PRESS
July 2025
Chicago Sun Times
Chicago-based housewares brands like YouCopia are feeling the strain of renewed tariffs on Chinese imports. Rising costs have led to staff cuts, delayed shipments, and higher prices. Industry leaders warn the uncertainty threatens long-term growth and consumer affordability.
May 2025
Homepage News
The eighth installment of the HomePage News InSight™ Trend Index 2024/25 explores Contemporary Contrasts—highlighting the continued rise of Modern and Minimal design, driven by sustained interest in home organization and renovation. To keep this momentum going, the report emphasizes the need for innovation and deeper design insight, introducing Post-Minimalism alongside three other key trends shaping the current market.
March 2025
NPR
Housewares industry insiders had hoped to spend their time at the International Housewares Association's big annual Inspired Home Show in Chicago this week networking, making deals and showing off the latest gadgets and devices to make home life more convenient. Instead, they're making plans to cope with new, steep tariffs on products from this country's three largest trading partners — Canada, Mexico and China.
March 2025
The Cook's Cook
The Inspired Home Show (IHS) is held in Chicago every March in the cavernous and elegant McCormick Place convention center. For this year’s show, held March 2-4, I traveled from New Hampshire and was joined by one of our editorial scouts, Betsy Bacon, who had come from Pennsylvania. Hosted by The International Housewares Association, The Inspired Home Show is the pivotal event of the housewares industry. Betsy and I were eager to see what’s new from our favorite brands, and learn what great new companies and products are entering the marketplace.
January 2025
Wintrust Business Lunch
Bill McHenry, member of the IHA (International Housewares Association) Board of Directors and long-time exhibitor at The Inspired Home Show, talks about the upcoming show (March 2nd-4th), the economic impact of the show, the types of things that will be at the show, and the current trends in the industry.
February 2025
Gift & Decorative Accessories
The International Housewares Association (IHA) has revealed 70 finalists for the 2025 Global Innovation Awards (GIA) in Product Design, spanning 14 categories with five nominees each. Finalists include innovative items like YouCopia’s SinkSuite dispenser and Umbra’s Solis Adjustable Shelves, showcased ahead of judging at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago. The winners—one honoree in each category—will be announced at a private gala dinner on March 2 IHA leadership emphasizes that this awards program is key to fostering product innovation and driving industry growth.