Global Opportunities

Benefit from IHA’s International Business Council, which offers opportunities, education and insight to help members succeed in the global marketplace!

Export 101: Understanding Export Mechanics

When shipping goods internationally, the process can be quite overwhelming. Negotiating terms, determining shipping methods and obtaining best costs are difficult for all but the most experienced companies. This article will discuss two important topics that any new exporter/importer will find useful – Incoterms and Freight Forwarders. INCO Terms Incoterms are maintained by…

Global Retail Intelligence – October

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: October 31 – Chedraui Plans to Open Between 20 and 50 Supercito Stores in 2018 Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Chedraui, the country’s third largest retail chain, is focusing its growth strategy on its new reduced size Supercito store formats. *This article is written in Spanish. From…

IHA Trade Mission Explores Southeast Asia Markets

Western-branded products continue to increase in popularity with consumers in Indonesia and the Philippines as people continue to be more cognizant of western cooking styles, lifestyles and home décor. Housewares suppliers interested in the home and housewares markets in Southeast Asia can meet with key retailers and learn more about the business climate during a trade mission…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Shoppers Stop, India

As the Business Head of the Home Division at Shoppers Stop, Mr. Vikram Chitnis is responsible for merchandising and buying for the company’s HomeStop division. Mr. Chitnis is one of the team that started the importation of home products for Shoppers Stop, and he has been involved in merchandise planning and sourcing since the beginning of the HomeStop concept. Under his…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Tendencias y Conceptos

Mr. Meir Mareyna is the CEO of Mexican distributor Tendencias y Conceptos SA de CV and the founding director of Marketing Olfativo SA de CV. Much of his success with these two companies is attributed to his belief in the philosophies: “Make it great… constantly!”, “Service, service, service” and “flip thinking”. In addition, Mr. Mareyna incorporates finding the strengths of his…

2017 Global Forum Recap: John Lewis, UK

Anna Berry joined the John Lewis Partnership as a graduate-trainee in 1988. Following several positions in branch management, Ms. Berry transferred to a buying in 1993 and has been responsible for purchasing across numerous categories including menswear, sporting goods, gifts, jewelry and most recently, premium beauty. In addition, she has worked on the Electrical and Home…

Mark Adkison Joins IHA as Vice President, International

The International Housewares Association (IHA) announced on Friday that Mark Adkison is joining the Association as vice president, international, beginning Sept. 18. Adkison has more than 15 years’ experience in the housewares industry, with an emphasis on global sales and marketing. He fills the vacancy left by the passing of Jeff Murphy in June. Adkison joins IHA from…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Venta Korea

Mr. Kim Dae Hyun, president of Venta Korea Co. Ltd., has managed the company for 28 years. Venta’s mission is, “We create a healthy and happy lifestyle with the world’s best products for the Korean people.” Prior to directing Venta Korea, Mr. Kim founded Jin-San, the corporation responsible for servicing Whirlpool white goods in Korea. With this experience, in 1994 Venta Korea…

2017 Global Forum Recap: IBC General Meeting

On the second day of the 2017 Global Forum, Mark Adkison, IHA's vice president of international, led the IBC General Meeting to update the membership on upcoming programs, awards and the IBC board of directors. With members earning credits for participating at educational sessions and for taking part in Trade Missions, several IBC members were honored through the group's…