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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.

Asia to U.S.A. – Spot Rates Increase

The International Housewares Shippers Association (IHSA) has been closely monitoring freight rates in the Asia to United States market. The carriers have made eight attempts to increase freight rates in this market since May 2015. Every attempt failed until July 2016. The biggest obstacle to the previous attempted increases was simple economics. The amount of capacity in the…

Retail Profile: The Grey Goose Cookery

Retailer: The Grey Goose Cookery Location: Mystic, Conn. Owner: Suzanne Lane Square footage: 4,000 sq. ft. The Grey Goose Cookery bills itself as a “one-stop kitchen store,” and with 4,000 square feet filled with products ranging from cutlery to gourmet foods, it fits that bill for the locals and tourists alike in Mystic, Conn. Located in the heart of Mystic’s prime…

Retailers Not Chipping In On Credit Cards

Even though banks mandated the use of chip-enhanced credit and debit cards last October, many small specialty retailers have yet to adopt the technology. Though the major credit card companies are calling the changeover a success, retailers are not convinced, citing the extra time it seems to take for each transaction along with the cost of implementing the technology as…

Preview: IHA’s Annual CHESS Conference

Navigating Transitional Times…Through Political, Economic and Market Shifts October 6-7, Rosemont, IL It's important for industry leaders to stay up-to-date on positive business practices and to learn how to navigate through today's uncertain environment. IHA’s annual CHESS conference (Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession) for industry decision-makers will offer insights…

John Lewis to Tie Up with Myer in Australia

The Sydney Morning News reports that British department stores operator will bring its “successful homewares category” to a partnership with Australia retailer Myer. The News reports that “by the end of the year the first of this new ‘department store within a department store’ concept will open in Sydney's Northern Beaches Warringah Mall retail centre followed by rapid-fire…

Trends: Turning Food Shoppers into Housewares Buyers

Thanks to the rebound of home cooking, retailers have more chances than ever to turn food shoppers into housewares buyers, according to a panel of retailers and category experts at the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show. Think healthy cooking, starting with the gadgets used to slice and dice a home-cooked meal. For those who might have missed the Show, the seminar,…

Retail Profile: The Good Table

Retailer: The Good Table Location: Belfast, Maine Owner: Vicki Tarbell Founded: 1989 Square footage: 4,000 sq. ft. The sleepy town of Belfast, Maine, has changed since Vicki Tarbell first opened her store, The Good Table, in 1989. Buoyed by the stunning mid-coast Maine scenery, the area has grown as a vacation destination for summer visitors and residents from, as…

Retailers Applaud 2016 Housewares Show Product Innovation, Exhibitors

Retailers who attended the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show last March praised the Show for its wealth of exhibitors and new product, as well as the chance to get in a good, daily workout. “We attended the IHA Show in March as we always profit from the information gained early in the year while attending that show,” says Martha Nading, owner of The Extra Ingredient,…

2016 Global Forum – Recap & What’s Next for IHA Members Looking to Grow Global Sales

During the 2016 International Business Council’s Global Forum, held in Chicago, June 8-10, attendees came to discuss difficulties with international sales and seek solutions through networking with other IHA suppliers in attendance. One attendee noted, “It was great to brainstorm with other companies and to realize that our issues are not unique. It's good to know there are…