According to Gifts & Dec Double Take, we can expect to see the following trends hitting the Kohls, TJ MaXX and SteinMart near you this summer (after they don’t do so well at Hallmark and JCPenney this spring), and at Target this fall. [Click on the links for pictures of what they’re talking about….]
- Blue-Green “Shades of blue and green were spotted throughout the market. The soft hues were more tranquil than vibrant and could be seen together or alone. “
- Graphic Florals “Manufacturers and designers always turn to flowers to add life and color to a product. This time, we saw floral motifs take on a more graphic, even mod approach. The result is fun and funky.
- Aprons “The apron trend continues and branches out into whimsical, elegant and holiday niches; there are even designs targeted to the grandparent, the Southerner, or the inspirational shopper. And look out for the cute appeal of mini versions for mom-and-kid cooking.”
- Fun Packaging For Candles “Candles in containers don’t just offer a choice of glass sizes and shapes any more: now ceramics and metal accents are getting in on the act. These are containers consumers will keep long after the candle’s burned out.”
- Whimsy “The gift industry is never boring. Check out some of Atlanta’s cleverer, cuter, and crazier offerings.”
- Eye-Catching Attention Getters “With so many products to see at market, it takes something special to make you stop and take a closer look. Whether it’s a fresh approach to a common item such as a tiered pastry server comprised of individual pieces that can be used separately, containers that feature a new take on a design or something that just makes you giggle, these products were different enough to make them stand out from the crowd.”
- Eco-Friendly / Green “Environmental consciousness continues to be a strong theme across all categories in the market. Vendors are showing their “green” thumbs-up in many ways by following the “R” principles — reduce, recycle, reuse, renew — raising awareness and giving back. Good design is primary to product sell-through.”
- Peacocks “The peacock, that beautifully proud and colorful bird with the dramatic tail, is an emerging theme that complements the current blue/green color trend. Imagery appears on home decor, tabletop and fashion accessories in both stylized and representational designs.”
- Toile “The Country French look of elegant toile is being used both traditionally – an appearance that harkens back to its 18th century origins – and in updated versions using brighter colors.”
- Pink “The color pink, from the softest and most delicate of hues to the deepest rose, was represented in almost all categories and products – even some unusual ones like gardening tools.”
What I find most interesting about all of these trends is that they were all the “hot new thing” when I first started working in the gift industry 7 years ago. (Except for “peacocks”. Back then the hot decorative bird was the chicken-slash-rooster.) So if the seven year cycle holds true, look for the following trends in the next 24 months:
Polkadots and stripes; patriotism; pink and chocolate; black and red; popsicles or lollipops; high-heeled shoes, pearls, lipstick and anything else “femme”; milk and/or butter; lace and tatting.
I’m sorry, no peacock would be caught dead in the washed-out looking blues and greens they’re promoting. Where are my jewel tones? Where?
Where are my jewel tones? Where?
Give it another 12 months. Maybe 18.
Ye gods! It’s 1971!
Kat, do you promise? Even in Nashville, the
pastel capital of the worldhome of so many lovely blonds who look good in pastels and not in jewel tones?I think you misunderstand. Trends are not based on what people actually like/would look good in. Trends are based on what They think you SHOULD like/pay money for.
From what I can tell, most “trends” in gift marketing are the result of systematic brainwashing. Wear people down long enough and they’ll eventually find Pastel Peacock Toile in Environmentally Friendly Green to be the most lovely thing they’ve seen and will then pay $38.95 to have a fringed throwpillow in that theme.
I know all that. But, for instance, most members of many ethnic groups in NYC ignore the trends when the trends are for pastels, which not only don’t flatter them but which also, in their various traditions, look kind of bland. It’s true that at those times they find that there’s less selection out there in what they do like, but their resistance to this particular trend is so well known that retailers make allowances for it in their purchasing. In other words, I can always find something in a nice bright blue in an Italian or Puerto Rican neighborhood in NYC; Macy’s there will always have some clothing in bright colors; etc. So I figured that in Nashville most people might ignore the trends when the trends are for jewel tones.
I want a funky apron. Maybe Ivy or Shauna can make me one.
I can see why “patriotic” would have been a trend about seven years ago.
(If you aren’t sure why, ask Rudy.)
alienable bantoid heathberry cloglike scribblative heathenesse predeterminability dikage
Air-Hockey Today, California Style
http://www.geocities.com/tanjavasi13/Start.htm
Does Atlanta still have a big Hallmark show in Atlanta? I went to one several years ago but havn’t seen one mentioned in years. I would like to go to another one. Is there one on tap for 2008?? Thanks!
Seems to me that the vintage garden feel remains strong mixed in with a touch of modernisum clean yet wild flower
nothing really set..in arrangments.. colors I like yellow , white, softer orange /peachy with a touch of red.. to set it off . purple is also still good.. mixed your elements wood, metal, glass and stone in all of your displays to make them warm …. yea! just a thought ….
continue to play it safe watch your money ..
Billie