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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.

HCF to Honor Three Industry Veterans at March Gala

Shelley Salomon, vice president Home, Pets and Toys at Amazon; Bill Dillard III, senior vice president, Dillard’s; and Georg J. Riedel, owner, Riedel, will be honored for their philanthropic endeavors by the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) during its 21st annual gala on Monday, March 12 during the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. Salomon will receive…

The Fresh Face of Retail

by Michelle Hespe We speak to Anne Kong, expert juror from the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia), about fresh trends in sustainable retailing. When brands like Apple make big changes in their approach to retail and branding, you know there’s change a-foot. In Apple’s new stores, the products are still the main drawcard, but the clever place-making is what makes people…

2018 International Home + Housewares Show is Sold Out

The 2018 International Home + Housewares Show sold out in late December, more than 10 weeks before opening day, according to the International Housewares Association (IHA), the Show’s owner and operator. The Show begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 and closes at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13. “The high demand to be a part of our world-class marketplace continues for our…

Retail Profile: The Chopping Block

Retail Profile: The Chopping Block Owner: Shelley Young Location: Chicago Square feet: 12,000, spread over two locations (Lincoln Square and The Merchandise Mart), including six different kitchens Founded: 1997 Twenty years ago, chef Shelley Young opened a small store, more like a cottage, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood to teach cooking classes and maybe sell…

Discover Design: Meet Sovaro

IHA gets acquainted with Katie Nisbet, director of marketing at SOVARO, which will feature its products for entertaining in style during its first appearance at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show in booth N8705 in Discover Design. Katie, tell us about how your company started. Based in Batavia, Ill., a suburb west of Chicago, SOVARO was founded in 2015 with our…

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…