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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.

2017 Global Forum Recap: John Lewis, UK

Anna Berry joined the John Lewis Partnership as a graduate-trainee in 1988. Following several positions in branch management, Ms. Berry transferred to a buying in 1993 and has been responsible for purchasing across numerous categories including menswear, sporting goods, gifts, jewelry and most recently, premium beauty. In addition, she has worked on the Electrical and Home…

Housewares Charity Foundation Donates to Hurricane Relief Efforts

The Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross with the funds allocated to assisting victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. “The collective thoughts and prayers of the housewares industry have been with the residents of Texas and Florida the last few weeks, and these disasters have affected our colleagues in these states as…

Mark Adkison Joins IHA as Vice President, International

The International Housewares Association (IHA) announced on Friday that Mark Adkison is joining the Association as vice president, international, beginning Sept. 18. Adkison has more than 15 years’ experience in the housewares industry, with an emphasis on global sales and marketing. He fills the vacancy left by the passing of Jeff Murphy in June. Adkison joins IHA from…

Five New Directors Elected to IHA Board of Directors

Five new directors have been elected to the board of directors of the International Housewares Association (IHA), the full-service trade association for the housewares industry. The new directors are: Neal Asbury, president & CEO, The Legacy Companies; Steve Greenspon, CEO, Honey-Can-Do International; Yvette Laugier, general manager, PSP North America/Peugeot; Thomas…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Venta Korea

Mr. Kim Dae Hyun, president of Venta Korea Co. Ltd., has managed the company for 28 years. Venta’s mission is, “We create a healthy and happy lifestyle with the world’s best products for the Korean people.” Prior to directing Venta Korea, Mr. Kim founded Jin-San, the corporation responsible for servicing Whirlpool white goods in Korea. With this experience, in 1994 Venta Korea…

2017 Global Forum Recap: IBC General Meeting

On the second day of the 2017 Global Forum, Mark Adkison, IHA's vice president of international, led the IBC General Meeting to update the membership on upcoming programs, awards and the IBC board of directors. With members earning credits for participating at educational sessions and for taking part in Trade Missions, several IBC members were honored through the group's…

2017 Global Forum Recap: EPA Latin America

Juan Francisco España joined EPA 20 years ago, after 10 years of experience in retail and wholesale of home center products. Mr. España began at EPA as a head buyer for EPA. Following his role as head buyer, he held positions of purchasing manager, sales manager, country manager. In 2009, he became CEO of EPA and manages the retailer’s operations in Venezuela, Costa Rica,…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Strategic Problem Solving 2

The second Strategic Problem Solving Session at the 2017 Global Forum was as successful as the first with attendees further interacting with industry peers. …

2017 Global Forum Recap: YUWA, Japan

Keiichi Kobayashi, president and CEO of the YUWA Group, co-presented this retail market overview with James Karani. Mr. Kobayashi leads YUWA, which was established by his father more than 50 years ago. He began importing consumer goods into Japan, primarily from Europe. Today YUWA is the sole agent for Chantal Cookware in Japan. In addition to working with several U.S.…