Celebrating 80+ Years of Housewares History

The International Housewares Association and the Housewares Industry have a rich history dating back more than 80 years. In honor of IHA’s 80th Anniversary, here is a look back at some of the highlights: 1906 First house furnishing exhibition in the U.S. is held in New York’s Madison Square Garden. It is conceived by Isbon Scott, […]

Global Retail Intelligence – January

To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world: January 31 – Walmart May Buy a Stake in India’s Answer to Amazon Walmart is negotiating to acquire a 15% to 20% stake in India’s leading homegrown e-commerce firm Flipkart. A deal would give both companies a greater advantage in competing with […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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