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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.

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Market Reports Across the World, Part 2

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…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Market Reports Across the World, Part 1

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. -…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Annemie Fourie and the South African Market

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…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Maarten Sengers & U.S. Export Controls

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…

Live from the HECNA Global Forum: Retail Tour Kicks Off 2013 in Panama!

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…

How to Effectively Communicate Online

By E-Power Marketing Team Online communication has become more and more important, whether you’re talking to customers across the country or suppliers across the globe. Keeping up with communication trends and being able to tailor your communication methods to your audience’s needs will keep you ahead of the competition. The Internet has created a shift from Push to…

Housewares Focus on China & Japan

China and Japan are two dynamic country markets with which you may have prior trade – particularly importing experience. In late September, HECNA is offering an opportunity to conduct business in the reverse direction through exporting. Each of these critical Asian markets presents unique growth trends for you to be aware of and try to capture. As with all market entry,…

Now Simmering: Sous Vide

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Lifting the Lid on a New Cooking Product Category Occasionally a new product concept bursts on the scene and rockets to success. At other times we are unaware of a new product category simmering on the back burner. Compelling new products respond to varied trends to satisfy the needs of a wide public or a narrow one. Many…

A Key Industry Trade Show in Russia

HouseHold Expo, a leading home and housewares industry trade fair in Russia, takes place in Moscow twice a year. The 12th edition of the fair, 2013 HouseHold Expo Autumn is organized on September 17-20, simultaneously with the Stylish Home, Objects & Tableware exhibition. A specialized exhibition of dinnerware, giftware, household and home care goods, HouseHold Expo,…