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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.

Connected Souls: Housewares Industry Trends by Trend Bible

by Jenna Galley, Insight Editor, Trend Bible Trend Bible is a home and interiors-dedicated forecasting agency working with leading international brands to help them understand the future of their market. They forecast future trends in the behavior of consumers in a two-to-five year timeframe and analyze how this will impact the home environment. A deep connection with the…

Inviting Accommodations Await You at the Courtyard Chicago Downtown

Book now and enjoy: A prime location ½ block off the Magnificent Mile Newly Renovated Guestrooms (Spring 2017); IHA Rates Start at $154.00 Complimentary High-Speed Wireless Internet access throughout the Hotel Indoor Pool and Fitness Center Full Service Starbucks and Restaurant, Copper Fox, located in the Lobby Earn Marriott Rewards Points: 10 per $1…

Trending Today: Hydration

by Michelle Hespe At the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago, the hydration trend will be spotlighted in a new pre-Show event featuring an innovative range of approaches to water bottles and hydration, created by companies actively helping people to protect the planet by reducing plastic waste. In an era where people are more aware than ever that we need…

Advocacy Marketing: A Comprehensive Approach to Retail

IHA got acquainted with Nick Stagge of ExpertVoice to learn about influencer marketing and how it is changing the ways brands communicate with their audiences, which he will outline at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include smart home, consumer shopping…

2018 Currency Outlook

In their 2018 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections regarding 2017’s economic events and 2018’s outlook: In Brief The Federal Reserve increased interest rates three times, however USD fell 10% The Euro surged 15% in spate of political unrest in Europe…

Housewares LIVE: How Brand Can Inspire Audiences with Live Video

IHA tracked down Fritz Brumder of Brandlive to learn about how brands can interact with their audiences via new digital platforms, which he will address in his presentation at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics discussed will include smart home, consumer shopping preferences,…

Celebrating 80+ Years of Housewares History

The International Housewares Association and the Housewares Industry have a rich history dating back more than 80 years. In honor of IHA’s 80th Anniversary, here is a look back at some of the highlights: 1906 First house furnishing exhibition in the U.S. is held in New York’s Madison Square Garden. It is conceived by Isbon Scott, editor of House Furnishing Review,…

Global Retail Intelligence – January

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: January 31 – Walmart May Buy a Stake in India's Answer to Amazon Walmart is negotiating to acquire a 15% to 20% stake in India’s leading homegrown e-commerce firm Flipkart. A deal would give both companies a greater advantage in competing with Amazon in India, according to the sources. From Fortune January…

There’s No Business Like Show Business! Part 2

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator This is part two of a two part series. Read part one: There's No Business Like Show Business! Part 1 Pots, Pans and Prosperity: Biggest Gadget Show on Earth From 1939 to 1991, the National Housewares Manufacturers Association (NHMA), based in Chicago, mounted two shows per year. For nearly 40 years, its national housewares…