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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: 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.…

2017 Global Forum Recap: MercadoLibre

Two managers from MercadoLibre, Carlos Cernadas, head of cross border trade and Maximo Bach, housewares buyer and category development manager, presented Latin America as a new growth channel through e-commerce. Mr. Cernadas joined MercadoLibre in 2016, after more than eight years of experience working with multinational corporations including Walmart, PwC and Deloitte. He…

2017 Global Forum Recap: Strategic Problem Solving

The IBC's Strategic Problem Solving Sessions allow attendees to meet in peer groups to discuss questions and to find solutions to many of today's exporting challenges. As in previous years, the networking sessions were once again a highlight and primary benefit of attending the 2017 Global Forum. …

2017 Global Forum Recap: International Negotiation 2

Part Two Dr. Dennis Leclerc continued his two-part morning program on international negotiation strategies by detailing nuances of interpersonal contacts. (Part one of can be found here.) Cultural and Psychological Aspects Three things are important to negotiators: results, efficiency and relationships. Every successful negotiation involves: The resolving of…

2017 Global Forum Recap: International Negotiation

The first full day of IBC Global Forum sessions opened with Dr. Dennis Leclerc, educator and principal in his own consulting firm, who led the two-part morning program on international negotiation strategies. Dr. Denis Leclerc teaches cross-cultural communication and global negotiations at Thunderbird School of Global Management. There Dr. Leclerc teaches in multiple…

The Homewood Suites; an All-Suite, Extended Stay Property

The Homewood Suites Chicago Downtown is an all-suite property perfect for exhibitors’ longer stays. Book now and enjoy: Suite rates starting at $169 for early-bird bookings Complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily Complimentary Evening Social featuring a lite meal, beer, wine and soft drinks. (Available…

Good360 Adds Hurricanes Irma and Maria to Relief Efforts

Victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria also will receive assistance from Good360, the charity the International Housewares Association has partnered with to provide hurricane victims with home goods products as they rebuild their lives and homes. Last week IHA announced its partnership with Good360 to help Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey. Good360 is working closely with…