IBC Global Forum

The IBC Global Forum brings together strategic planning and pragmatic international information to facilitate sales and business development in key export markets. Extensive networking with housewares buyers, industry professionals and seasoned IBC members presents vast opportunities to increase your housewares industry network and sales.

2015 IBC Global Forum, James Ryan, Living Merchandise for Canadian Tire

The second speaker to address today’s session of the 2015 IBC Global Forum was James Ryan, Vice President of Living Merchandise for Canadian Tire, a 490 store chain of store throughout Canada. Housewares is a key component of Canadian Tire’s business. Mr. Ryan offered his observations on the Canadian market and the strategic direction at Canadian Tire. Key info about Canadian…

2015 IBC Global Forum: Miguel Mesinas, ICONO Comercial

Kicking off day two at this year’s IBC Global Forum here in Mexico City, the audience of global business professionals heard from Miguel Mesinas, General Director of ICONO Comercial who discussed the positioning of brands in the Mexican market. Among his observations regarding the Mexico market were: -Big changes are afoot -Crate & Barrel is in Mexico City but results…

2015 IBC Global Forum: Ben Phillips, Steamer Trading

Following Dr. Ettenson’s presentation to the Global Forum, Ben Phillips, Managing Director of Steamer Trading, a leading retailer for housewares and home products in the United Kingdom offered the group his insights on the UK market and his strategic vision for Steamer Trading. His key points included: - Steamer Trading currently has 34 stores in the UK (although none in…

2015 IBC Global Forum: Dr. Richard Ettenson, Thunderbird School of Global Management

The 2015 IBC Global Forum kicked off yesterday in Mexico City with a tour the retail marketplace with stops at many of Mexico City’s key housewares retailers. See the listing for a taste of some of the retailers we visited. The annual Global Forum is sponsored by The International Business Council, a member group of the International Housewares Association (IHA) focused on…

2015 IBC Global Forum Speaker Overview

The 2015 International Business Council (IBC) Global Forum will take place in Mexico City on June 14-16. All IHA members who are interested in growing their international sales should attend to learn from and network with industry peers and key retailers. High-profile topics and speakers confirmed to present include: Executive Education: Brand Portfolio Management: It’s…

2015 IBC Global Forum Program Overview

The 2015 International Business Council (IBC) Global Forum will take place in Mexico City on June 14-16. All IHA members who are interested in growing their international sales should attend to learn from and network with industry peers and key retailers. The three-day conference has several educational and networking elements including: IBC 101: International Essentials IBC…

Hong Kong Trade Development Council Presents Think Asia, Think Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trade Development Council Presents Think Asia, Think Hong Kong June 10, 2015 Chicago McCormick Place, West Building This full day event, sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will feature insights on working with resources in Hong Kong as a gateway to Asia. This complimentary program will feature presentations and panels lead by Hong Kong…

Global Retail News: Costco, Sainsbury, Walmart, Auchan, Carrefour

Costco hits the spot in Seville Last month, US-based Costco opened its first unit on continental Europe in Seville, Spain. The warehouse club retailer has proven sufficiently adventurous to venture into the country at a time when Spain is experiencing the nascent twitches of recovery following six years of the worst economic crisis in decades. Source: Planet…

CE Mark Workshop for Illinois Companies

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) is pleased to partner with the Center for International Regulatory Assistance (CITRA) at Duquesne University to present a day-long workshop at ICNC. Facilitated by CITRA experts and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at ICNC, the workshop will cover information on the…