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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.

USTR China Tariff Review Process Underway

As required by law, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced May 3 that it has initiated a four-year “review of necessity” process for tariffs on Chinese imports under Sec. 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. In a May 10 speech, President Joe Biden said combating inflation is his top domestic priority citing the pandemic, supply chain issues and war in Ukraine as the primary…

Congestion Switching to East Coast Ports

Shippers are watching how the contract talks between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) will play out during the month of June. Key players on both sides have indicated they expect a smooth negotiation process even if a contract is not concluded by the June 30, 2022 expiration date. Shippers are hoping negotiations…

Heart of the Community

Jamie Butler went from running a kitchen and homewares business from a retro-inspired truck that became a well-known attraction at farmers’ markets, to owning a much-loved store that has community firmly in its heart. by Michelle Hespe Jamie Butler has always loved beautiful and useful pieces for the home and kitchen and built up a career as a homewares buyer.…

Wings of Success

gia Global Honoree—Westwing Brasil—initially made its name and garnered its millions of followers online. Today however, its physical stores are proving to be just as popular, and as wonderfully creative, as its online campaigns and editorially led content. by Michelle Hespe Westwing Brasil was launched in December 2011 as a subsidiary of the German Westwing…

Immersion in the Weekend Life

The Argentinian gia Global Honoree—PAUL French Gallery—is a hidden sanctuary where relaxed weekend vibes are celebrated through an eclectic curation of beautiful products in a market-like atmosphere. by Michelle Hespe “We wanted to keep the original environment exposed, as we believe in bringing the original sense of things to the surface. To not hide them. We…

IHA Board Spring Strategic Meeting Focuses on Rebuilding Show Based on 2022 Enthusiasm, Continuing to Offer Member Services to Support Industry

ROSEMONT, Ill. (May. 18, 2022)—Members of IHA’s Board of Directors and several past Chairs gathered together along with senior IHA staff to review results of The Inspired Home Show 2022 and to discuss strategic direction for IHA, the Show and other IHA member services for 2023 and beyond. After a review of Association activities over the last two years, results of The Inspired…

Embracing New Fine Living

Some might assume that an ultra-modern store selling tech-based brands in a steel and stucco tunnel might lack warmth and a sense of hospitality. However, hengstyle is a haven where customers can relax, connect and immerse themselves in the finer things in life. by Michelle Hespe Taiwan’s gia-winning store – hengstyle – is devoted to “enriching life without boundaries.”…

West Coast Port Disruptions

Formal contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) begin on May 12, 2022. The ILWU represents port workers in California, Oregon and Washington. The PMA represents carriers and terminal operators at West Coast ports. The current ILWU contract is set to expire on June 30, 2022. Shippers have been…

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act goes to a House-Senate Conference

Key to untying the Gordian knot known as the supply-chain crisis is recognizing and addressing unreasonable business practices by ocean carriers. Some of these practices can likely be attributed to consolidation, and a recent report by Commissioner Carl Bentzel, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), finds the shipping container (“containerization”) was a key factor in this…