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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.

Experts To Offer Insight on Navigating Transitional Times

The upcoming presidential election, a changing retail environment, aging consumers and global economic distress are presenting challenging times for the housewares industry. Experts in politics, retail, economics, marketing and supply chain logistics will offer insight into these issues as they explore “Navigating Transitional Times…Through Political, Economic and Cultural…

Possible Impacts of Hanjin’s Bankruptcy on Current Shipments

By: David P. Street and Brendan Collins, IHSA Legal Council As you are probably aware, Hanjin filed for bankruptcy protection in Korea on Wednesday August 31st. The filing came just a day after the company creditor's discontinued financial assistance of more than USD $896 million to keep the company operating. The Korean bankruptcy court will determine whether Hanjin should…

Cast Iron Shows Retail Strength

A staple used by pioneers, cast iron cookware is now being embraced by millennials. Specialty retailers say the 18-to-34-year-old crowd has led to an uptick in sales of the durable cookware, from high-end to basic pieces as millennial customers, who love local artisanship as much as they love value, find the two combined in pans in the style of those their great-grandmothers…

The Future of Omni-Channel Fulfillment

Today’s consumers shop at home 24/7 to compare products before purchase and they visit brick-and-mortar stores with specific goals in mind. They fill their shopping carts by clicking screens while on the go and by choosing items as they stroll through physical stores. At IHA’s 2016 CHESS conference, October 6-7, in Rosemont, Ill., housewares industry executives will learn…

IHA Members Visit Mexico’s Home and Housewares Market, Meet With Key Decision Makers During Trade Mission

Eleven housewares suppliers looking to enhance their international business took part in a trade mission to Mexico August 21 to 26 sponsored by the International Housewares Association. Participating were: Allied Kitchenware Company International, Gondol Plastik, Honey-Can-Do, Marcato, Maverick Housewares, Patisse Nederland, Picnic Time, Progressive International, Spectrum…

Hanjin Financial Issues

Although the International Housewares Shippers Association (IHSA) does not have a contract with Hanjin, we wanted to address their current financial situation. As expected, Hanjin did file for court receivership on August 31 after losing support of its banks. The court will decide whether Hanjin will continue to operate or be dissolved. This process normally takes two months…

Preparing for Risks in Unpredictable Times

Rarely have business leaders faced so many uncertainties about the future in domestic and global issues. Yet business leaders must make decisions and plan for the future in our turbulent geopolitical environment. The 2016 CHESS conference, October 6-7, in Rosemont, IL, offers top-level presentations for housewares industry executives. On Thursday, October 6 economist Bernard…

IHA Announces Prop 65 Protection Insurance for Members

The International Housewares Association is partnering with Wells Fargo Insurance to provide a new insurance program that can help members mitigate their liability under the California Proposition (Prop) 65 legislation. The Prop 65 Protection Program provides protection from the costs associated with defending a Prop 65 lawsuit specific to plasticizers, including fines,…

Mounting Losses Persist for Container Lines

Carrier profitability, or lack of profitability, is causing uncertainty with shippers heading into the busiest shipping period of the year. After reaching historical lows, container rates from Asia to United States have stabilized. Although stabilized, the rates have not rebounded to profitable levels. Hanjin and Hyundai are two carriers that have been fighting off bad…