Show notes
Lisa Casinger, Retail Editor -- Home Accents Today, 2/1/2005
Invariably at shows I get asked, "What's the best thing you've seen? What trends are you seeing? What industry gossip have you heard?" I start off by explaining I'm the retail editor, and thankfully my job description doesn't include trend spotting; if it did we'd all be in trouble. Luckily, HAT has two great editors who do cover trends and product and the fruits of their labors can be seen throughout the issues.
One thing I did notice is more and more vendors moving toward a cleaner, crisper look in their showrooms and in their product development.
Jeffrey Merriman at Olde World Design describes his interpretation of the look as "sexy Hollywood glamour."
"We're trying to show retailers how to bring traditional and modern looks together," Merriman said. "It's about mixing textures and mediums, as well as styles and patterns."
When it comes to color, that Tiffany-like blue we saw in October is still around, but shades of coral are coming on strong. We saw this color statement in many showrooms including Global Views and Palu. Napp Deady was showing hot pink and orange color-combos, a duo that's carried over in many product lines, including the more traditional Vera Bradley.
One of my goals at any market is to spot displays that retailers can emulate in their own stores. As I was walking the halls in Atlanta, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a retailer doing the same thing and snapping her own photos.
Though difficult to capture on film, I did spot a few display ideas that made me say, why didn't I think of that? While I'm a big advocate of painting I realize it's not always possible. Everyday materials like crinkled brown paper, painted bubble wrap and fabric are great alternatives to painting. I saw planters of fake grass used to display jewelry and other small, lightweight items; windows filled with popcorn (talk about inexpensive!) in holiday scenes; wooden crates painted in vibrant colors as display fixtures and painted chopsticks as props to add color.
Bungalow brought some interesting floor covering ideas to market. The company sells doormats and area rugs that run the gamut from fun and kitschy to seasonal and themed. Though of course these products are designed for consumers, the line of FoFlor products can easily be used in stores to add interest in displays. The rugs are made of a skid-resistant sponge rubber with a micro fiber face (machine washable) and range in sizes from 17.5~26.75 ($9.50 wholesale) to 54~72 ($62). Faces include brick, marble tile, whitewash, Astroturf and fabric and leather looks. If you're doing a shore/coastal themed display there's beachcomber. Set up a trendy, eclectic vignette and use persimmon on the floor.
If you're looking for something different for your next in-store event, you've got to try a chocolate fountain. Austin and Sterling Industries were just two showrooms I saw them in and market-goers were impressed. Scott Jeffrey, owner of Cappuccino Now, plies his services for showrooms, events, restaurants and more.
Now for the gossip. One Top 100 retailer I talked to was frantically looking for normal, everyday candles that could stand up to the wear-and-tear of displays. She had no trouble finding aromatherapy, spa, scented, colorful high-end looks, but she was searching for plain, low-cost candles to top the candlesticks she'd bought.
While AmericasMart had the biggest show in town, many retailers also snuck over to the GLM Gift show. Yes, some found the same vendors, but retailers I talked to found at least one new supplier or great product that made it worth their time. This goes for regional craft and artisan shows as well. Though retailers won't make a special trip for the smaller venues, they say they are worth the visit if you're in the area. Don't be put off by the name craft show, they say, because it doesn't always mean country or Americana.
Retailers and vendors alike appeared upbeat during this first round of winter shows and most are looking for a strong 2005.
What are your show, product, trend and industry impressions so far this year? E-mail me at lcasinger@reedbusiness.com.
Lisa Casinger, Retail Editor
Olde World Design features "sexy Hollywood glamour" in its displays.
Skid-resistant rubber flooring options from Bungalow are fun ways to dress up your store.
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