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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.

IBC Global Forum: Part 3 – Pragmatically Approaching Western Europe

This is Part Three of a four part series. Part One Part Two Part Four Workshop Session Challenges Attendees to Examine Markets In this interactive portion of the program, attendees were invited to share their questions and perspectives of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) in doing business in Europe. The four discussion groups joined representatives from…

IBC Global Forum: Part 2 – Pragmatically Approaching Western Europe

This is Part Two of a four part series. Part One Part Three Part Four Market Strategies Boutet outlined how to consider price, margins, rebates and logistics and special demands. He concluded by challenging the audience to examine their own companies’ SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats before entering European markets. Practices vary on these key…

IBC Global Forum: Pragmatically Approaching Western Europe

Speaker: François Boutet, CEO, START’HOM Europe In 2002, François Boutet founded START’HOMEurope, a commercial consulting agency that helps consumer goods suppliers implement their sales strategies throughout Europe. Prior to founding START’HOMEurope, Mr. Boutet worked within the consumer goods industry for Leifheit in France and Hills Industries Ltd. within Europe. With…

IBC Global Forum Kicks Off in Chicago

The IBC Global Forum is underway with attendees and speakers coming from over 10 countries. The Global Forum is a gathering of housewares industry professionals who are eager to learn and share best practices on selling products internationally. The conference began today with a presentation by Jeff Murphy of Wilton Brands who explained the basics of international…

Setting up for Success with Social Media

When Melissa Maker looked critically at her Toronto-based cleaning business in 2006, she knew that with the internet and social media cementing itself in people’s daily lives and with YouTube being recognized as more than just a platform for musicians, she could leverage what was happening in this brave new world of technology to increase her brand visibility and ultimately,…

CHESS 2016 to Examine Navigating Transitional Times

Political Pundit Charlie Cook, Retail Analyst Dana Telsey Lead Keynote Sessions The November presidential election will bring a change to the political, economic and cultural landscape in America with a ripple effect around the world. Housewares executives can gain insight into what to expect from these changes as experts in politics, retail and economics explore “Navigating…

Is Your Company Prepared for SOLAS?

If your company ships ocean containers, you need to prepared for SOLAS. Effective July 1, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be enforcing a new regulation in the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). This new regulation mandates that shippers provide a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for every container as a condition for loading onto a ship for export. VGM…

Inspiring the Industry – Leatrice Eiseman

For anyone involved in retail or a creative industry, or simply anyone with a love of color, Pantone and Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman need no introduction. The author of nine books on color, a color consultant to industry and a regular speaker around the globe at retail trade shows, as well as the originator of color training programs held twice a year, Eiseman has been inspiring…

Sessions on International Sales Issues, Global Markets

Housewares suppliers new to the international arena or veteran sales executives wanting to grow their global business will benefit from IHA’s 2016 Global Forum, to be held June 8-10 at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago. Overviews by key housewares buyers covering China, Denmark, Honduras, Indonesia, Norway and Sweden along with sessions on critical international business…