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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.

Living the Dream

If Patricia Velez embarks on a new venture, her passion is the project’s driving force. Inspiring others has also always been paramount to her, and so her latest incarnation—as the founder and CEO of Ambiente Living —has meant bringing these two facets of her approach to life and work together. There are now 30 Ambiente Gourmet stores in Colombia and two Ambiente Living…

WELCOME THE NEW RESIDENCE INN LOOP TO THE HOUSEWARES BLOCK, A RESIDENCE INN UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Book now and enjoy these additional incentives: - Low rate of $175 + tax for all housewares guests. - Earn Marriott points by booking your stay at the Residence Inn Loop - An all-suite property that includes complimentary breakfast and in-room internet with your rate. Book You Discounted Room at Residence Inn Loop Where historical splendor meets modern amenities. It’s…

Thirty-five percent of Chinese online shoppers bought goods from overseas

China Daily Europe has reported that Chinese consumers are reaching across borders to buy products. Several findings include: The United States remains the most popular destination for Chinese cross-border online shopping, while in 2015 Japan and South Korea took second and third place respectively. The overall incidence of Chinese cross-border online shopping has increased…

John Lewis to enter Middle East with Dubai tie-up

Reuters recently reported that John Lewis Partnership, Britain's largest department store group, is to enter the Middle East market, opening an outlet in Dubai next year as it steps up the pace of global expansion. Reuters said that “the employee-owned firm said on Monday the 15,000 square feet space, its largest such overseas concession, will open within the new flagship…

Discovering Design: Eva Solo

For more than 100 years, the Danish company Eva Solo, founded in 1913, has believed that Good Design is Everything. Known for its distinctive functional and stylish products for kitchen, bath, home and garden, each Eva Solo product begins 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…

Lowe’s, Home Improvement Retailer, to Buy Rona of Canada for $2.28 Billion

North Carolina-based retailer, Lowe’s announced that it has “reached a friendly deal to acquire Rona”, a Canadian chain. According to the New York Times, “The acquisition will make Lowe’s the dominant home improvement company in Canada.” Read more here. …

Trends: Working Moms, Rushed Consumers

As brick-and-mortar retailers, especially smaller ones, try to reach their primary shopper, they are competing for a person with very little time. Or at least that is how she perceives her situation. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, for full-time working mothers who balance their jobs and obligations ranging from child care to shopping, “feeling…

China’s Consumers Begin to Awake

Andy Kessler, former hedge fund manager, has a recent piece in the Op Ed section of the Wall Street Journal in which he says, “This trend toward consumerism is already under way—China’s big cities are plastered with ads for Porsche, Gucci and Apple products. Some 600 million Chinese have smartphones. Uber and local Didi Kuaidi are battling it out to offer rides. Airbnb is…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Udo Jansen, GfK Retail and Technology|GmbH

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator GfK, founded in 1934 in Germany, is one of the largest global marketing research companies. With more than 13,000 employees in countries on every continent, GfK identifies and develops strategic opportunities; collects and analyzes large data sets and offers business solutions in many areas from consumer experiences to supply chain…