All Posts

IHA’s blog features informative posts written to keep the housewares industry educated and informed about key strategic issues and IHA member services.

Trends: I-Generation Rocks Black Friday

Of all the shoppers expected to be looking for deals this upcoming holiday season, younger consumers are the most likely to shop in stores on Black Friday. That’s according to a report from Mintel that interviewed 18-22-year-old shoppers (part of the so-called I-Generation of 10-22 years of age) and found that 42 percent are most likely to be in stores on Black Friday, more…

House Considering Tax Reform, Manufacturers / Consumer Goods Suppliers Must Engage

Bold tax reform is making its way through Congress thanks to the efforts of manufacturers and consumer goods suppliers making their voices heard. Following last week’s 24-16 vote of approval from the House Ways & Means Committee, a House floor vote on tax reform is imminent this week. Last week, suppliers let committee members know that tax reform was a priority, but now…

Fermentation Bubbles as Trend

Brooklyn, N.Y. —home to the artisanal pickle set—should also be the hot bed of home fermentation, but retailers in that city are split about whether they see a trend out there. “Unfortunately, it never caught on here,” says Jennifer Baron, owner of A Cook’s Companion on Atlantic Avenue. “Maybe I was too ahead of things, but Brooklyn Kitchen has been very successful. However,…

The New American Dream! Millennials Buying Homes!

IHA caught up with Marsha Everton and Whitney Ryan from the AIMsights Group to learn about their latest research that they will present 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, branding and global market…

Export 101: Understanding the International Business Plan

Having a plan is important in all areas of business, but it may be even more important when selling products on an international basis. Conducting international business is complex, and you need to properly plan in order to maximize global success. Creating a plan for each of the following eight topics is essential for success overseas, and the combination of these plans…

Global Retail Intelligence – November

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: November 30 – Miniso Plans to Ramp Up Expansion in Mexico Japanese-Chinese low-cost retailer, Miniso, announced an agreement with Mexican investment consortium Fibra Uno (FUNO) to accelerate the store chain’s expansion in the Mexican market. Miniso, which offers kitchenware and other products for the home,…

Retail Profile: Rhubarb Kitchen Shop

“I still feel like the new kid,” says Ellen Kluge as she celebrates her store’s 25th year in business. “But apparently I’m not.” Even though Kluge has been with the store, Rhubarb Kitchen Shop, since she first welcomed customers as its manager in 1992, the excitement she feels running the store and greeting customers has never waned. “I’ve been happy,” she says. She’s…

Practical Solutions to MAP and Antitrust Pricing Challenges

As IHA members look for solutions to MAP pricing issues, they must be mindful of the U.S. antitrust laws in the sale and resale of products, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. A paper, based on a live presentation at the 2017 CHESS Conference, explores five antitrust challenges: illegal price agreements, minimum advertised price (“MAP”) policies, non-price…