The International Housewares Association (IHA, organiser of The Inspired Home Show in Chicago) is launching an ecommerce marketplace to connect its members and buyers. Retailers will be able to purchase products from Connect 365 – an enhanced and expanded version of IHA’s online marketplace Housewares Connect 365 (featuring exhibitors from The Inspired Home Show) – as well as connect with knowledgeable sales people.
The IHA is partnering with Brandwise, whose Ecosystem (which will power Connect COMMERCE) processes over three million wholesale orders every year and includes access to more than 290,000 retailers.
“We are excited to offer this new ecommerce service to our members and the retail community,” said Derek Miller, IHA president. “For more than a decade, Housewares Connect 365 has been IHA’s online marketplace, assisting buyers in finding new products and suppliers. Adding Connect COMMERCE expands the updated platform’s functionality, marrying the robust search and discovery capabilities of the new Connect 365 site with the ability to complete transactions immediately online.”
Todd Litzman, co-founder and ceo of Brandwise commented: “The current landscape demands new ways for the industry to connect. Partnering with IHA creates an opportunity for all industry stakeholders as it will bring together retailers, suppliers and salespeople in a single, fully featured online marketplace.”
Connect 365 will be introduced to the industry during Connect SPRING, IHA’s virtual event March 16-26. Derek explained: “To bridge the gap until The Inspired Home Show 2021 in August, IHA will produce Connect Spring – a two-week virtual industry event starting Tuesday, March 16 and running every weekday to Friday, March 26.”
IHA is working with The NPD Group and Springboard Futures to offer product demonstrations, educational content, industry expert consultations and one-on-one supplier/retailer meetings during the digital event.
Specific information on Connect COMMERCE is available at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Connect/Connect-Commerce.
Further information on Connect 365 and Connect SPRING is available on The Inspired Home Show’s website at TheInspiredHomeShow.com/Connect.
Top: Buyers will be able to find new products via the digital event, Connect SPRING and Connect 365, placing orders via the Connect COMMERCE marketplace. Photo is the new products showcase at the 2019 Chicago show.
