August Issue

• It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
  - Editorial
• The Baby Boutique
  - What's hot for tots in 2010
• Up the Garden Path -
  - Quality assurance, high-design and originality . . . gardens are calling the shots
• Make it a Wrap
  - First impressions do count, which is why beautifully wrapped gifts are so enticing.
• Get Sharp
  - News from the sharp side.
• Festive Forecast
  - What's hot for this Christmas season?

Festive Forecast - What's hot for this Christmas season?

SORAYA NICHOLAS REPORTS

In the United States of America, Gourmet Retailer reports that the homeware market is forecasted to be popular again for the coming Christmas season. This is a theme echoed in New Zealand, with many wholesalers once again predicting that homeware related products will be dominating the needs of Christmas shoppers. Given the economic climate, with the recession still taking effect on the average household worldwide, practical items at affordable price points are leading the way.

Georgie Harrison of Emilie says that “home accessories are always popular” and that it will be no different this coming Christmas season. “There are certain ranges, such as our Rice accessories, that I just know will be as popular as ever.” The Rice range is focused on bright colours and patterns. “This season we are certainly following through from the Northern Hemisphere fashion season,” she says. This means a lot of block bold colours and bright tones will be making a statement Down Under.

This is a theme repeated throughout the gift, homeware and design industries for summer. Alice Lines, art director of homestyle magazine, believes that strong, bright colours will also dominate the design industry this coming season. “Make the most of fun bright palettes that are coming through for summer,” says Lines, in reference to Christmas and summer gifts. “Pastels become fluro brights with a whimsical, carnival feel. Vibrant accents of tangerine, lime, candy pink and turquoise combined with soft neutral greys add interest to homewares. Think striped deckchairs, bright plastic picnic ware and bunting flags.” As with Emilie's Rice collection, bright blues, pinks and greens, with an emphasis on items such as drink coolers, plastic cups and bags, are all on the cards for Christmas, says Lines.

Trend Bible, a UK-based fashion and homeware trend company, has also played witness to a bright emergence of gift products in the UK recently. They believe that bold colours, including greens and rainbow highlights, as well as black and white, will “translate into the New Zealand and Australian markets in time for Christmas”.

However, the bright, fashionable colours for the summer and Christmas season are also balanced by neutral palettes. For more reserved, conservative gifts and homewares, soft neutral-inspired items are always a sure bet, says Anne Boezennec of Toi & Moi. She predicts their vases and other simple, classic homeware items will top the Christmas wishlists of more discerning buyers.

“Our products are made and designed in France so they are quality pieces, and our coffee cups and jugs should remain popular,” she says. “We also expect our quality stainless steel homeware products, such as toothbrush holders and sponge holders, to be in demand. They are attractive and useful, and that always appeals to people buying gifts, especially at Christmas when you've usually got more than one gift to source.” The designer products are priced accordingly, so Boezennec expects customers will elect to buy one or two pieces, such as a pair of black-and-white coffee cups, for quality rather than quantity. This was a trend they experienced last Christmas across much of their ranges.

At Emilie, their neutral-focused range from Lisbeth Dahl is always a sure winner, says Harrison. “The Dahl range includes small homeware accessories, such as tea-light holders, hand mirrors and boxes, which make ideal festive season gifts,” she says. “They are positioned at a good price-point for Christmas gifts too, as consumers aren't looking to buy big-ticket items – they want value and quality.”

Sarah McNaughtan of The Red Hot Gift Company echoes similar sentiments. She believes festive buyers will be hunting out gifts that are a combination of good value for money and quality more than ever before. “People have definitely become savvier, in that they expect extra,” she says. “The general attitude of the consumer now is that value is the most important factor, which means that purchases are more careful and considered.” One particular range at The Red Hot Gift Company picked to be a popular Christmas seller is trendy key rings, says McNaughtan. “One in particular lights up when a person whistles, allowing the seeker to find it, which at under $15 makes it a useful, practical and good value for money gift.”

McNaughtan is also predicting their printed items, such as practical tea towels and chopping blocks, will have a key position in the Christmas lineup. “These gifts often have a New Zealand print theme and feature neutral palettes. However, we're also seeing movement towards bright colours and tones in other product ranges too,” she says.

This year, the feeling is similar to previous seasons, in that homewares are as popular as ever. But in keeping with global design and fashion trends for summer, bright and bold colours will be drawing the attention of consumers this Christmas. Paired with quality products and good price-points, the festive season should be thriving with customers seeking small, quality gifts with a purpose.

The Christmas line-up

• Homeware pieces in block bright and bold colours.
• Vibrant accents of tangerine, lime, candy pink and turquoise combined with soft neutral greys – think striped deckchairs, bright plastic picnic ware and bunting fl ags.
• Product emphasis on items such as drink coolers, cups and bags made from plastic and the like.
• Quality-assured items for balance and classical appeal – think black-andwhite mugs, neutral-coloured simple jugs and vases, handheld mirrors, stainless steel toothbrush and sponge holders.
• Value-for-money type gifts with ageless appeal – think trendy coloured key rings, New Zealand printed tea towels and chopping blocks.