a victory when the Universal Postal Union (UPU) agreed in September to revise international shipping rates to not discriminate against U.S. shippers. Founded in 1875, the UPU sets postal rates among its member countries and had a formula where it cost about $20 to mail a small parcel in the U.S., but about $5 from China to the U.S. The…

gia Expert Tips for Visual Merchandising

by Anne Kong Surprise and delight shoppers with a dry, faux or paper floral installation that celebrates the season. Place on a wall, at the entryway or in an open space on the selling floor to spark up the store atmosphere. These types of installations visually inspire and draw customers into the store. Vary the types of the display set-up. Create table displays near…

Signage and POP

by Martin M. Pegler When is enough enough? When do you say “I have put up enough signs and repeated the message often enough so that the shopper knows there is a special promotion or event going on?” When does the Point of Purchase material start acting as a negative force rather than a sale stimulus? When—and how—do you know that you have reached your shopper’s point of…

Experience the Electric Energy of the Windy City at the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile

Enjoy the following when you reserve a room at the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile: Rates as low as $149 (early-bird rate expires December 31)DOUBLE Points Earned for World of Hyatt Members15% F&B Discount at Level Two Restaurant and LoungeComplimentary WiFi in Guest Rooms and Public SpaceComplimentary Fitness Center & Indoor Pool Book your discounted room…

Global Retail Intelligence – October

October 22 – Alibaba Aims to Break Records with 11.11 Shopping Festival Alibaba plans to top 2018’s $30bn sales by offering over one million new products to their 500 million registered users. This is the eleventh 11.11 Shopping Festival and the online giant is aiming to upgrade its consumers’ lifestyles through new product and brand offerings. From The Drum October 22 –…