The International Housewares Association (IHA), celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, held its first Housewares Show in January 1939 in Chicago featuring 266 exhibitors. For 53 years, two housewares shows were held annually, in January and July. In 1992 IHA eliminated the second show, making the January International Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago the industry’s premier marketplace. In 2004, the show changed its name to International Home + Housewares Show and moved to a March timeframe to better accommodate retailers’ schedules after the busy fourth-quarter and holiday season.
Each year, more than 2,200 housewares suppliers from more than 50 countries showcase thousands of new products for every room in the home. Buyers come from more than 125 countries. By creating an environment of excitement, innovation and education, the International Home + Housewares Show brings together buyers and sellers of all sizes, across all channels and from around the world. It is the one global marketplace where retailers can see both electric and non-electric housewares and home goods under one roof.
Exhibitors throughout the show feature newness, trends, and innovation. IHA supports this effort in many ways including New Product Showcases, New Exhibitor Preview, Trending Today Preview, Inventors Corner, ColorWatch by Pantone, Innovation Theater, and the much-anticipated Global Innovation Awards (GIA) for product innovation and retail excellence. Keynote educational sessions on consumer and color trends also help retailers stay on top of how their customers think and shop.
Housewares Connect 365 is a free tool that allows buyers to plan their visit, access photos and videos of product offerings and create a custom floor plan noting the exhibitors they wish to visit. While on site, buyers can access Housewares Connect 365 through a free Show app.
With free registration for buyers and a host of free services and educational events, the show represents an unequaled opportunity for buyers to discover products, suppliers, and trends that will help their businesses thrive.