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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.

Local Lords

In Chicago this year, UK-based retailer Lords was chosen one of the top five retail stores in the world in the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) hosted by the International Housewares Association. Upon meeting the founding sisters of Lords — Rachna Dewan and Rita Dewan — there is an immediate sense of warmth, support and comradery. The pair, who are (respectively) Director…

Tesco Shows Volume Growth

The New York Times reported on April 14 that British retailer Tesco has reported positive sales results. “’More customers are buying more things more often at Tesco, said [Dave Lewis, Tesco’s chief executive], highlighting a fourth-quarter British volume growth of 3.3 percent and a 2.8 percent rise in customer transactions.” For more information, please click here.…

Sainsbury Wins Battle for Argos Owner, Home Retail

The Wall Street Journal reported April 1 that “Home Retail Group PLC … said it will recommend J Sainsbury PLC’s £1.4 billion ($2.01 billion) takeover of the company, ending a four-month-long battle to buy the Argos owner. “Sainsbury’s said Home Retail directors unanimously recommend its offer, which will be made through a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement and is…

What’s Influencing Design and Technology for the Home in 2017?

In this article, we take an exclusive look at one of four trends forecast for Spring-Summer 2017. Recently revealed at the International Home + Housewares Show during our Home and Interior Design Trends 2017 presentation, we share Activate. Activate takes influence from the rise of smart technology assisting our everyday routines. This trend highlights how these changes in…

International Housewares Shippers Association Issues Refund to Members

The International Housewares Shippers Association (IHSA) issued a refund to participants for 2015 totaling $186,139. The refund, which has become a staple of IHSA, is awarded by the IHSA Board of Directors at the conclusion of the association’s fiscal year. Each participant’s share depends on their level of participation and is based on every 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU)…

IBC Global Forum

The essential annual meeting for sales professionals and companies looking to grow their international business. The IBC Global Forum brings together strategic planning and pragmatic international information to facilitate sales and business development in key export markets. Extensive networking with housewares buyers, industry professionals and seasoned IBC members presents…

Discovering Design: Eva Solo

Known for its distinctive functional and stylish products for kitchen, bath, home and garden, each Eva Solo products begin with an idea for an item that enhances life at home. Such good design results in beautiful products that are a joy to use and to own. Now under the leadership of the founding family’s fourth generation, Eva Solo builds on its heritage while exploring new…

Housewares Charity Foundation Raises Record $2.6 Million at Annual Gala

Showing it is smart to have heart, the housewares industry raised a record $2.6 million during the Housewares Charity Foundation’s (HCF) 19th annual gala on March 7. Proceeds from the event, held at Chicago’s Navy Pier, benefited The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF’s legacy charity, the Housewares Charity Foundation Fund in Memory of Judy Colitz and God’s Love…

The New Rules of Engagement

Get Connected, Stay Fresh, Make It Personal It’s never been more important to view consumers in three dimensions, Tom Mirabile told an audience equipped with 3D glasses at the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show. “Today’s housewares consumers are multi-faceted, and embracing change is crucial,” said Mirabile, who is IHA’s lifestyle trend forecaster and the senior vice…