Industry Resources

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

Biden Administration Workplace Rule Changes

One policy area that’s seeing a big shift in Washington, DC, involves workplace rules and regulations. The Biden Administration, along with the Democratic sweep of Georgia’s two Senate seats, will add impetus to legislative and regulatory labor law changes concerning overtime pay; what constitutes a joint-employer; the test to determine an independent contractor vs. an…

IHSA Declares 2020 Refund

The surge in US imports over the last six months has been unprecedented and is causing problems in all facets of the supply chain. Carriers are telling importers to expect this highly volatile market to last through the 2021 Chinese New Year. A few carriers are suggesting this volatility will last through October 2021. Through all the volatility, the support of IHSA’s…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – January

January 29 – Walmart Enhances Media Operation To Connect Brands With CustomersWalmart has renamed the company’s media group Walmart Connect in a move to underscore its expanding ability to connect brands and its 150 million weekly customers. From: HomeWorld Business January 29 – Coca-Cola, Walmart Team up to Deliver Coffee-Flavored Soda Via DroneCompanies testing commercial…

Summary of Key Business Provisions in the “Coronabus” Package

On Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed the $2.3 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, H.R. 133 (a/k/a “Coronabus”), a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill merged with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill for FY21. The 5,593-page legislative package was signed by the President on Dec. 27 and following is a summary of key provisions for IHA members: COVID Relief…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – December

December 30 – Jill Soltau Leaves Her Role as J.C. Penney CEOJ.C. Penney's new owners, mall REITs Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management, on Wednesday, said they have launched a search for a new chief executive officer to replace Jill Soltau, who is leaving Thursday. From: Retail Dive December 28 – Retail Furloughs Snowball as Kohl's, Gap Extend Store…

Supply Chain Challenges Will Linger in 2021

Carrier consolidation has created a landscape that is vastly different than it was five years ago. The transpacific trade lane has been reduced to 3 mega alliances that are extremely powerful and able to quickly adapt to changes in the market. The power of these alliances was on full display in 2020. One thing is for certain, the carriers’ newfound ability to control capacity…

Container Lines Own the Leverage

At the beginning of every contract negotiation period, the shipping industry speculates whether the carriers or the shippers have the leverage to drive the contract negotiations. There is no speculation heading into the 2021 contract process. The carriers have 100% of the power barring a major collapse in the global economy. Shippers that fail to accept the new carrier tactics…

Biden Administration Trade and Counterfeit Policies

Despite legal challenges, former Vice President Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2021 appears inevitable and he and his team have been announcing their picks for key posts in a Biden Administration. Of particular interest for IHA members will be Biden’s approach to trade and where his policies will differ from the Trump…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – November

November 30 – Dollar Tree’s Remodeled Stores Lead to Third-Quarter GrowthRetailer said its campaign to overhaul Family Dollar stores is starting to pay off, net sales increased by 7.5% for the quarter. From: Store Brands Today November 29 – Buc-ee's Moves Into Two New StatesA groundbreaking in South Carolina and store opening in Georgia mark its latest expansion beyond…