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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.

IHSA Declares Rebate Dividend

IHSA has declared a rebate dividend of $173,572 for the period June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017, which coincides with IHSA’s fiscal year. IHSA is pleased to report that the declared rebate amount is 20.5% larger than last year. The rebate will be distributed among eligible association members during the month of November 2017. IHSA is proud of the fact that they continue to…

Newly Renovated Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile

Book now and enjoy: Room rates starting at $141 per night Complimentary WiFi, Fitness Center, Local Calls, Newspaper (Mon-Fri.) Book Your Discounted Room at the Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile > The Cambria Chicago Magnificent Mile (formerly MileNorth Hotel) embodies a modern upscale boutique hotel experience with an irreplaceable location adjacent…

October Currency Outlook

In their October 2017 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief Populism and separatism threatens political landscape in Europe Merkel confirmed for fourth term in German election Fed’s confidence, improved indicators and Euro-zone politics…

CHESS 2017 Recap: Antitrust Pricing Challenges

Attorney Wendelynne Newton, of the Pittsburgh-based firm Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC is no stranger to CHESS audiences. She has spoken to IHA groups in the past and delivers complex information in a straightforward manner. She set the stage for her remarks by stating that the rapidly changing marketplace is hazardous: the retail sector is not for the faint of heart. The…

CHESS 2017 Recap: Future Shift & Transformation 2017-2037

David Houle, Futurist, David Houle & Associates, opened the second day of the conference with a mind-expanding presentation that reframed information presented on the first day and gave the audience a new perspective for sessions to follow. Author, lecturer and educator David Houle has spoken to 3500 groups of business leaders and last addressed CHESS in 2015. He began…

Export 101: Understanding Export Mechanics

When shipping goods internationally, the process can be quite overwhelming. Negotiating terms, determining shipping methods and obtaining best costs are difficult for all but the most experienced companies. This article will discuss two important topics that any new exporter/importer will find useful – Incoterms and Freight Forwarders. INCO Terms Incoterms are maintained by…

CHESS 2017 Recap: The Tax & Budget World Under Trump

With more than three decades of experience in Washington—as high-level Congressional staff and advisor, attorney, and as a consultant to corporations and associations on legislative and tax policy issues, Kenneth J. Kies, Managing Director, The Federal Policy Group, offered his insights on the current political environment. Speaking just ahead of the lunch break, Kies presented…

Global Retail Intelligence – October

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: October 31 – Chedraui Plans to Open Between 20 and 50 Supercito Stores in 2018 Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Chedraui, the country’s third largest retail chain, is focusing its growth strategy on its new reduced size Supercito store formats. *This article is written in Spanish. From…

CHESS 2017 Recap: The Evolution of E-Commerce

How to Win in E-Commerce: Key Considerations for Manufacturers as Consumers Shift Spending Online... Niraj Shah CEO, Co-Chairman and co-founder, Wayfair... Niraj Shah addressed trends in e-commerce, Wayfair’s history and online opportunities for housewares products. He explained some pain points in ecommerce and outlined Wayfair’s solutions. Spending has moved online…