Two important housewares markets are next for the IHA’s Trade Mission program as the plan to visit Tokyo and Seoul in June of 2019 is announced. Housewares suppliers interested in starting or building existing business in the home and housewares markets in the region can meet with key retailers and distributors and learn about the retail environment during the mission scheduled for June 6-14, 2019. Attendees will learn about the complexities of market entry and have the opportunity to meet with distributor partners that can help with the process and introduce products into the markets.

In Tokyo, participants will see the key retailers present in Japan during a retail tour to gain an understanding of merchandising and pricing strategies, competitive products and how their products fit in the market. The focus in Japan will be on market entry and growth, meeting with a number of top distributors in the market as two-step distribution is the most common path to placement with retailers in the country. In Seoul, a similar strategy, focusing on market entry and introductions to key partners will await attendees.

IHA’s Trade Missions offer members turn-key introductions to international markets through retail tours and one-on-one retailer and distributor buyer meetings.  Participation is limited so that companies will receive optimal exposure to the market and retail contacts.

The registration fee includes meeting arrangements, group transportation and several group meals.  IHA organizes the trip so participants can focus on their business rather than logistical details.

Targeted distributors in Japan service key retailers including:

• Sogo-Seibu
• Mitsukoshi Isetan
• Tsutaya Electrics
• Loft
• Tokyu Hands
• Francfranc
• 212 Kitchen Store
• Actus

Targeted distributors in Korea service key retailers including:

• Lotte Hi-Mart
• Lotte Mart
• Lotte Department Store
• Lotte Homeshopping
• Hyundai Department Store
• Shinsegae Department Store
• Coupang

For more information about the trade mission or IHA’s international events and marketing opportunities, contact Lori Szudarek, senior manager, international trade development at Lszudarek@housewares.org