Japan

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.…

Hardware Store Update from the Japan DIY Industry Association

Information provided by the Japan DIY Industry Association shows remarkable development in the sales and number of DIY stores/home centers in Japan since the first DIY store was opened in the country over 40 years ago. There are now over 4,500 DIY stores/home centers in Japan with annual general proceeds reaching 3.95 trillion yen. Annual general proceeds & number of DIY…

Yuwa Group: Japan Market Overview

As a preview to their presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on Yuwa Group, a Japanese distributor of consumer and household products. Yuwa Group was established in 1965 as an importer of consumer goods mainly from Europe, and over the last 20 years has begun working with U.S. suppliers as well. Yuwa is presently the sole agent for…

2017 gia Global Honoree – Loft

Michelle Hespe speaks to Mr. Satoru Iimura, Executive Director of Loft — a chain of retail stores in Japan that became one of the five Global Honorees at this year’s IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia) at Chicago’s International Home + Housewares Show. Loft was celebrating more than its gia win in Chicago this year. “2017 marks 30 years since the first Loft store opened in…

Industry Update from the Japan DIY Industry Association

Information provided by the Japan DIY Industry Association shows remarkable development in the sales and number of DIY stores/home centers in Japan since the first DIY store was opened in the country over 40 years ago. There are now over 4,500 DIY stores/home centers in Japan with the annual general proceeds reaching 3.95 trillion yen. According to the annual report by the…

Housewares Focus on China & Japan

China and Japan are two dynamic country markets with which you may have prior trade – particularly importing experience. In late September, HECNA is offering an opportunity to conduct business in the reverse direction through exporting. Each of these critical Asian markets presents unique growth trends for you to be aware of and try to capture. As with all market entry,…

Visit the Global Design Points at #IHHS13!

Global Design Points is a sub-category of the Global Marketplace representing high design and innovation from nations all across the globe. Outstanding craftsmanship and design-focused products are at the center of Global Design Points, strategically positioned throughout the Show. France France is the intersection where innovative products and time honored traditions meet!…

Discovering Design: Monbento

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator Get to know the people behind the stylish, thought-provoking designs that will be exhibited in Discover Design. This series of conversations will give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you'll see at the 2013 Show. The appealing monbento® lunch boxes blend…

GLOBAL INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS FROM 22 COUNTRIES CELEBRATED AT THE INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW IN CHICAGO

By Piritta Törrö The International Home + Housewares Show and International Housewares Association (IHA), the global sponsors and organizers of the gia (Global Innovation Award) program, today announced the national gia winners of 2012-2013 – including 23 innovative and unique home and housewares retailers from 22 countries around the globe. Also announced was a very…