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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.

Philippines Market Visit

IHA Staff recently made a market visit to the Philippines in preparation for the planned November 2017 trade mission to that country. The visit included meeting with key importers and distributors, meeting with relevant key major chain retailers and touring multi-chain retailers and malls to better understand the market. The United States is among the Philippines’ top trading…

February Currency Outlook

In their February 2017 Currency Outlook report, Tempus, an exchange rate and global payments company, provides a detailed report including the following topics and sections: In Brief U.S. Dollar momentum from last year faded as Donald Trump’s inauguration neared Economic plan from new administration described as “America First,” critical of current trade agreements…

Global Retail Intelligence – February

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: February 1 - Temasek, Others Plan to Sell Stake in Indonesian Retailer Matahari Major shareholders, including Singapore state investment firm Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd., are planning to sell their stake in the Indonesian retailer Matahari in a deal that could value the company at as much as $1 billion,…

Discovering Design: Meet Black + Blum

Get acquainted with the people behind Black + Blum and their stylish products that will appear at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design. We are speaking today with Dan Black, co-founder and lead designer for London-based Black + Blum, a respected brand that is one of the headliners in Discover Design. Dan, where do you find inspiration when…

Discovering Design: Meet W&P Design

IHA chatted with Josh Williams and Eric Prum, founders of W&P Design, to learn more about their approach to developing their business and their elegant line of barware and products for home entertaining. Get acquainted with the people behind the stylish products that will appear at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design. We’ll be posting…

Disrupt Today’s Trends and Point Them in Your Direction

IHA caught some time to chat with Joe Derochowski, executive director and Industry analyst – home, at The NPD Group for a preview of his upcoming presentation at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show, the Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days covering topics ranging from new product design to the Smart Home. Joe Derochowski has been…

Discovering Design: Meet Vigar

Get acquainted with the people behind Vigar and their stylish products that will appear at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design. We are speaking today with Vicent Garcia, general manager of Vigar. The company, based in Spain and known for its colorful, fun and practical cleaning and kitchen tools, sells to more than 40 countries. Mr.…

Retail Profile: The Kitchen Koop

Owner: Deon Foster Location: Portsmouth, Va. Founded: 1998 What is special about The Kitchen Koop? The retailer’s customers say it is the store’s service and great selection of cookware. They come in and stay a while, enjoying the Southern hospitality. “Dropped in with my spouse after a lunch date just to look around,” writes one customer. “We spent a lovely hour or so…

Why Your Customers Bought Your Competitor’s Product

IHA speaks with Michael Liebowitz, CEO of Magnetic Mind Studio, about his upcoming presentation at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show. The Innovation Theater will feature 21 presentations over four days covering topics ranging from new product development to the smart home. Magnetic Mind Studio, based in California near San Francisco, is a consulting agency…