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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.

Trade Publications for Hotel Distribution at the 2018 Show

Six trade publications have been approved for distribution at official Show hotels during the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. The publications are: Gourmet Insider, HFN, HomeWorld Business, Health & Beauty Care Executive, Housewares Executive and Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. Contact information and advertising deadlines for these publications is…

Global Retail Intelligence – December

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: December 28 – New Shopping Mall Developments Planned for 2018 in Mexico Mexican developers are completing at least five large scale shopping mall projects set to open in 2018. The major new retail and entertainment complexes are under construction in cities including Puebla, Mérida and Mexico City via…

Pantone Announces Color of the Year 2018

Pantone announced that Ultra Violet is Color of the Year 2018. "A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future." Historically, Ultra Violet has had a long standing as a powerful yet calming color, bringing to mind the mysteries of the night skies…

Global Trends for Home and Interiors, 2019

IHA checked in with Helen Jamieson, senior trend strategist with Trend Bible, to get an update on global home lifestyle trends that she will discuss at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics will include smart home, consumer shopping preferences, branding and global market…

The Langham Chicago’s Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood

By: Sharon Bellock It’s a Wednesday afternoon and I am running ahead of schedule for my meeting at The Langham Chicago. As I pull up to the hotel, the notable ball lights that adorn the underbelly of the entrance immediately bring warmth on this cold, damp Chicago day. Perhaps today’s weather is a brief insight to a typical day at The Langham’s flagship property in London?…

Grow with Urgency: Maximize Opportunities Now and Anticipate the Future

IHA checked in with Joe Derochowski, home industry advisor at NPD Group to learn about his latest research into how consumers are shopping for food and cooking at home, which he will address 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…

Recipe for Success: Women, Housewares and Innovation

IHA gets acquainted with Marie McGrath-Brown to learn about innovations in dinnerware as well as the growing impact of women innovators in product development, issues that she will discuss at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days. Topics will include smart home, consumer shopping…

Carriers Struggle to Maintain Rate Stability

After collectively losing $5 billion in 2016, the carriers are collectively poised to return to profitability for 2017. The anxiety that shippers experienced in 2016 regarding bankruptcies and acquisitions is no longer dominating the headlines. While stability is welcome news for the industry, there are concerns about whether the carriers will be able to sustain stability.…

Stats: Holiday Shopping Predictions

Is the fourth quarter going to bring coal or toys to retailers this year? With an uptick in the economy improving consumer confidence and a 3.2 percent rise in the incomes of middle class Americans, (as reported by the U.S. census bureau in August), signs are good that retailers are on track to get toys in their stockings. Or at least some cash. According to research…