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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.

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Naomi Shedden, Trend Bible

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Trend Bible is a UK-based trend agency dedicated to home and interiors. The firm works with global brands to predict and capitalize on future changes affecting their consumers. Trend Bible produces a series of industry-specific trend and insight publications and crafts bespoke consultancy services for individual clients. As…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Perry James, The NPD Group

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Since 2013, Perry James is president of U.S hardlines at The NPD Group, the category which encompasses the automotive aftermarket, home, office supplies and toys businesses. In an earlier role, he was president of the home and office supplies division which he successfully launched in 2007. James is responsible for all aspects of…

Trends: Fresh food appeals to younger shoppers

How consumers eat has a direct impact on kitchenware stores, who strive to sell those consumers the tools they need for their cooking adventures. For instance, if shoppers favor easy-cook frozen meals, microwaves top their shopping lists. However, a study by The NPD Group finds that consumers, especially younger consumers, are turning to fresh fruits and vegetables more than…

Brand Licensing in the Housewares Market

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Informing Innovation: An Interview with Jessica Blue, Advanstar and Stu Seltzer, Seltzer Licensing Jessica Blue is vice president of Licensing Expo, which is owned by UBM Advanstar. She is responsible for the strategic planning, growth, sales and day-to-day management of the annual Licensing Expo. Now in its 35th year, Licensing…

JW Marriott Chicago Makes Its Debut in Housewares’ Official Housing Block

- A low, introductory rate of $194 + tax for the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show. - Earn Marriott points by booking your stay at the JW Marriott Chicago. - Located in the heart of the Historical Theatre District, walking distance to famous State Street shopping and restaurants. - Enjoy $5 appetizers and cocktails Monday - Friday from 5-7 pm in the Lobby…

It’s Smart to Have Heart at Housewares Charity Foundation 2016 Gala

Industry Leaders Terry Lundgren and Lester Gribetz to Receive Honors Terry Lundgren, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Macy’s, Inc., and Lester Gribetz, president of Lenox Corporation, will be honored by the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) during its 19th Annual Housewares Charity Foundation Gala on Monday evening, March 7, during the 2016 International Home +…

Work, Love, Play: Millennials Reshaping Your Business

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Informing Innovation: An Interview with Marsha Everton, The AIMsights Group The AIMsights Group focuses on analysis, insights and targeted marketing strategies to help companies "get smart" about Millennials and Boomers – and how they influence each other. AIMsights products and services include custom research and analysis for…

Introducing the 2016 gia Global Honorees

Of the 25 national gia Global Innovation Award winners of 2015-2016, five stores were selected the most innovative, outstanding retailers on the planet. We check out what makes them so unique and outstanding. The top five stores declared gia Global Innovation Honorees in 2016 were: Lakehouse from Canada, Illums Bolighus from Denmark, Kitchen Shop from Malaysia, K’OOK! from…

Retail Profile: Whisk

Retailer: Whisk Location: Cary, N.C. Owner: Dan and Diana Saklad Founded: 2013 Square footage: 4,000 sq. ft. Dan and Diana Saklad put their respective business and retail savvy to good use when they founded Whisk, in the heart of North Carolina’s industry-heavy Research Triangle. Dan, who has a background in brand marketing, and Diana, who grew up in a retail family,…