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IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

Contract vs. Spot Rates: Which Will Win in 2025-26?

As we head into 2025-26, the question on some shipper's mind is: contract or spot rates? While spot rates might seem tempting with their short-term savings, history shows that contract rates are the true winners of the long-term race. Don't be fooled by the lure of a few dollars saved today, as it could lead to millions lost down the road. Why Contract Rates Reign…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – February

January 31 – More Consumers to Celebrate Key Holidays Throughout 2025 Consumer intentions to celebrate the various holidays through the course of 2025 are up in nine of the 14 occasions the market researcher tracks, From: HomePage News January 31 – Costco Raises Pay for Hourly Employees The company will raise the hourly wage for employees at the top of its pay scale over…

Trump Actions on Tariffs, Trade and De Minimis Shipments

President Trump has issued hundreds of executive actions since his inauguration. Many were Executive Orders (EOs) rescinding Biden EOs or to initiate policies not needing congressional approval. On Feb. 1, Trump announced 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada (with Canadian energy resources at 10%), and 10% tariffs on products from China. All were scheduled to start…

The 2025 Tides of Global Trade: Are You Ready?

Your Executive Director here, back with another update from the ever-exciting world of ocean freight. If there's one thing we've learned, it's to expect the unexpected! Just when we thought we had a handle on things, the ILWU and USMX threw us a curveball with their tentative agreement. Now, the challenge is getting it finalized. But that's not the only wave we're…

The 119th Congress and Budget Reconciliation

When the 119th Congress began on Jan. 3, 2025, the big question was whether House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would have the votes to keep his post with the Republican majority at 219-215 per Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-FL) departure. Johnson could only lose one Republican vote to hold the necessary 218 for reelection but he prevailed with President-elect Trump corralling wayward…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – January

December 30 – Big Lots’ New Deal Could Keep up to 400 Stores Open Under the transaction, Variety Wholesalers would acquire at least 200 stores and up to two distribution centers, saving jobs in the process. From: Retail Dive December 23 – Party City to Close all Stores in Bankruptcy The party supplies specialist also announced it will close its entire footprint, which…

What You Need to Know About the 2025-26 Shipping Season

As we sail into the new year, it's time to batten down the hatches and prepare for some potential choppy waters. Here's the latest on the looming port strikes and a rundown of what you need to know about the 2025-26 shipping season. Port Strikes: A Storm on the Horizon? Remember the port strike in October? Well, we might be facing another one soon. The current contract…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – December

November 27 – Nordstrom Q3 results top Street with strong results from off-price banner, digital By banner, Nordstrom Rack sales surged 10.6%, with comparable sales going up 3.9%. at Nordstrom Rack. At the Nordstrom banner, sales rose 1.3% and comp sales increased 4%. From: Chain Store Age November 26 – Best Buy Misses Street Estimates as Wary Consumers Await…

The Trump Tariff Strategy

The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2025, will alleviate the “tax uncertainty” that’s gripped businesses with the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) at next year’s end. Trump’s inauguration and Republican control of Congress means the TCJA will be extended and some provisions made permanent perhaps by the end…