Global Opportunities

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

John Lewis Report: How We Shop, Live & Look

British retailer John Lewis has just released detailed information on their customers' shopping habits in a new reported titled, "How We Shop, Live & Look." Be sure to read chapters three and four for informative segments on “How We Live: Home and Cook”. Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis, introduced the report, "Next year marks the 150th anniversary of John Lewis…

Hardware on the Rise in Australia

The hardware and building supplies retailing industry is expected to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2013-14 to $13.0 billion, stemming from improved spending on home renovation and growth in household construction, according to analyst, IbisWorld. The hardware and building supplies retailing industry is characterised by a moderate level of market share concentration. Hardware retail…

Retail News from Around the World

John Lewis sees strong sales of baking products The popular BBC2 television series “The Great British Bake Off” is helping to drive sales on baking products at John Lewis. Measuring cups and spoons, palette knives, rolling pins, stand mixers and blowtorches are among the top sellers, according to Rebecca Fletcher, the department store group’s assistant buyer for…

IHA Trade Event Recap – Japan

From September 29-30, the International Housewares Association led a trade mission in Tokyo to introduce members to the Japanese market. This two-day event started with a retail tour to offer a competitive benchmarking review of the following retailers: Isetan, Takashimaya, Tokyu Hands, Loft, and Actus. The group also made cultural stops along the way with brief visits to…

IHA Pavilion Recap – Interior Lifestyle China

The International Housewares Association hosted a pavilion at the Interior Lifestyle China trade fair from September 25 – 27. Six IHA-member companies – Wilton, MadeSmart, InterDesign, Smith’s / KitchenIQ, Hampton Forge and Trudeau – took part in this exhibition, focused on selling within the Chinese market. According to Messe Frankfurt, the fair had a total of 282 exhibitors…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: May’s Zona Libre & Free Trade Zone

HECNA Global Forum attendees had the opportunity today to visit the Colon Duty Free Trade Zone, located about one hour outside of Panama City. The Trade Zone is a key trans-shipment point where product suppliers and distributors hold products for re-shipment to their final destination. Customs duties are only paid once the product enters the final destination country. May's…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Table Top Show

Tuesday's final event was a tabletop trade show and reception where Global Forum attendees had the opportunity to showcase their products to more than XX buyers from YY countries. This three hour event provided the perfect compliment to the education received earlier in the day, giving HECNA members a unique opportunity to meet directly with buyer attendees. Key…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Global Trade Specialist Awards & New Board of Directors

Those earning HECNA Global Trade Specialists awards were honored today in Panama City at the Global Forum. HECNA members earn credits by attending official educational programs and by participating in trade missions and events. Four members achieved the Level 1 distinction by earning 20 credits, and one member achieved the Level 2 distinction by earning 40 credits. Level 1…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Market Reports Across the World, Part 3

This afternoon's program began with a presentation from Alejandro Lorenzo from Ace International. Highlights include: - Ace International has a network of 600 stores in 60 countries and operate in regions that have recently been given more purchasing autonomy. - They have over 3,500 items in stock in their warehouse in Panama, and…