9 minute read
2023 Home Trends
Styling by Leslie Groves Photography by Will Fournier
Three décor trends to try on for style in your store
The Happy Home
This liveable, natural colour palette has a happy vibe that appeals to a more mature clientele
1/ Round chenille pillow, $50 retail, Kozie Lifestyle, 866-604-0490, www.kozielifestyle.com
2/ Cushion with diamond pattern, $44 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com
3/ Chenille throw, $48 retail, Kozie Lifestyle, 866-604-0490, www.kozielifestyle.com
4/ Rainbow wall hanging, $65 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com 2
5/ Coir mat, $35 retail, Harman Imports, 800-363-7608, www.harmaninc.com
6/ Boho mugs, $12 retail each, Kozie Lifestyle, 866-604-0490, www.kozielifestyle.com
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Not-So-Basic Black
Freshen up your selection of black and white neutrals with textural items customers can’t resist 1
1/ Square candle lantern, $64 retail, Kozie Lifestyle, 866-604-0490, www.kozielifestyle.com
2/ Patterned tray from Sullivans, $80 retail, Canfloyd, 800-263-3551, www.canfloyd.com
3/ Kuba patch pillow, $90 retail, Indaba Trading, 800-746-3222, www.indabatrading.com 2
4/ Willow planter set, $104 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com
5/ Algard vase, $32 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com
6/ Starlight votive set, $45 retail, Pokoloko, 844-476-5656, www.pokoloko.com
7/ Coir doormat, $33.50 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com 3
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Garden Delight
Celebrate the scenes of the season with products the nature lover will adore 2
1/ Square pillow in Herbs pattern, $39.99 to $49.99 retail, Lady Rosedale, 416-854-2948, ladyrosedale.ca
2/ Decorative heron set, $292 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com
3/ Braided placemat, Jubilee by Danica, $10 retail, Danica, 888-632-6422, www.danicabrands.com
4/ Vase, $25 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com
5/ Rectangular pillow in Potted Plants
pattern, $39.99 to $49.99 retail, Lady Rosedale, 416-854-2948, ladyrosedale.ca
6/ Glass bottle with cork, $11 retail, North American Country Home, 888-303-2221, www.northamericancountryhome.com 3
7/ Coir mat, $25 retail, Nostalgia Import Canada, 800-785-7855, www.nostalgia-import.com 1
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Ad Name Page 75
Wooing Excellent customer service is guaranteed SHOPPERS to overcome price objections By Natalie Hammer Noblitt
Customer service and instore experiences are more important than ever,” says Brett Krauss, marketing manager for V-Count, an analytics systems manufacturer. “These days, customers expect more from retailers — and they’re willing to pay more to shop in places they enjoy. Retailers must create an environment that makes shoppers feel welcome, appreciated, and excited about shopping.”
One of the best ways to ensure your store’s environment is positive is by investing in employees. “Train staff to greet customers and make them feel special,” says Krauss. “Once they’ve found fantastic employees, retailers should also be providing incentives for employees who go above and beyond for customers.”
“When the market is very competitive, it’s essential you stay aware of the value of each customer,” says Steve Pogson, founder and CEO of retail consultancy
FirstPier. “When you lose a customer, you don’t just lose one transaction; you miss out on earning profit throughout the course of your business career with that shopper. This influences your bottom line and can have a domino effect on numerous aspects of your business, including job security.”
MAKE IT PERSONAL
The human element of instore and ecommerce shopping experiences can’t be underestimated, says Caitlyn Parish, CEO and founder of bridal retailer Cicinia. Parish’s experience in the fashion industry, retail financial analysis and as a small business owner has taught her the importance of making business more friendly, tailored and less forceful, she says.
“Using the customer’s name in person, on the phone, over email and in other correspondence provides a more personalized experience,” Parish says, as people pay attention when their name is said. “Consider Starbucks. To establish a long-lasting connection based on recognition, Starbucks personnel always address clients by name — while introducing themselves, calling out orders or thanking customers for their visits.”
SHOW YOUR WORTH
“Customers crave a bargain, but they also love supporting local businesses,” says Tricia Gustin, senior director of marketing for The Parker Avery Group. “While hosting open houses and fun events will draw people in for that day, the right product assortment, paired with great customer service, will get them to come back,” she says.
“Smaller businesses must know their markets, and target product assortments and pricing appropriately. Salespeople must be engaged, enthusiastic and
“These days, customers expect more from retailers — and they’re willing to pay more to shop in places they enjoy. Retailers must create an environment that makes shoppers feel welcome, appreciated, and excited about shopping.” - Brett Krauss, marketing manager for V-Count
knowledgeable to inform and excite customers,” she says. “If they sit at a desk or on their phone until a customer walks up, you have a problem. Active engagement is key.”
Gustin acknowledges that most retail associates need to multitask but says engagement can happen when salespeople are busy sweeping or restocking. A simple, engaging question paired with a genuine smile goes a long way, she says.
Providing context for the product, including where it came from, if it’s handmade and where the ingredients are sourced, can communicate an item’s value. Customers will often bend preconceived value expectations for an item if they understand that it offers a local element, she says.
Keep the relationship created in the store going after a shopper leaves, Gustin adds. “If your business is on social media, make that obvious with instore signage and handouts. “New products are coming in daily — check us out on IG!” is a simple, but effective message.
Gustin says the end of the customer’s journey in your store should come with a genuine, personalized invitation to come back again. Most of the time, this level of service will help customers feel they’ve gotten value beyond their initial expectations.
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