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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.

Housewares History: Ever Think of Coffee Drinking as Romantic? Savor a Sip of 1930s Glamour

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator This elegant chrome-plated Maxwelton Braes Sunbeam COFFEEMASTER set, with brewer/server, table stove, circular tray, creamer and sugar, is a classic of Depression-era streamlined design. It was promoted by the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company in the late 1930s as one of the company’s glamorous tableside cooking appliances. The…

CHESS 2011 KEYNOTE: Peter Sims

By Judy Colitz, Manager of Special Events & Executive Services LITTLE BETS—INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CREATIVITY & DESIGN What do Apple CEO Steve Jobs, comedian Chris Rock, prize-winning architect Frank Gehry and the story developers at Pixar films all have in common? Best-selling author Peter Sims found that they all have achieved remarkable results using a…

Antique or Modern? A Look at Kitchen Evolution

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator In the late 1800s, home economists and social reformers focused their attention on the functionality of the American kitchen and improving the efficiency of domestic labor. Kitchen furnishings were spare, with an assortment of simple work tables, cupboards and wall shelves. By 1900, the pace of change sped up. Industrialization…

HECNA Global Forum Update: Getting To Know Ambiente Gourmet

By Lori Szudarek, Manager of International Services The Global Forum presents multiple opportunities for attendees to learn about and meet with global retailers who will be in on hand to speak about their retail outlets. Colombian Retailer, Ambiente Gourmet, has 22 stores within Colombia and the surrounding countries. Patricia Valez, CEO of Ambiente Gourmet, will…

Buyer Benefits of HC365

By Marie Kulik, Manager of Exhibitor Business Development With the International Home + Housewares Show featuring 2,000 exhibitors annually, including over 500 new companies at the 2011 Show, you need a good “game-plan” to navigate the housewares industry. The Show has developed housewares connect 365 - a year-round search/planning tool to make your Show experience as…

A Bake-Off Propels A Take-Off

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Nordic Ware Celebrates 65th Anniversary of Bakeware Innovations Today’s talented performers dream of winning American Idol or other TV competitions, knowing that success will follow. In 1966, when a woman won the 17th Pillsbury Bake-Off with her recipe for a cake baked in a Nordic Ware Bundt® pan, Pillsbury and Nordic Ware were…

Inside Discover Design: DEAGOURMET

By Marie Kulik, Manager of Exhibitor Business Development This edition of Inside Discover Design features Matteo Monni, General Manager of DEAGOURMET, a brand of the Italian company BONTA EXPRESS. Monni discussed how the Discover Design exhibit can help further high end design products, the future of the genre and more. Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and…

What’s Hot in Housewares This Upcoming Holiday Season?

By Wes French, Social Media Coordinator IHA is the leader when it comes to housewares, so it's no surprise that some of the industry's best come out to show off their newest products at our New York press events. Last month's event focused on products that you can expect to see flying off the shelves later this year; some items you might just be receiving come holiday…

CHESS 2011 Keynote Profile: Kip Tindell

By Judy Colitz, IHA Special Events & Exhibitor Services Container Store CEO Tindell will address Organization with Heart Kip Tindell has been at the helm of The Container Store since it first opened its doors in Dallas in 1978—creating the first-ever store devoted solely to storage and organization products. The company has locations from coast to coast, a thriving…