The Inspired Home Show (Chicago, March 14- 17, formerly the International Home + Housewares Show) will hold a one-half day educational and networking event on Friday, March 13 focusing on how to succeed as an independent retailer.
This pre-Show event, to be held at the show’s venue McCormick Place the day before the Show opens, is exclusive to independent retailers that sell home and housewares goods. It is open to UK independent retailers and there is no charge, but an RSVP is required.
“The retail landscape is changing rapidly and all stores – whether mass, specialty, independent, gift or some combination of these – are looking for ways to evolve, compete and win in this new economy. The International Housewares Association (IHA) recognises the unique challenges—and opportunities—that come with being an independent retailer of home goods in 2020.” explains Jon Jesse, vice president, industry development at the IHA (organiser of The Inspired Home Show). He emphasises: “We are keen to help independent retailers find solutions to the challenges they face.”
The Independent’s Day programme will begin at 12:45 p.m. and closes with a networking reception at 4:45 p.m. The educational sessions will feature:
* “How On-Trend Products Can Make In-Store Shopping A Must and Bolster Store Sales and Profits” by Tom Mirabile, co-founder and principal, Springboard Insights, and IHA’s consumer trend forecaster.
* “Proven Techniques to Increase Sales, Profit & Cash Flow” by Paul Erickson, director, marketing & sales, Management One.
* “Catching Like Wildfire: Using Social Influencers,” by Lenise Willis, editor-in-chief, Gifts & Decorative Accessories.
* “Sidelines That Sell, Merchandise Strategies to Help Your Store Succeed,” Ari Lowenstein, past president, Gift Sales Manager Association.
Jon Jesse also reflects on the importance of independents in the housewares market: “Independent retailers are a key customer for housewares suppliers and are critical to the success of The Inspired Home Show’s exhibitors.” He continues: “They have become a brand ambassador for the brands they carry and can explain the benefits and differences between products, educating their customers in a way that larger retailers can’t.”
Jon also notes: “In addition, independent retailers can react quicker to changing trends and dynamics in the marketplace, such as the desire by consumers to want homes that reflect their personalities and lifestyles. The rebranding of the International Home + Housewares Show to The Inspired Home Show does just that by aligning the industry’s premier marketplace with consumer trends shifting from functional home design to aspirational lifestyle development. “
* The Inspired Home Show 2020 will bring more than 50,000 industry attendees and 2,200 exhibitors around the newest product designs, trends and innovations that spark personal brand and lifestyle aspirations.
* Independent retailers from the UK can reserve their place at the Independent’s Day, by visiting TheInspiredHomeShow.com/IndependentsDay. To register for a Show badge, visit TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
Top: Visitors at last year’s show in Chicago.
