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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.

Stats: Politics Plays Role in Shopping

When former Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neill coined the phrase “All politics is local,” he didn’t know it at the time, but he could have been talking about retailing. According to a recent survey conducted by the NPD Group, consumers are paying closer attention than ever to politics these days and it is changing the way they shop. In a recent a survey, “The Holiday…

Trends: International Home + Housewares Show Promotes Trends

Looking for the latest housewares trends? Search no further than the International Home + Housewares Show which runs March 2-5, 2019 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. That’s where current product and consumer lifestyle trends are showcased and a host of experts weigh in on just where those trends are headed in the future. From special product displays to the IHA Global…

Home Appliances and Emerging Trends – A Global View Today

IHA connected with trends expert Norbert Herzog with GfK in Germany to hear about his perspectives on global appliance trends which he will discuss at the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include design innovation, smart home, digital commerce, and global market…

Stories to Sell: Global Trends in Retail

We talk to the four gia expert jurors about the new emotionally charged and uber-connected world of retail. by Michelle Hespe Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen Henrik Peter Reisby Nielsen, an expert at utilizing technology in retail, has noticed a massive trend in retail that is also reflected in everyday life: the pace at which people move and the speed at which they do things,…

The Tortoise Club, Chicago’s Premier Supper Club

By: Keene & Megan Addington, Owners Tortoise Supper Club is one of the rare family-owned restaurants in the River North area of Chicago, founded by lifelong Chicagoans Keene and Megan Addington. In true supper club style, guests can experience classic American dishes like steaks, chops, and seafood with knowledgeable and friendly service. Everything from sauces to syrups…

Omnichannel Impact on Housewares: Havoc or Opportunity?

IHA caught up with Peter Greene, practice director of consumer durables at Numerator, based in Chicago and San Francisco, to learn about research on omnichannel shopping behavior, which he will discuss at the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include design…

Adding History to Your Story

by Martin M. Pegler When you do a display—or merchandise presentation—you tell a “story”. It can be about how the products being featured complement a particular lifestyle or enhance an upcoming holiday dinner, or a new look or trend in home or housewares. Whatever you are trying to promote will benefit if you can illustrate a story in your display, especially if you can…

Experience the Hip & Historic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel is a hotel partner for the 2019 Show! Book now and enjoy these incentives: Rates as low as $149 (early-bird rate expires December 31) Complimentary Guest Room Internet and Fitness Center Access Self-service business center and connectivity station Triple Points Earned 25% discount in Lockwood Restaurant & Bar and Potter's…

Increasing Impulse Shopping

by Martin M. Pegler If visual merchandising or display is vital anywhere in the retail space, it must be where impulse items are being offered. The whole concept of “impulse shopping” is based on attracting the shopper to a product that she did not come into the store to buy. It means, “waving a flag” in front of her—making her stop, take notice of, maybe try or touch, and…