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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.

The Westin Michigan Avenue: Enjoy the Comforts of Home and Technology

Take advantage of the early bird discounted rate with complimentary WiFi during your time in Chicago for the International Home + Housewares Show. Book now and enjoy these additional incentives: Early-Bird Rate starting at $179, limited time offer Complimentary WiFi/Wired internet in guest rooms Complimentary access to WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio Reserve a Discount…

Trends: More Men Shop for Groceries

Though women remain the primary influence on how family consumer dollars are spent, more and more men are taking on responsibility for food shopping for their households. Chicago-based Midan Marketing surveyed men across the country to find out what their shopping habits were like, coming up with a group profile called “Manfluencer.” A manfluencer steps up to help with…

Stats: Grilling Fires up Year Round

A survey from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association reported 2016 could be a banner year for gilling. The move to cook outdoors is fueled by the same passion consumers have to cook indoors, according to HPBA president and CEO Jack Goldman, “We think this trend owes a lot of peoples’ continued passion for culinary adventure and bringing out the flavor of their…

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Baking makes a home feel cozy and safe, producing a caring atmosphere full of love and nurturing. Because baking makes those who bake happy and those around them grateful, Manuela Kjeilen started baking more. It was her life’s passion, although at first she didn’t know it. Manuela baked because she wanted to give something – everything – to her family. And when that family…

2015 CHESS Conference Highlights – The Future of Retail: Implications for the Housewares Industry

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Dana Telsey, Retail Analyst, CEO and Chief Research Officer, Telsey Advisory Group (TAG) Joe Feldman, Senior Managing Director, Telsey Advisory Group (TAG) The second day of CHESS kicked off with a bird’s eye view of the retail environment, guided by Dana Telsey and Joe Feldman of the Telsey Advisory Group (TAG). Based in New…

Retail Profile: Gourmet Way

Retailer: Gourmet Way Location: Hayden, Idaho Founded: 1998 Square footage: 2,800 sq. ft. Tiffani Roesler went shopping for a commercial kitchen and ended up with a kitchenware store. A personal trainer and avid cook and caterer, Roesler found her store, Gourmet Way, when a catering client tipped her off to the store’s kitchen space. “I was looking for a big kitchen and…

2015 CHESS Highlights – China Rising: How to Prepare for What’s Ahead

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator John Manzella is a world-recognized speaker on global business, competitive strategies and the latest economic trends. His op-eds have been nationally syndicated and his views have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other major media. He is president of Manzella Trade Communications, a strategic…

Grilling When the Snow Flies

Consumers’ passion for grilling is boosting sales of grills and grilling tools all year round. And that was is expected to continue in 2016, according to the latest State of the Barbecue Industry Report from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, which was released in late 2015. The report shows that even though half of grill owners already have basic grilling…

2015 CHESS Conference Highlights – Brand Shift: The Future of Brands and Marketing

Chief Housewares Executives Gather at Annual Strategic Senior-Level Conference Concept to Consumer: Innovative Strategies for Reaching Your Market By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator CHESS facilitator Dan Raftery introduced futurist David Houle for the Day One keynote presentation. Houle, who has advised more than 3000 business owners, is the co-author, with Owen…