Global Opportunities

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

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…

Selling Products in the UK: An Update Provided by PR Direct

If you’re looking to sell your products into the UK, here’s an update on how the market operates – and how to capitalise on a consumer audience keen on innovation. PR Direct often hears from international brands how difficult the UK market is. Take heart! It’s not difficult just “different” – even compared to our mainland European cousins (and that’s before Brexit even…

Comparing NAFTA to USMCA: What You Should Know

The United States, Canada, and Mexico recently agreed on terms of a new trade deal to replace NAFTA. The agreement will be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. After more than a year of difficult negotiations, the three countries reached a consensus to create the new trilateral trade deal governing $1.2 trillion in trade, making it the largest trade deal…

October Currency Outlook

In their October 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 finished almost even in September, per the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index Economic consistency and an interest rate hike by the Fed helped the dollar close the month The revised…

Global Retail Intelligence – October

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: October 15 – Amazon Bids on 30% Stake in India’s Spencer’s Retail Amazon has bid $400 M for 30% stake in Kolkata-based grocery chain with 128 stores in over 30 cities in India with 58 large-format, hypermarkets and supermarkets and reported revenues of $282.9 M in FY18. From Inc42 October 15 – Google Plans…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter)

Presented by: Marta Cordoba Merchandise Manager, Housewares Division Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter) Marta Cordoba has worked for Sodimac Colombia (Homecenter) for 19 years, where she is the buyer for a wide range of product categories. She leads the team responsible for development of new lines of business and strategies for brick and mortar and online program…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Lakeland

Presented by: Samm Swain Buying and Merchandising Director, Lakeland Samm Swain has been with Lakeland for nine years and was promoted to her current role as buying and merchandise director in 2017. After previous positions at several other significant retail operations, she has 25 years of experience in buying and merchandising, primarily in home and housewares…

2018 Global Forum Recap: London Drugs

Presented by: James Norris, Merchandise Manager London Drugs Vancouver, BC James Norris has been with London Drugs for 29 years, serving as a store manager for 12 years before rising to merchandise manager. He is responsible for non-electric housewares, hardware, laundry, cleaning, smart home and connected fitness. London Drugs was founded as a corner drug store in…

2018 Global Forum Recap: Thunderbird School of Global Management

Richard Ettenson, Ph.D., Professor and Keickhefer Fellow of Global Marketing and Brand Strategy at Thunderbird School of Global Management, offered a two-part Executive Education session that outlined key topics to consider when entering global markets. He engaged participants with questions and encouraged conversations, and included stories about successes and failures in…