New Carrier Environment and Uncertainty Emerges for 2018
IHSA will begin ocean contract negotiations in February. Industry analysts have differing opinions on which side, shippers or carriers, will have the upper hand during the 2018 negotiations. There are some analysts that believe excess capacity will again be a major deterrent preventing carriers from securing any sustained rate increases during 2018. On the contrary, […]
Stats: Shopping Makes Consumers Anxious
Retail therapy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. A new survey shows that shopping, especially around the holidays, makes Americans anxious. The survey gives specialty retailers a glimpse into the minds of their customers during the busiest business time of the year, but also holds up after the tinsel and decorations are put away. […]
Styles, Colors and Consumers: How to Create On-Trend, Retailer-Specific New Products
IHA caught up with Richard Babick, president of Design Research, LLC, to learn how brands can differentiate their product assortments for specific retailers. Rick and Janine Michalek, vice president of market intelligence at Design Research, will present their latest findings at the 2018 International Home + Housewares Show. At the Show, the Innovation Theater will […]
Keep Up with the Smart Home at the Chicago Show
Consumers’ increasing embrace of the smart home and the automation that is transforming the way they live offers the housewares industry opportunities to expand its implementation of smart technology to new categories and products. From Millennials to Gen Xers to Baby Boomers, consumers are looking to fill their spaces with connected products for every room […]
