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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.

Stats: Sustainability Aware

Sustainability is on the minds of many consumers and they are bringing the topic to both retailers’ attention and product assortments. Sustainability—the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, according to research firm The NPD Group’s Health Aspirations & Behavioral Tracking Service—also is used in a broader sense to…

Chicago Athletic Association

Originally a social and sporting club built in 1893 and reopened as a lifestyle boutique hotel in 2015, the Chicago Athletic Association has long served as the foundation for big ideas and intentional connection. And this year, newly part of the World of Hyatt membership program, it serves as a new addition to the 2019 show — no membership required. Join us this year to…

Trends: CBD Mainstreams

We’ve told you this before, but now a new study confirms that Cannabidiol (CBD) continues its mainstream appeal. According to a new NPD Group study, “With cannabis becoming legal in more states, it’s impossible to ignore the potential ramifications for the food and beverage industry.” That’s because CBD isn’t just for a select few people. Nearly 20 percent of adults have…

Fall Promotions Feature Food

Retailers are promoting a wide variety of events and products and recipes via social media this fall as they gear up for the all-important fourth quarter. Food played a big role in those promotions. Here are some that caught our eye. The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon, Fla., held a private cooking event that featured steakhouse cuisine serving up a menu of…

Retail Profile: In The Kitchen

Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Owner: KC Lapiana Founded: 2002 Own or rent: Own After years in the retail business KC Lapiana has moved out of her home base of Pittsburgh and put her store In The Kitchen into the hands of a trusted group of managers. The reason? Her husband retired from a long broadcasting career and the pair decided to move south. “We made the…

IMO 2020 Mandate – Delays and Uncertainty

Carriers are still struggling to provide firm information on how they intend to handle the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandate to reduce marine pollution effective January 1, 2020. In two months, vessels will be required to have sulfur emission levels less than 0.5%. The carriers have publicly stated that this new mandate will cost the container shipping industry…

New Look, New Locations Planned for Special Displays at The Inspired Home Show 2020

When the housewares industry meets in Chicago next March for The Inspired Home Show, exhibitors and attendees will find not just a new name but new displays and new locations for many Show destinations. Formerly known as the International Home + Housewares Show, The Inspired Home Show, IHA's Global Home + Housewares Market, will be held March 14-17 at Chicago's McCormick Place…

UPU Agreement a Win for Housewares Industry

The housewares industry realized a victory when the Universal Postal Union (UPU) agreed in September to revise international shipping rates to not discriminate against U.S. shippers. Founded in 1875, the UPU sets postal rates among its member countries and had a formula where it cost about $20 to mail a small parcel in the U.S., but about $5 from China to the U.S. The…

gia Expert Tips for Visual Merchandising

by Anne Kong Surprise and delight shoppers with a dry, faux or paper floral installation that celebrates the season. Place on a wall, at the entryway or in an open space on the selling floor to spark up the store atmosphere. These types of installations visually inspire and draw customers into the store. Vary the types of the display set-up. Create table displays near…