Gift Focus - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 105)

giftfocus 19 trends Small is the new big in terms of retail, moving away from the massive department stores and huge trade shows. The majority of our supplier members who we’ve spoken to this year have also expressed their need for being in smaller independent stores, such as garden centres. Smaller trade shows have become more fruitful, where the buyers don’t get ‘show blinded’ and smaller brands can stand out. In retail, there’s a movement towards independent, pop-up, local, rogue, but whatever you want to call it, always served up professionally, so not to lose consumer confidence. It’s a move away from the faceless big brands and big corporations and often, less than perfect service. These smaller businesses and pop ups have a more collaborative way of working, which will benefit our up-and-coming generation of Millennials who are adept at building communities around shared interests. These Millennials are realising that small businesses are the glue of town centres, so more small businesses can only be a positive thing with customers increasingly realising their niche and their true value. In terms of product trends, we’ve seen a particular rise in food gifts, especially in our Gift of the Year competition. Success has been seen from foody gifts such as the Ross & Ross cure at home salmon kits; Bakedin mug kits; and make your own cider kits. I think as a nation we’ve tightened our belts with austerity being the buzzword over the last few years, but I think there’s always time for luxury food and now even better, the experience of making the food as well as enjoying it after, doubling the enjoyment as a gift. Sarah Ward Chief Executive, The Giftware Association ga-uk.org A few predictions for 2018: 1) Colours: Blue and white is definitely a trending colourway: it’s strong for us and I note it’s currently featured in the Kings Road Chelsea window of leading interior designer/furniture maven William Yeoward. Green was last year’s internationally hot colour and it doesn’t seem to be losing ground. Grey doesn’t go away – but I’m expecting richer colours like plum and dark green to feature, especially in combination. 2) Ikons: cactus of all kinds, real and faux, will be stronger. Flamingos are unstoppable. Llamas seem to be emerging (llamas… where did that come from?!). African animals continue to appeal and I expect will get stronger. Domestic and (British) wild animals of all sorts will go from strength to strength. Pandas, penguins and puffins too! (but am I alone in detecting a hint of owl-fatigue from consumers?). Handicrafts are getting bigger. Finally, my wild card for 2018: I predict gnomes.” Gisela Graham Giselagraham .co.uk As a gift e-tailer, keeping up with viral trends can prove difficult, but for Prezzybox.com it’s all about utilising their online advantage, from following a user’s virtual footprint to embracing technological advances here’s our predictions to this year’s Christmas wish-list. With their mythical magic, Unicorns have gained more than 100,000 Google searches per month and remain the largest search term on-site, with retailers creating everything from themed nail polish, to glittery gin. Christmas Eve Boxes are top of new traditions for Christmas 2017, receiving over 150,000 Google searches in November 2016 alone, internet retailers are already competing for a top spot on google for this search term, we anticipate the best-sellers to be personalised. Dominating the tech category is smart-home and artificial intelligence, with Google and Amazon already having created their own personal assistants to make customers’ everyday life that little more efficient – consumers are becoming more dependent on technology that aids time, money and even health. Named ‘Ginovation’ the botanical beverage gin is very much the flavour of the year, whilst Prosecco comes in at second place after the introduction of Prosecco Pong went viral this July, buyers are opting for an expensive tipple in the poshest game of ping pong yet. When it comes to internet marketing, however, personalisation and augmented reality advertising is something to invest in especially if you’re online. Customers could literally be immersed within a four-dimensional virtual shop, bringing your brand even closer to an individual. Francesca Prince Marketing & PR Executive Prezzybox.com