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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.

Inspiring the Industry – Rick Bayless

To most Americans, especially if they have a penchant for Mexican food, Rick Bayless needs no introduction. Most people know Bayless from winning the title of Bravo's Top Chef Master with his authentic Mexican cuisine offerings when he was up against French and Italian master chefs. He also has a hugely popular TV series called Mexico: One Plate at a Time, and is the author of…

Chicago – Inspiration by Culture

From the bottom of the sea to the tops of the stars, Chicago culture has it all on display. The Downtown Museum Campus is home to three great attractions: the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. For art lovers, the Art Institute of Chicago offers masterpieces from ancient to ultra-modern, and the various other cultural institutions…

Looking for an Experienced Canadian PR Firm?

Gourmetbuzz Inc. is a Canadian marketing and public relations company with counterparts in the USA as well to cover your home and housewares PR needs. Long term public relations can be an investment in the brand and the visibility of a firm or individual that results in increased recognition and reputation. With over 17 years of marketing and PR experience in the home and…

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…