Fashion Accents
By Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts and Dec, 11/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Fashion accents are a relative newcomer to the gift industry, having gained wide acceptance as a separate category within the past 10 years.
Factors contributing to the rise of fashion accents as a viable gift category include: A changing retail landscape where independent retailers struggle for a share of market; a shift to selling “lifestyle” rather than “look”; and recognition of the gift channel as a way to grow and stand apart from the apparel and boutique channel.
Fashion jewelry (also called costume or bridge jewelry) represents the largest segment of the accessories category, coming in all price points and styles. Though subject to some seasonal and stylistic variation costume jewelry sells year-round. Silver is a mainstay, and beaded pieces made with glass, ceramic, resin or semiprecious stones are current fashion favorites. Handcrafted artisan jewelry continues to offer unique pieces for discerning customers.
Handbags, totes and soft luggage have experienced growth over the past few years, though it's leveled off more recently. Earlier in the trend, high end leather bag designers entered the market, but their price points didn't fit with the average gift merchandise mix. Many of those designers have since dropped out of the market. The low- to moderate-priced bag market continues strong, however, with well-appointed offerings. Perhaps the biggest growth area in this segment is in diaper/baby bags that are professional and fashionable rather than screaming, “baby's diaper bag!”
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