chicago interior design

Designer Kate Marker’s expanding universe

The Chicago-area designer has built a business intertwining residential design, vacation rental and retail divisions. Now she’s adding author to her list of roles. Learn how she gets it all done.

2023 Global Forum: sessions on international sales issues, global markets

Veteran housewares executives looking to grow their global sales and suppliers new to the international arena will benefit alike from the 2023 IBC Global Forum, Oct. 3-4 in Rosemont, Ill. The annual meeting of the International Business Council provides a platform for attendees to learn from key retailers, key distributors and industry-savvy specialists discussing relevant export topics and providing education on market entry, global product development and marketing strategies.

New IHA Market Watch Report says consumer-centric approach is key to home and housewares success in 2023

The International Housewares Association (IHA) has just released its 2023 IHA Market Watch Report, which is designed to assist the home and housewares industry with connecting to consumer values. As consumers adjust to a post-pandemic world, this report revisits five key drivers or motivating factors in consumers’ purchase decisions for home and housewares products: Wellness, Time, Space, Experience and Responsibility.

Trend forecast from NeoCon 2023

Brooke Horan, Principal at HDR, recently listed globalization as an important trend for the future of work, “With our increased ability to connect virtually across so many time zones and countries, companies continue to become more global. To future-proof their organizations and stay competitive, they need to stay on top of new technologies that help create consistent, supported workflows across continents and multiple cities. They need to offer flexible environments conducive to constant change, uncertainty, and the more diverse nature of multinational business practices.”

International Housewares Association announces exciting changes to The Inspired Home Show 2024

The Inspired Home Show® 2024, to be held next March in Chicago, will undergo several changes to Show length and layout, the International Housewares Association announced today. After carefully considering feedback received from two industry-wide surveys and four special committees made up of both exhibitors and retailers, the IHA Board of Directors has decided to reduce the overall length and to optimize the Show layout to create the most vibrant, productive and efficient trade show experience possible for the industry.