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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.

Influential Housewares Trends

Changing technologies, product materials, functionality, consumer lifestyles and fashion have all played roles in determining the trends that have left an impression on housewares products. HomeWorld Business took a look to the past for newsworthy housewares trends that have affected product development across a wide spectrum. Of the 25 trends that they had identified, 10 are…

Retail Design Trends of 2015

What are the current and emerging trends in retail design and what should you watch out for to ensure that you are ahead of the game? After all, one thing will never change, to be a top retailer you have to remain top of people’s minds, and that means continually offering a refreshing and exciting retail experience that is unique and arresting. Wolfgang Gruschwitz is a man…

Hong Kong Trade Development Council Presents Think Asia, Think Hong Kong

Hong Kong Trade Development Council Presents Think Asia, Think Hong Kong June 10, 2015 Chicago McCormick Place, West Building This full day event, sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will feature insights on working with resources in Hong Kong as a gateway to Asia. This complimentary program will feature presentations and panels lead by Hong Kong…

What Shapes the Trends for 2015?

Trend Bible is a home and interiors-dedicated forecasting agency working with leading international brands to help them understand the future of their market. They forecast future trends in the behavior of consumers in a two-five year timeframe and analyze how this will impact the home environment. The Trend Bible seasonal forecasts for the home and interior industry are…

2014 Housewares Exports – Positive Growth Trends

U.S. Housewares exports turned in a spectacular performance in 2014. Total exports rose 6.4% reaching over $ 4.6 billion in sales for the year! Since 2012 exports have soared 10.5% and every product category has increased substantially. Some factors that contributed to the rise included the low U.S. dollar rate which lasted into early 2014 making exports easier to price,…

Inside Discover Design: black + blum

Based in London, black+blum is an Anglo-Swiss design partnership who joined forces in 1998. The black+blum designs have won numerous awards, including a gia Global Honoree award for the best product design in 2011, and are sold through selected stores all over the world. IHA: Where do you find inspiration when designing new products? DB: We get inspired by everything and…

From the World of Design And Fashion – Tom Mirabile

Tom Mirabile is a lover of color, art, design and fashion, a trend forecaster and analyst, and an inspiration to many. Listening to Tom Mirabile talk about style, trends, color and retail is truly inspiring. And taking on some of his advice could set you on your way to becoming a retail success, and an inspiration to others. Mirabile is always at the forefront of what’s…

Inspiring Innovation: A Conversation with Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, and Katy Lynch, Manifest Digital

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator The four days of the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events and educational sessions. To help you plan your valuable time at the Show, we preview the 21 presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center. Don’t miss the chance to meet the speakers in person and for the…

Inspiring Innovation: A Conversation with Keith Barry, Reviewed.com; Ian Swanson, DataScience, Matt McGovren, Wink and Peter Taylor, Belkin/WeMo

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! Be sure to attend some of the free executive-level educational sessions at the Innovation Theater. These programs will give you a fresh perspective as you walk the Show and will inspire, inform and improve your business. The four…