An American Christmas
Meredith Schwartz -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 1/1/2001
Even though you've just finished packing up the decorations, it's not too early to start planning for the next holiday season. With Christmas displays going up earlier and earlier every year, many retailers are starting their holiday buying at the winter shows.
The Christmas market is bigger than ever: Nearly 200 million Americans bought Christmas items in 1999, according to a Unity Marketing report, "The Market for Christmas Decor and Collectibles." And the country's passion for home decor continues to cross over into seasonal merchandise as some 60 percent of Americans bought holiday decorations.
The trend in holiday decor is toward items such as angels, snowmen, nativities, and even unconventionally dressed Santas that can be used to extend the season or for year-round decor. Christmas collectibles, however, which traditionally ranked number one or two in popularity, have slipped to number five.
On the following pages, Gifts & Dec offers a first look at what's in store for Christmas 2001.
