Global Opportunities

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

December Currency Outlook

In their December 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief The Fed has hinted at slowing the pace of interest rate hikes, thus slowing the momentum of the USD Despite pressure on the USD, consistent economic data kept it afloat November oil…

A Tariff Update: Initial Implications of the “90-Day Hold”

China and the United States held high-level trade talks at the G20 in Argentina and although many of the details are unknown or being debated, the decision to halt additional tariffs is a welcome development to housewares manufacturers and retailers. The planned increase to “List 3” tariffs from the current 10% level to 25% on January 1, 2019 was going to be painful to the…

IHA Trade Mission Will Explore Japan and South Korea Markets

Two important housewares markets are next for the IHA’s Trade Mission program as the plan to visit Tokyo and Seoul in June of 2019 is announced. Housewares suppliers interested in starting or building existing business in the home and housewares markets in the region can meet with key retailers and distributors and learn about the retail environment during the mission scheduled…

Global Retail Intelligence – December

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: December 18 – China’s JD.com’s JD Central Commerce forms JV with Thailand’s Central Group JD Central Commerce, the joint venture between Chinese internet giant JD.com and Thailand's largest retail firm Central Group, has teamed up with the government and a private university to enhance the competitiveness of…

IHA Members Explore the Home and Housewares Markets in Spain and France

Five IHA member companies interested in learning about new export markets and increasing sales within Spain and France joined IHA on a recent Trade Mission to Europe. To begin the Mission, attendees visited home and housewares retail stores in Madrid, Spain, during a retail tour. Visiting the stores prior to meeting with buyers allowed the attendees to learn about competition…

Global Retail Intelligence – November

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: November 15 – Australia’s Coles Opens Small Format Stores Coles has unveiled its answer to competitor, Woolworths’ Metro small-format store, Coles Local. The first outlet is about half of the size of a full supermarket and will offer gourmet local produce, specialty ranges, an in-store chef, barista and a…

November Currency Outlook

In their November 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief The USD was boosted as a safe-haven due to concerns over “tit-for-tat” tariffs After the cancellation of a $13 BN airport project was cancelled the Mexican Peso fell 8% The revised…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Canadian Tire

Presented By: Doug Young Vice President, Merchandising – Living Division Canadian Tire Retail Doug Young, vice president of merchandising for Canadian Tire Retail, is responsible for merchandising and inventory management for the Living Division, which includes everything for inside the home including Kitchen, Home Décor, Organization, Cleaning, Essentials, Electronics…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Wayfair/CastleGate

Presented by: Evangeline Wiles Head of Account Management, U.S. Suppliers Wayfair/CastleGate Europe Evangeline Wiles has held management roles at Wayfair/CastleGate Europe for more than two years. She leads the account management and customer acquisition teams, helping Wayfair's U.S. suppliers enter the European market by providing a market entry strategy as well as…