ChemArt Blog

I was asked to report on some trends that I noticed at the recent markets, and while they are far from being over, I can report on what might be the most under-reported story of all – retailer optimism.   But I digress, so indulge me for a minute, while I live up to the task and address the trends:

                Frosty elements – white, glittery, icy; silver accents with hints of subdued colors

                Return of opulence – regal colors of the Renaissance – deep rich color, antique golds and velvety textures

                Initials/Personalization – continued to see new entrants (ChemArt included) that offer fun and youthful designs to appeal to the diva, teen-tween markets.

                And lastly, Celebrity.  It was everywhere from Marie Osmond, to Tony Curtis, Jane Seymour and even Chef Tyler Florence.            

It seems these trends will be the watchword for 2010. I expect we’ll see additional iterations as the year progresses.  As some stores told me, they can’t get enough of some of these trends; especially initials and frosty elements

But back to what really stuck out as the major news event of the Atlanta International Gift Market in January 2010!  I was surprised by the outpouring of customers.  It was early, it was icy, it was crowded and most importantly the traffic was consistent from day to day, and the conversations positive. 

Like all vendors, we love to hear the good things, and it’s those good things that keep us going when a year like 2009 occurs.  Beyond the focus on white/icy/glitter; beyond the additional entrants into the personalization craze; beyond everything above, the real trend was optimism.  Real optimism – not a wish with a string tied around your finger or your fingers crossed behind you back, or even just the wish, the hope, the need to be bright and cheery. 

We hear a lot about Wall St and Main St, well I’m here to tell you Main St was ready.  The psychology of ending the year – having been one of those that made it through – pointed to the resilience of the retailer and the consumer.  Retailers wouldn’t be planning on making purchases unless the consumer actually showed up. 

That consumer is pickier, fussier, and less likely to just spend on anything.  But the important thing is that they ARE spending.  So as economies go that should translate to additional need for employees, less people without a job, more money being fed into the economy and eventually more jobs for many sectors. 

Believe me, I’ not anything close to being an economist, but I can connect the dots.  Dots that today need to be connected.  And not one news station in Atlanta or across the nation told this story.  They were all busy covering the electronics show because gadgets are sexy, next generation and aspirational. 

I’d love to hear from you!  What did you find at the show that is really here to stay?