IHA points to global innovators

A global array of 28 home and housewares retailers have been recognized by the International Housewares Association as high performers in a variety of business categories.

The Global Innovation Award went to a familiar name in the U.S. “Internet/Catalogue” division – Amazon.com. And representing the US generally is Toque Blanche, an upscale two-store California retailer that also operates an impressive e-commerce site called mytoque.com.

The gia program was created by the IHA and International Home + Housewares Show to foster innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing throughout the world. Since the launch of gia in 2000, there have been over 370 gia retail award winners, from 45 countries on six continents.

In selecting the honorees, judges looked at retailers’ store design and layout. They considered visual merchandising. They analysed the overall mission statement, vision and strategy.

Beyond the U.S., honorees included The Gourmet Warehouse (Canada); Borough Kitchen (United Kingdom); and Rustan’s Supercenters (Philippines).

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