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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.

Ocean Freight Carriers Seeking Rate Increases Ahead of Peak Season

On June 7, a headline in a trade publication indicated freight carriers were poised to profit from higher rates. On June 8th, that same trade publication had a new headline indicating that new capacity entering the market would keep pressure on West Coast rates. Those contrasting remarks highlight the uncertainty when it comes to predicting freight rate stability in the Asia to…

Housewares Hot Seat Panel: Changing Channels

The housewares industry faces mounting channel management challenges because of e-commerce disruption. While off-price stores are thriving, for example, department stores are under stress as consumers abandon traditional shopping patterns. This panel of housewares leaders will reveal how they are re-aligning channel strategies to maximize growth opportunities today while…

The Future is So Bright

The housewares industry is on the cusp of a 5-to-10-year window of growth it hasn’t seen since the 1970s. Changes in demographics and eating habits are driving key trends in housewares today and for the future. Learn how these life-stage demographic changes will positively impact key life moments for housewares and how you can market and innovate during this growth window.…

Generational Family Feud

How much do you really know about the purchasing habits and buying patterns of the two most important consumer groups? A team of Millennials will be pitted against a team of Baby Boomers in a live game designed to see how they answer questions that CHESS attendees will have already answered. 1:30 pm Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Presenters: Warren…

Influencer Marketing: Word of Mouth Marketing Begins with Trust

Earning trust is more difficult than ever given the number of brands and media competing for your customers’ attention. Traditionally, brands have relied on expensive marketing campaigns involving TV and print elements, but with the development of the internet, new marketing opportunities have emerged. Customers are increasingly relying on peer reviews and recommendations…

The Evolution of E-Commerce – Key Considerations for Manufacturers as Consumers Shift Spending Online

The ecommerce landscape continues to evolve as consumers redefine their shopping habits from strictly brick & mortar to ecommerce or some combination of both. Hear the exciting story of Wayfair and how Niraj Shah and Steve Conine rapidly grew the business to become the largest online retailer of home goods (furnishings, housewares and home improvement) in the United…

IoT-Powered Business Models Set to Reinvent the Appliance Business

By Michael Wolf Over the past few years, appliance manufacturers have embraced the Internet of Things (IoT), making their products more connected and adding new consumer-pleasing features such as app control and notifications. However, while neat new capabilities have garnered buzz and helped raise consumer interest, these are minor compared to the resulting shifts the…

Disruption in Retail: Implications for the Housewares Industry

Given the significant store closures and dislocation in the world of retail, Dana Telsey and Joe Feldman will review the current state of the industry and how companies are adapting to the new retail paradigm where customer engagement through creating experiences, fostering loyalty and leveraging technology is paramount. 9:45 am Wednesday, October 4,…

Practical Solutions for Antitrust Pricing Challenges in Housewares

Five antitrust challenges in selling housewares in stores and on the Internet: illegal price agreements, MAP, non-price restrictions, price/promotion discrimination and unauthorized resellers. Emphasis will be on understandable antitrust guidance and practical solutions for Internet business. 11:00 am Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Presenter: Wendelynne J.…