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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.

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…

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…