Merry Meetings
Meredith Schwartz -- Gifts and Dec, 10/7/2011 8:17:56 AM
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING IS ALWAYS A STAPLE OF THE SEASON, AND NEVER MORE SO THAN WHEN EXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS AND DESTINATION TRAVEL ARE NOT AN OPTION.
To earn consumers' dollars this holiday season, great gifts for giving are, of course, vital. But while they're already in your store, don't forget to appeal to self-purchasers by equipping your customers with everything they need to celebrate the season in style, whether that's a traditional Christmas dinner, a casual Christmas breakfast in their PJs or a well earned glass of wine with their spouse once the kids are snug in their beds.
Trends to Spot
Wine, a runaway hit in the everydat gift market, is not surprisingly big at Christmas as well, as grownups look to destress from all the spending and wrapping. Sturdy ceramics that fit a casual lifetstyle and coordinate with everyday dishes are likely to be a hit with families with young kids still at home, while paper partyware calls to both those throwing larger events and those looking to reduce the workload of hosting extended family and friends without compromising the look and feel. And while red, green and white remain the evergreen palette of Christmas, pun intended, swapping out red for a paler pink can freshen things up and, of course, appeal to shoppers' feminine side. (Pink also pairs well with The Trend Curve's pick for the palette of this season's decorations: silver and soft green.) And don't forget to offer a few elegant statement pieces for empty-nesters and those who can't stand cutsy ... even at Christmas.
By the Numbers
Smart selling is essential because, according to America's Research Group, 82 percent plan to spend less or the same as last year. And according to IBM Corematics, 83 percent of consumers prefer to do holiday shopping online and 21 percent of online shoppers expect to spend more online this year. So don't wait to make your play: the National Retail Federation found more than 37 percent plan on holiday shopping before Halloween.
Pink Christmas | |
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Pink Sugar paper partyware bears icons and type. Elise. 888.993.5473. www.EliseEntertains.com | |
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