If 2020 was a year that put flexibility and adaptability at the forefront of retailer and supplier considerations, the International Housewares Association has observed that anyone participating in the home goods sector will face new and ongoing challenges, such as rising costs from many factors, as the COVID-19 pandemic fades.

The Winter Atlanta Market wrapped up yesterday after several days of resurgent buyer traffic, active ordering and an overall affirmation of the value of face-to-face trade shows, according to market officials.

The National Retail Federation, which recently concluded the online first chapter of its 2021 Big Show, said it is shifting Chapter 2 of the show, originally set to be live at New York City’s’ Javits Center the first week of June, to an online event.