Industry Resources

Learn about IHA’s cost-saving programs, including the International Housewares Shippers Association, designed to help members grow their business!

Navigating the Waves: Spot Rates vs. Contract Rates in Ocean Shipping

The shipping industry is buzzing. Rates are climbing, carriers are thriving and shippers are feeling the pinch. Is it 2020 all over again? While the current market may feel familiar, understanding your options is key to navigating these turbulent waters. Let’s dive into the difference between spot rates and contract rates to help you make informed shipping decisions. Spot…

Canadian Railroad Impasse, Shipping Issues for Q3

On August 22, Canada’s two biggest railroads, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), locked out their workers after failed labor talks with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference on a new collective bargaining agreement for some 9,000 conductors and engineers. Sticking points are rest rules, labor availability and the railroads’ desire to shift…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – September

August 30 – Food Lion Feeds Helps Nourish College Students The Sack to Give Back program also kicks off in September to align with Hunger Action Month, a time when Food Lion Feeds supports its relationship with Feeding America. From: Drug Store News August 30 – Burlington Optimistic About Second Half After Strong Q2 Comparable sales in the quarter gained 2% year over…

Supply Chain Update: A Closer Look at Containerized Ocean Freight and Its Impact on the Housewares Industry

The global supply chain remains a complex and ever-changing landscape. As we navigate these fluctuating waters, staying informed about key developments in containerized ocean freight is crucial to making informed decisions and maintaining efficient operations. Regulatory Landscape: Recent rulings by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) have sought to address…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – August

July 30 – Beyond ‘remains in the red’ as it prepares to relaunch Zulily The company said it hit its Q2 revenue target and improved its bottom line, but sales are in decline. From: Retail Dive July 29 – Qurate Names Former Off 5th Exec Sirhal Chief Merchant for QVC Qurate Retail Group has appointed Mara Sirhal chief merchandising officer for QVC U.S., the…

Supreme Court Decisions Curtail Agencies’ Reach

Three summer 2024 decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will have a major impact on administrative law. SCOTUS repealed Chevron deference in Loper Bright v. Raimondo; extended the statute of limitations to challenge a rule in Corner Post v. Board of Governors; and limited agencies’ administrative law courts while upholding the right to a jury trial in…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – July

June 28 – Off-Price Retailer Bealls Names Less Senior Marketing VP Less leads brand marketing, e-commerce and guest strategy including supervising Bealls loyalty programs. From: HomePage News June 28 – Jim Pattison Group Acquires Save Mart Modesto, Calif.-based Save Mart, a Kingswood Capital Management LP portfolio company, has almost 200 Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx…

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

With so many new employee-relations regulations now being issued by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Labor Relations Board, and even the Federal Trade Commission (i.e., the non-competes ban), it would be easy to overlook important new regulations from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that could impact a…

Why Shipping Rates Are Soaring (and When Relief Might Come)

If you thought the days of skyrocketing ocean shipping rates were behind us, think again. Just when shippers hoped for a post-pandemic reprieve, a perfect storm of factors once again pushed prices upwards. Here's the lowdown on what's happening and what to expect: Capacity Crunch: Not What We Expected Before the Chinese New Year in 2024, the outlook seemed promising for…