Global Opportunities

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

IBC Global Forum: Part 2 – Pragmatically Approaching Western Europe

This is Part Two of a four part series. Part One Part Three Part Four Market Strategies Boutet outlined how to consider price, margins, rebates and logistics and special demands. He concluded by challenging the audience to examine their own companies’ SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats before entering European markets. Practices vary on these key…

IBC Global Forum: Pragmatically Approaching Western Europe

Speaker: François Boutet, CEO, START’HOM Europe In 2002, François Boutet founded START’HOMEurope, a commercial consulting agency that helps consumer goods suppliers implement their sales strategies throughout Europe. Prior to founding START’HOMEurope, Mr. Boutet worked within the consumer goods industry for Leifheit in France and Hills Industries Ltd. within Europe. With…

IBC Global Forum Kicks Off in Chicago

The IBC Global Forum is underway with attendees and speakers coming from over 10 countries. The Global Forum is a gathering of housewares industry professionals who are eager to learn and share best practices on selling products internationally. The conference began today with a presentation by Jeff Murphy of Wilton Brands who explained the basics of international…

Sessions on International Sales Issues, Global Markets

Housewares suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives wanting to grow their global business will benefit from IHA’s 2016 Global Forum, to be held June 8-10 at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago. Overviews by key housewares buyers covering China, Denmark, Honduras, Indonesia, Norway and Sweden along with sessions on critical international business…

Growing Global Sales

Once a year, international business professionals from the housewares industry gather at the IBC Global Forum to increase their global sales through education and networking. For more than 20 years, the International Business Council (formerly HECNA) has put together a strong, multi-day event to provide attendees with the tools needed to succeed in the global economy. And…

Calif Companies May be Eligible to Receive Export Support

California companies, ready to export but need help with their export promotion activities, are encouraged to learn more about services available through the Center for International Trade Development (CITD) . CITD is a valuable resource for export promotion activities and through their STEP-ICEP program (State Trade Expansion Program-Individual Company Export Promotion)…

Four Speakers Announced for 2016 IBC Global Forum

The 2016 IBC Global Forum will take place in Chicago on June 8-10. All IHA members who are interested in growing their international sales should attend to learn from and network with industry peers and key retailers & distributors. Four high-profile speakers confirmed to present include ACE Hardware Indonesia, Corporación Lady Lee and Hippie De Luxe. Details on…

Tesco Shows Volume Growth

The New York Times reported on April 14 that British retailer Tesco has reported positive sales results. “’More customers are buying more things more often at Tesco, said [Dave Lewis, Tesco’s chief executive], highlighting a fourth-quarter British volume growth of 3.3 percent and a 2.8 percent rise in customer transactions.” For more information, please click here.…

Sainsbury Wins Battle for Argos Owner, Home Retail

The Wall Street Journal reported April 1 that “Home Retail Group PLC … said it will recommend J Sainsbury PLC’s £1.4 billion ($2.01 billion) takeover of the company, ending a four-month-long battle to buy the Argos owner. “Sainsbury’s said Home Retail directors unanimously recommend its offer, which will be made through a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement and is…