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.

2017 Global Forum Recap: Export 101

The 2017 IBC Global Forum in Miami opened on Sunday afternoon September 17 with a one-hour session jam-packed with information for new exporters. This session, Export 101, geared for new Global Forum attendees and those who are new to the export business, also served as a refresher for experienced international marketers. Led by IBC Board member, Paul Michalowski, senior…

2017 Global Forum Offers Education on Global Sales

Housewares suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives wanting to grow their global business will benefit from IHA’s 2017 Global Forum, to be held Sept. 17-19 in Miami. Overviews by key housewares buyers and distributors covering India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Mexico and the United Kingdom along with sessions on critical international business…

Venta Korea: Key Korean Market Overview

As a preview to their presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Mr. Kim Dae-Hyun and his distribution company, Venta Korea. The South Korean economy has been ranked 4th largest in Asia and 11th in the world and has consistently demonstrated remarkable growth and development. South Korea has very low unemployment and has been called one…

IBC 101: International Sales Essentials

As a preview to the presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on the IBC 101 workshop. Over 25 years ago, at the first several IBC Global Forums (then called the HECNA Annual Meeting), most of the attendees were new in some way to exporting. As the annual IBC Global Forum developed, the IBC Board and membership found that the program would…

Tendencias y Conceptos: Key Mexican Market Overview

As a preview to his presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Meir Mareyna and his distribution company, Tendencias y Conceptos. The Mexican economy is ranked 13th in the world with a GDP of $1.5 trillion with 49% of total imports coming from the U.S. With nearly 60 years of experience importing and distributing home and housewares…

EPA: Key Latin American Retailer Update

As a preview to his presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Juan Francisco España and EPA home centers in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela. Headquartered in Valencia, Venezuela, EPA is a large hardware store chain, offering solutions for projects related to construction, decoration and remodeling. EPA stocks a wide…

John Lewis: Key UK Retailer Update

As a preview to her presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on British retailer John Lewis Partnership and Anna Berry, Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine. John Lewis Partnership has 48 stores throughout the UK as well as their e-commerce business. Together with their sister retailer, Waitrose, annual sales reach over GBP 11 bn, with…

Shoppers Stop: Key Indian Retailer Update

As a preview to his presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Indian retail, Vikram Chitnis and Shoppers Stop, a retailer with an extensive focus on home and housewares. Retail in India continues to expand and develop from traditional “son & pop” shops to organized brick and mortar retail. Organized retail is expected reach $150 bn…

Yuwa Group: Japan Market Overview

As a preview to their presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Yuwa Group, a Japanese distributor of consumer and household products. Yuwa Group was established in 1965 as an importer of consumer goods mainly from Europe, and over the last 20 years has begun working with U.S. suppliers as well. Yuwa is presently the sole agent for…