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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.

Four Speakers Announced for 2016 IBC Global Forum

The 2016 IBC Global Forum will take place in Chicago on June 8-10. All IHA members who are interested in growing their international sales should attend to learn from and network with industry peers and key retailers & distributors. Four high-profile speakers confirmed to present include ACE Hardware Indonesia, Corporación Lady Lee and Hippie De Luxe. Details on…

Consumer Media Coverage Shines in Chicago!

Every year, hundreds of consumer media writers and bloggers visit the International Home + Housewares Show to find the latest products that will make an impact in the lives of consumers. This media coverage generates over 350 million consumer impressions in the United States alone, giving Show exhibitors nearly $10 million in free publicity. To see even more coverage, be sure…

Success to the Bold Innovator Friends

In March this year, retail store K’OOK! from the Netherlands became one of five global honorees celebrated at the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) in Chicago. In 2005, two friends with a passion for cooking and a desire for a new life, joined forces and established a small 35 square meter retail store in the Netherlands’ Wormerveer. Fast forward eleven years, and K’OOK!…

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…