trends

Housewares Exports to the UK Market

Report and analysis by: Laura Spingola, Trade Resources Ltd. The United Kingdom represents a special market for U.S. housewares exporters. Ranking third among global markets for U.S. housewares exporters, many IHA members are active in the UK, yet many more new-to-export and experienced exporters should make “go/no-go” decisions about this important and inviting single market…

Housewares Exports Grow in 2013

Report and analysis by: Laura Spingola, Trade Resources Ltd. 2013 was a positive year for housewares exports as they grew 3.9% to nearly $4.3 billion. This is a record high! Almost all export markets expanded, though the pace was more moderate than that of the previous four years. Houseware exports have now climbed 12.8% over the past two years. This is a testament to the…

Retail News from Around the World: 4/9/2014

Walmart India Planning a long run in India, Wal-Mart to open 50 wholesale stores in next 4-5 years, to enter ecommerce, strengthen compliance procedures: "Wal-Mart is committed to India and we are excited about our growth plans and we will continue to focus on the cash-and-carry format as we are very happy with the way it has shaped up in the last few years," Walmart Asia…

Australia Home & Housewares Market Overview: Insight to Consumer Buying

IBC Members have access to the Australian Home & Housewares Market Report prepared in September 2013, highlighting specifics makeup of the market in Australia as well as demographics influencing consumer purchasing. In addition to the many Australian retailers described within the Australian Home & Housewares Market Report, members are encouraged to review the…

Retail News from Around the World

Big Lots Plans Canadian Departure As Losses Grow As part of its third quarter earnings announcement, Big Lots revealed that it is pulling out of Canada after two years of effort didn't produce the traction the retailer expected. In its earnings announcement, Big Lots posted a consolidated loss from continuing operations of $9.5 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, versus a…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Howard Lim, HOW Creative

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! The four days of the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events as well as educational sessions. To help you plan your time at the Show, we’re giving you a preview of the presentations that will take place…

Innovation Insights: An Interview with Martin M. Pegler, Retail Design International

Discovering Design: Meet R. F. Yamakawa

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services Get to know the people behind the stylish products that will appear at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design. We’ll be posting conversations with exhibitors to give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see in March at McCormick…

Innovation Awards: Winning with a Clean Lunchbox and a Clean Tabletop

by Vicki Matranga Design Programs + Services The 2014 International Home + Housewares Show will feature the winners of the 3rd annual IHA Innovation Awards. From thousands of new products on view at the Show, 13 products are named the Best in their categories. Products selected as winners can be entered by large companies or startups. The innovation and design is what…