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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.

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…

Ocean Freight Update: Ocean Carriers’ Action Indicates Weak Demand

Ocean carriers are entering their busiest shipping phase known as peak season to those familiar with the container shipping industry. It is traditional for ocean carriers to impose a “Peak Season Surcharge” (PSS) on containers shipped from Asia to the United States during this peak period. The PSS is a good tool for shippers to gauge how carriers view future demand in the…

Wal-Mart to sell Chinese online business to retailer JD.com

According to the Walmart corporate website, the retailer "announced that they have formed a strategic alliance to better serve consumers across China through a powerful combination of e-commerce and retail." “We’re excited about teaming up with such a strong leader in JD.com, and the potential that this new relationship creates for customers in China, as well as for our…

Coloring Carefully

Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen on using color on website Henrik is the CEO and Founder of CleverBinder, a productivity service that connects retailers and their customers via truly innovative software solutions. He also owns ReisbyConsult, a consulting company for retailers on design, color palattes, innovation and new technology. “It takes a lot of effort, knowledge and…