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Those earning HECNA Global Trade Specialists awards were honored today in Panama City at the Global Forum.  HECNA members earn credits by attending official educational programs and by participating in trade missions and events.  Four members achieved the Level 1 distinction by earning 20 credits,  and one member achieved the Level 2 distinction by earning 40 credits. Level 1…

  This afternoon's program began with a presentation from Alejandro Lorenzo from Ace International.     Highlights include:   - Ace International has a network of 600 stores in 60 countries and operate in regions that have recently been given more purchasing autonomy.   - They have over 3,500 items in stock in their warehouse in Panama, and…

In the second half of this morning's session, Lucio Bernal, Home Sentry's General Manager, shared the story of this Colombian retailer and its growth from being hardware focused into a more full-line home products retailer.  Free standing stores are approximately 30,000 square feet, and shopping mall stores are approximately 10,000 square feet.  Home Sentry is transferring…

This morning's program featured market reports on Brazil, France and Australia.  The first presentation from Andre Carvalho from distributor Dellar focused on the dynamics affecting the growing consumer market in Brazil. Among his key points are: - Currency fluctuations create challenges for any supplier. - The size of the country makes freight costs a factor in pricing. -…

This afternoon, after an informative presentation on EU requirements for food contact products by Donald Moffett, Wilton Brands' Director of Global Compliance and Quality Assurance, Global Forum attendees are learning more about the South Africa market from the ultimate market insider, Annemie Fourie.   Ms. Fourie first entered the global housewares marketplace as a…

The second day of the HECNA Global Forum opened in Panama City, Panama with a deep dive into the intricacies of U.S. export controls with a presentation by Maarten Sengers of BSG Consulting. Martin claims, with tongue in cheek, to have dreamed as a child of becoming an export compliance expert.   Maartin goes on to share with attendees what the U.S. government…

IHA's HECNA Global Forum kicked-off today in Panama City, Panama with a tour of a broad range of Panamanian retailers.  Retail destinations  on the roster for Global Forum attendees included: Riba Smith, Piex, Arrocha, Collins, Do it Center, Dorian's, Novy and Stevens along with a stop atAlbrook Mall, with its aisles full of Sunday shoppers.  Familiar U.S. And Canadian brands…