Recent comments from buyers coming back from the B to B Atlanta Gift and Orlando Product Fundraising shows illustrate selected micro trends in the 2010 hard goods category:
*“Giftware that is a “dustible” and just sits on a shelf is dead and won’t sell”.
*“Green is important, but it still must show value" i.e. cork and Bamboo giftware office supplies (pencil holders, etc) are selling through well.
*“Giftware must do more than sit and be pretty”. Yankee Candle was a big discussion at both shows, the brand is strong, is a consumable (When it melts down the consumer will buy again), and it sells through because the retail prices are affordable and carry a positive value equation. Strong Brands actually do increase sales in today's enviroment, Yankee is a classic "steward" of it's brand and the per store turns are very much up in a down economy.
*"Interactive and animated Giftware/toys are hot and the sell through is very strong”; i.e. Zhu Zhu’s, Webkinz, and Interactive pet tags (IDtag.com) are great examples.
*“Giftware that is a “dustible” and just sits on a shelf is dead and won’t sell”.
*“Green is important, but it still must show value" i.e. cork and Bamboo giftware office supplies (pencil holders, etc) are selling through well.
*“Giftware must do more than sit and be pretty”. Yankee Candle was a big discussion at both shows, the brand is strong, is a consumable (When it melts down the consumer will buy again), and it sells through because the retail prices are affordable and carry a positive value equation. Strong Brands actually do increase sales in today's enviroment, Yankee is a classic "steward" of it's brand and the per store turns are very much up in a down economy.
*"Interactive and animated Giftware/toys are hot and the sell through is very strong”; i.e. Zhu Zhu’s, Webkinz, and Interactive pet tags (IDtag.com) are great examples.
* "Jewelry is offered by many of the “brands” now". This category is a logical line extension of well know images. Jewelry is more than a dustible, it is an emotional connection, a “little luxury” in hard times that carries value well.
A quick recap is no, giftware is not dead. Buyers beware the tired legacy brands that are still trying to keep the good old days alive by slapping new art on old products, they will be close outs. Those buyers that are watching this micro trend will be fine and have a great year if they combine brand, value, function/animation, and green into the items. JMHO
No comments:
Post a Comment