A Viewpoint from Will Jones of BHETA
“One of the speakers at BHETA’s briefing session for companies planning to exhibit at this year’s Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical Shows was Phil Pond of trend forecaster, Scarlet Opus. With the Exclusively shows now only a couple of months away and with more and more garden retailers attending year on year, I thought it would be worth sharing some of Scarlet Opus’ predictions for design trends for 2019 onwards.
“Ideally, this will whet the appetite for a visit to come see more at the two shows, where on trend products and on trend retail displays and ideas will be picked out and promoted. But if physical attendance isn’t possible, then at least the following will provide some food for thought for all garden retailers planning not only housewares and gift departments, but colour and design themes throughout the store, ideas for Christmas displays and how to maximise the attraction of point of sale.
“Scarlet Opus numbers both Le Creuset and Lakeland among its clients so its credentials are excellent when it comes to spotting the looks, style and feel that will have consumers reaching for their credit and debit cards. The company has also worked with Exclusively Housewares and Electrical for several years and both shows have established reputations for predicting commercial opportunities for the years ahead. For the 2018 show briefing, Phil not only supplied an overview of all the design trends for this autumn through to the early 2020s, he also showed how trend information can be used in presentation, display and in marketing collateral, as well as in product design and selection.
Here’s a flavour of what’s coming up soon:
“Trend One
Eco 2.0
This is a sophisticated version of the original green concept. It’s craft with a conscience; natural, sustainable materials and recycled materials for a rustic look that has been made slick – in natural colours. Rural chic if you will. The trend also acknowledges manmade contributions to this made-over green. When it comes to energy and connectivity, it’s all about clever, easily adjustable controls, so as not to waste resources.
“Trend Two
Clarity
Recognising a need for simplification and the personal choice which filters out the unnecessary. It’s about experience rather than products. Relaxing colours such as neutrals, pastels, sun-bleached, this is about ‘me time’. Products should be easy to move inside or outside, and finishes should be easy to change in terms of colour or texture.
“Trend Three (including Christmas)
Imperfect Beauty
The Scandinavian trends that have been popular will be replaced with Japanese philosophy celebrating the beauty in repair. Instead of hiding breakages and mends, the idea is that design celebrates them with luxurious precious metal repairs of imperfections.
“While these are some of the concepts that will be explored at Exclusively, they represent a much more wide-ranging opportunity for garden retail in general.”
www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
For more details contact the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130
Source: BHETA May 2018
May 2018