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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.

Retail’s New Best Friend

As the heart and soul of retailing further evolves, stores and the essence of shopping will continue to morph in unimaginable ways. However, amidst the storm of change, there is one aspect of shopping that remains pure, constant and motivational – the aspirational moment. For some, an aspirational moment is walking through the ABC Carpet Emporium in New York City, where the…

Euromonitor International Presents: Global Economy in 2019

In their recent webinar, Global Economy in 2019, Euromonitor International suggests that the growth momentum in many of the top world economies may have peaked and that there is an expectation of growth to weaken in developed economies in 2019. Euromonitor anticipates that emerging economies, including China, India, Brazil, Mexico and Russia have an estimated GDP growth rate of…

A Lot Can Change in a Year! See What’s New at the 2019 Show

Every March, we organize more than 2,200 exhibitors showcasing thousands of new home products into distinctive show-within-a-show expos at the International Home + Housewares Show. And just as the industry and consumers are constantly evolving, so is the Show. So in case you're thinking, 'I've been there before, or I was just there last year, no need to attend again in…

Retail Profile: Grand Fête

Retail Profile: Grand Fête Location: Hudson, Wis. Founded: May 2017 Co-owners: Kay Timm, Jane Wegand and Lynn Ulrich Square Footage: 1,800 sq. ft. Rent or Own: Rent The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a grande fête as a way “to honor something with a large party or public celebration” and that’s the mood the trio of owners of the Grand Fête in Hudson seek to set…

Discovering Design: Dreamfarm

by Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator, International Housewares Association “Great design must solve problems” believes the crew at Dreamfarm, a problem-solving company that grows ideas for clever, useful kitchen and household products. “The hardest part of our job isn’t coming up with a solution,” says Alex Gransbury, Dreamfarm’s founder, “it’s finding a problem…

Rich History Meets Modern Luxury at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago

Book now and enjoy these incentives: Early-Bird Rate as low as $135 has been extended 10% Discount at F+B Outlets Complimentary WiFi Complimentary Access to Fitness Center Complimentary Package Delivery Complimentary In-Room Tea/Coffee Book Your Discounted Room at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago > The 4-Star Millennium…

December Currency Outlook

In their December 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief The Fed has hinted at slowing the pace of interest rate hikes, thus slowing the momentum of the USD Despite pressure on the USD, consistent economic data kept it afloat November oil…

A Tariff Update: Initial Implications of the “90-Day Hold”

China and the United States held high-level trade talks at the G20 in Argentina and although many of the details are unknown or being debated, the decision to halt additional tariffs is a welcome development to housewares manufacturers and retailers. The planned increase to “List 3” tariffs from the current 10% level to 25% on January 1, 2019 was going to be painful to the…

IHA Trade Mission Will Explore Japan and South Korea Markets

Two important housewares markets are next for the IHA’s Trade Mission program as the plan to visit Tokyo and Seoul in June of 2019 is announced. Housewares suppliers interested in starting or building existing business in the home and housewares markets in the region can meet with key retailers and distributors and learn about the retail environment during the mission scheduled…