The International Housewares Association (IHA) has appointed Robert Parker as its new representative for both Australia and New Zealand.
Parker was previously general manager of the Homewares Group (General Trader, Your Habitat and Minimax) and owned Your Habitat for 30 years before selling it to the Homewares Group.
“We have known Robert for several years, since his store, Your Habitat, was the gia Australia winner and was chosen as a gia Global Honoree in Chicago in 2002-03,” says Derek Miller, vice president global marketing IHA.
“Robert has been involved in the homewares industry in Australia for over 40 years and is widely respected through the success of Your Habitat and later the Homewares Group and his roles within the Australian Retailers Association. We trust that his extensive contacts with both product suppliers and retail buyers as well as his own experiences visiting the show as a retailer and importer will help us attract new visitors and exhibitors to the show.”
Parker will work with retailers and buyers in Australia and New Zealand and provide them with all the information they need. He is also keen to help suppliers to exhibit at the International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago.
“I am excited about my new role as representative for Australia and New Zealand with the IHA and am very much looking forward to working with both retailers and wholesalers at the show in Chicago and working with American suppliers,” he says.
Parker is replacing Ian Smith, who recently launched his new company CargoHound, an online marketplace for international freight.
