| News for and about the housewares industry |  |
| Industry Update |  |  |
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- Piece of paper can determine blade sharpness
Grabbing ahold of a sheet of paper and test-cutting is an efficient way to test whether kitchen knives are sufficiently sharp, says America’s Test Kitchen. A sharp blade will perform better and minimize accidents borne from unpredictability. Lifehacker
(3/27)     
- Pizza chain aims to attract fans with push-to-order magnet
Red Tomato Pizza in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has created a refrigerator magnet that lets consumers order their favorite pizza just by pushing a button. Customers set up an online account, specify a standing order, push the button to order and receive a text message on their mobile phones to confirm. Digital Trends
(3/26)
| Trends & Innovations | | |
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- 5 trends set to fuel online retail's growth
Online retail sales are on track to grow from about $200 billion last year to $327 billion in 2016, according to Forrester Research. Trends driving the rise include increased spending by existing shoppers, holiday season sales and discounts and the rapid adoption of tablets. SmartPlanet.com
(3/26)
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| Finance & Policy | | |
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- Consumers prioritize credit card payments over mortgage debt
Since the economic downturn, more consumers have been paying down their credit card debt before making mortgage payments, according to research from TransUnion. Because some banks cut off credit cards to risky customers in recent years, the scarcity has prompted consumers to preserve access to their cards, says Charlie Wise, TransUnion's research director. Meanwhile, consumers whose homes have lost value see them as a liability rather than an asset. Fox Business/Your Money Matters
(3/26)
- States move to figure out sales tax on daily deals
The 24 states that are part of the Streamlined Sales Tax Use Agreement are working to find a single answer to the question of whether consumers should pay sales tax on daily deals based on the product's full value or the discounted price. Other states are deciding for themselves, including New York, which now taxes on the full price if it's listed in the daily deal, and California, which calculates tax on the discounted amount. Forbes
(3/26)
| IHA News | | |
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Trade missions explore international markets
IHA trade missions offer members turn-key introductions to international markets. Three trade missions are planned for this year: Colombia and Panama, June 3 to 8; London, Nov. 5 to 9; and India, Dec. 3 to 7. Meetings, retail tours, receptions, transportation and hotel details are scheduled in advance, allowing participants to focus on their business rather than the logistical details. These trade missions also allow for extensive networking with other industry participants who share common interests and goals. Learn more.
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Shipping program offers cost savings
IHA members can save money on international shipping and other transportation services. Companies who are dependent on commercial carriers for delivery services will save the most, and there is no minimum requirement. Members are also eligible for savings on business and document services offered through the program. Learn more.
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- Tuesday, March 27, 2012
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Online retailers can go a long way toward boosting their m-commerce sales by listening to what customers want, starting with the fact that consumers biggest frustration is the steps to making a mobile purchase take too long, writes i-Cue Design CEO Michael Darnaud. 
