The International Housewares Association is bringing together two Global Innovation Awards (gia) expert jurors for an October 28 webinar examining how artificial intelligence and visual merchandising trends are creating new opportunities for retailers.
The “Retail Opportunities Tied to AI and Visual Merchandising Trends” webinar is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET and will feature Wolfgang Gruschwitz, owner and managing director of retail consulting firm Gruschwitz Corporation; and Denise Foley, a visual and brand experience consultant and merchandising leader.
Gruschwitz will lead a session, “AI & Retail: From Fear to Relevance,” on how retailers can use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and stay relevant. He will examine the role of brick-and-mortar retail in an increasingly digital marketplace and how physical stores can respond to consumer interest in in-person shopping, community and human connection.
Foley will present “2026 Visual Merchandising Insights: Techniques & Trends Shaping Brand Experience Today.” Drawing on examples from current retail displays, brand activations, pop-ups and cultural experiences, Foley will examine strategies for creating spaces that attract attention, communicate a clear story, guide the customer journey and encourage interaction.
Gruschwitz and Foley will also announce the 2026 gia Top Window Global Honorees, recognizing home and housewares window displays from around the world. The top honorees will receive a trip to The Inspired Home Show 2027 in Chicago in March.
The gia program, launched by IHA in 2000, recognized innovation and excellence in home and housewares retailing. Since the program’s inception, more than 600 retailers from 60 countries across six continents have received gia honors.
More information about the gia retailing program is available through TheInspiredHomeShow.com.
The October 28 webinar is free to attend. Register for the webinar.
