Porland of Turkey, one of the five gia Global Honorees this year, has a long, rich and colorful history. We look into what makes this manufacturer and retailer of porcelain stand out from the rest. by Michelle Hespe Porland’s logo features a ballerina executing a perfect pirouette. This elegant symbol conveys both beauty and strength, reflecting the grounding philosophy of this manufacturer and retailer of porcelain. The word…

CHESS 2019 – Retail’s Seismic Shift: Understanding the Forces Changing Housewares Consumers

Presented by: Michael Dart, Partner, Consumer/Retail Practice, A.T. Kearney Retail specialist and visionary, Michael Dart advises retail and consumer companies on how best to navigate retail’s seismic shifts. He combines his economics and finance training from Oxford University and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with more than 25 years of experience consulting with A.T. Kearney and Bain & Co. to provide a unique…

Global Retail Intelligence – April

April 14 – JD.com Creates Offline Catering Supply Chain SolutionJD.com with Juqi, a dinning chain in Beijing, announced a supply chain cooperation, positioning JD.com as the first platform in China capable of providing a one-stop supply chain solution covering both the full category of food and materials supply, and integrated warehousing and distribution services. Through the cooperation, JD will also provide intelligent inventory…

Navigating The Wild West of Ocean Shipping

by Dave Akers, IHSA "Good Judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment." — Will Rogers Here is how the modern shipping business mirrors the Wild West: 1. The “Gold Rush” Boom and Bust Cycles The Old West was defined by the gold rush with sudden, explosive wealth that created overnight millionaires, followed by devastating busts that left ghost towns behind. Shipping operates on the exact same…

IHA Plans Sourcing Mission to Vietnam

To help members investigate alternatives to sourcing from China, the International Housewares Association will hold a sourcing mission to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, next year. The 2020 Vietnam Sourcing Mission will be offered in two sessions: April 20-22 or April 23-25. Each session is limited to just six companies to provide a high level of service and allow for private meetings and factory tours. The dates were chosen to allow…

Guide to Effective Retail Store Design

by Martin M. Pegler If RETAILING is your chosen path of livelihood, here are some simple guidelines you might like to consider when planning your retail store. 1. Let There Be Light! Without the proper light the merchandise cannot be seen or judged, colors cannot be appreciated, coordinates cannot be assembled, nor buying decisions made. Let your light be the best you can afford to install and use—or, if necessary, skimp on…

International Home + Housewares Show

International Home + Housewares Show Changes Name

Next year, the International Housewares Association is changing the name of its flagship trade show from the International Home + Housewares Show to The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market. The change, which was announced at the recently completed 2019 International Home + Housewares Show, is part of the Association’s expansion of The Inspired Home…

Derek Miller Named President of IHA

Derek Miller has been named president of the International Housewares Association, succeeding Phil Brandl who will retire at the end the year, IHA announced today. Miller, currently IHA’s vice president, global marketing, will assume the role of president Oct. 1. Brandl will remain at IHA through Dec. 31. Miller was selected by a unanimous vote of the IHA Executive…

There’s No Business Like Show Business! Part 2

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator This is part two of a two part series. Read part one: There's No Business Like Show Business! Part 1 Pots, Pans and Prosperity: Biggest Gadget Show on Earth From 1939 to 1991, the National Housewares Manufacturers Association (NHMA), based in Chicago, mounted two shows per year. For nearly 40 years, its national housewares…

There’s No Business Like Show Business! Part 1

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator It’s January, and our calendars are focused on March, when our 121st Show will unite the industry. The current International Home + Housewares Show has evolved into a busy four-day gathering in Chicago, from a complex family tree of Show names, dates and predecessor sponsoring organizations. For 79 years, IHA has been…

From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show – Part 3

Author: Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator and Housewares Historian, IHA For parts one and two of this three part series, see: From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show - Part 1 From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show - Part 2 New Era on the Lakefront More than 900…

From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show – Part 2

Author: Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator and Housewares Historian, IHA This post is one of a three part series. Read part one: From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show – Part 1 NHMA, the antecedent International Housewares Association, resulted from the 1946 merger of the New York Housewares Manufacturers Association…

From Hotels to McCormick Place: A History of the International Home + Housewares Show – Part 1

Author: Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator and Housewares Historian, IHA Markets and trade fairs have taken place throughout civilization, but the twentieth century's first House Furnishing Good Exhibition was held in New York's Madison Square Garden in 1906. The modern housewares exposition was born in 1927 when members of the National Home Furnishings Buyers Club…

Retailers Apply Tips, Info Learned At International Home + Housewares Show

For many independent retailers, the International Home + Housewares Show last March wrapped up the trade show season and with it the chance to meet with vendors, hobnob with other store owners and view exciting product trends. Back at home, retailers are resetting displays, reviewing product assortments and reflecting on how interactions during the International Home +…

Stay on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile at the Westin Michigan Avenue

Book now and enjoy these additional incentives: - Low rate starting at $199 - Complimentary WiFi/Wired internet in guest rooms - Complimentary access to WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio Book Your Discounted Room at the Westin Michigan Avenue The Westin Michigan Avenue has 752 guest rooms including 32 suites, each with a marble foyer and large marble…

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