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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.

Navigating AI in Open Shipping

by Dave Akers, IHSA "Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." — Albert Einstein Many of us already use AI technology in our workplace and realize the time and productivity advantages it affords us. We also know that AI is something that must be controlled and checked for accuracy. But through use and mastery, it can become more accurate and…

IEEPA Refunds, CIT Lawsuits and Tariff Retreats

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — With many legal observers predicting the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will rule against President Trump’s ability to use the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on some 200 countries and “fentanyl tariffs” on Canada, Mexico and China, American companies that paid the tariffs…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – January

December 23 – Visa: Holiday Spending Rose 4.2%; In-Store Sales Capture 73% of Spend General merchandise stores saw a 3.7% lift as consumers sought out convenience, Visa noted. From: Chain Store Age December 23 – Deal to Sell 120 J.C. Penney Stores for $950M Falls Through Shareholders include Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group and…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – December

November 30 – A Measure of Success: Independent Retailer Index 38% of respondents reported that sales increased in Q2 2025 versus Q2 2024. From: Hardware Retailing November 26 – Belk Set to Debut Smaller Store Concept with Local Flavors Each of the Belk Market stores will offer a curated assortment of national and private label brands in the smaller footprint. …

Navigating China “Nearshoring” to North America?

by Dave Akers, IHSA "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Ancient Chinese proverb, Lao Tzu Most of us have heard this (translated) Ancient Chinese proverb, but the Chinese have adopted this ancient proverb. The essential concept of this proverb is that huge goals must be broken down into smaller, manageable parts and that it can be applied to all…

Potential IEEPA Tariff Refunds

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — On Nov. 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments on whether the Trump Administration can use the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on some 200 countries and “fentanyl tariffs” on Canada, Mexico and China. The tariff cases, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v.…

Navigating Decarbonization of Ocean Shipping

by Dave Akers, IHSA "In a huge step toward our 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the company has declared war on the office thermostat" - Unknown The decarbonization of ocean shipping is a critical global effort of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce the maritime industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by or…

November Trade and Tariff Updates

by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group — This edition reviews trade agreements from President Trump’s Asia trip; a new investigation into China’s compliance with previous agreements; adding more International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff exemptions; and recent Senate votes rejecting President Trump’s tariffs. President Trump’s Asia Trade Agreements President…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – November

October 30 – Hy-Vee Makes $125K Donation to Nourish Local Families Hy-Vee has donated $25,000 to DoorDash’s new initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits, helping families stretch their budgets even further. From: Drug Store News October 30 – Why This Manufacturer isn’t Crumbling Under Tariff…