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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.

Design Debut: Discover the Newest Companies – Meet S2BH

Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services “What’s New?” is the big question at each International Home + Housewares Show. Retailers, media and exhibitors hunt for the latest products, trends and ideas. In 2014, the Show offers an exclusive, one-time occasion to a select group of young companies whose products demonstrate high design and innovation. These emerging talents…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Jonathon Kemnitzer, KEM Studio and Craighton Berman, Manual

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! The four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events as well as educational sessions. In these final weeks before the Show, we preview presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Robin Albing, Marsha Everton and Whitney Ryan, AIMsights

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Peter Greene, The Retail Equation

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Learn how to develop and launch the best products for your business. Educational sessions during the four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show offer FREE executive-level seminars. To help you plan your time at the Show, we give you a preview of the presentations at the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside…

Discover Design: Meet the Judges – Michael Higdon, National Building Museum

Michael Higdon, Retail Manager, National Building Museum By Vicki Matranga Design Programs + Services Retailers and media looking for trend-setting, high design products at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show head for Discover Design in South Building. The inspiring Discover Design Gallery,accessible to buyers and media, features products submitted for the Global…

HECNA: Australia’s Most Powerful Retailers Revealed

This past fall, Australia trade publication, Inside Retail Magazine, published its list of the most powerful retailers and coming out on top was Grant O’Brien of Woolworths. “This year Woolworths’ Grant O’Brein comes in at number one. O’Brien succeeded Michael Luscombe as MD and CEO of Woolworths in October 2011 after previous roles as COO Australian food and petrol, director…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Jim Klar, Easy2 Technologies

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! The four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events as well as educational sessions. To help you plan your time at the Show, we give you a preview of the presentations that will take place in the…

Retail News from Around the World

Big Lots Plans Canadian Departure As Losses Grow As part of its third quarter earnings announcement, Big Lots revealed that it is pulling out of Canada after two years of effort didn't produce the traction the retailer expected. In its earnings announcement, Big Lots posted a consolidated loss from continuing operations of $9.5 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, versus a…

What’s Your Impression? The Importance of the Right Booth Presentation

The first impression that a show attendee receives about your company comes from your booth display. Presentation is not only the booth design and display; it’s also showcasing your brand and representing yourself with a professional staff. You have seconds to grab a buyer's attention to introduce your brand and products. (For additional recommendations, consult this…