Trend Perspectives

In recent years the very definitions and drivers of trend have expanded beyond style and design to incorporate social, economic, technology, lifestyle, environmental and even political trends. Staying informed and focused in this “never normal” is challenging—but essential.

During this journey to bring InSight to life, we had many discussions on trend with home industry executives—all who have a history of success and innovation in their fields. While each interpret and react differently to any given trend, they share a singular trait. They all lead companies with a strong brand identity and goals forged from an ever-evolving understanding of consumers.

Regardless of their perspective, all seem to converge on a crucial reality: Just as economies, markets and retail channels will change and evolve, trends, in response, will continue to influence commerce. Navigating that influence successfully will depend on the ability to respond rapidly to changing consumer realities and aspirations.

Hear from their perspective in their own words.

Derek Miller President & CEO, International Housewares Association

Looking back over the past two years, how is the role of trade shows evolving in providing trend insight and inspiration to both manufacturers and retailers? Retailers and suppliers alike know that there is no better way to evaluate the direction of an existing trend—or the strength of an emerging one—than to view it in the context of an active show floor. Trade shows like The Inspired Home Show® create a forum where the true nature and direction of trends comes to life in real time for both buyer and seller. That’s something no online presentation or meeting can match.

Are trends still important in Home? Some people are saying that trends are slowing down? Is that true? Trends have not “slowed down,” some have that perception because the lifespan of viable trends has actually increased. When established trends last longer it’s a reflection of consumers’ demand for lasting value. They are evaluating quality, price, and design in new ways, and with new expectations. For the supply side, that’s a great thing because it gives us the opportunity to evolve with consumers—to really listen and reimagine our industry in response to what we learn. Home style and lifestyle trends remain essential to evolution and growth in our industry.

Tom Mirabile Principal, Springboard Futures Consumer and Lifestyle Trend Analyst, International Housewares Association and HomePage News

Are consumer lifestyle trends important even in unsettled economic conditions? Trends are important because they can help you better anticipate future behaviors and make better decisions, providing greater opportunities for growth. For that very reason it’s during times of economic uncertainty that trends are crucially important.

Joe Derochowski VP, Home Industry Advisor, Circana

Why is color important and how can I stay current without changing my entire product assortment? Color is important because it helps brands and retailers enage consumers on both physical and emotional levels. Consumers respond to brands that embrace relevant and forward-looking color trends. Also, color doesn’t have to be a complete product line or rebrand, it can be easily done by incorporating color trends into social posts, digital advertising, merchandsing, etc.

How has the use of trends changed in recent years? Trends are no longer dictated by an elite, inspiring few and followed by all, there are hundreds of viable trends evolving at any given time. Trends can emerge as inspirations from social media, pop culture, even a truly unique retail experience. Success comes from interpreting those trends and translating them into products and assortments that inspire and engage consumers.

How does JURA integrate design and lifestyle trends into its products and program development? Trends have a past, present and future. Here at JURA, we analyze the past to separate the temporary from long-term changes in consumer behavior. We deliver and position products with an eye to current trends. But what truly sets us apart is projecting future trends and even creating them with new technologies and innovations that expand the concept of what a product or category can do.

Why is trend awareness important to business growth? Trends provide a new approach and a fresh perspective that creates a need to purchase—and that is the ultimate goal.

Rep Groups and multi-supplier showrooms often present an incredible breadth of trend statements. How do you keep those offerings balanced? And why not focus on just a few? As a partnership representing 40 brands and product lines, Schauben & Co. keeps a close watch on lifestyle and design trends. Our retail partners of every size are defined by which trends they follow, and they depend on us to stay in sync with what’s new and next. Trend awareness and editing is at the core of the services we provide.

Evan Dash Founder & CEO,

What role do trends play in brand extensions and new product development? In order to grow your business, it’s essential to understand the marketplace along with the hearts and minds of your consumers. There will always be a need to strike a balance between core and trend-forward when approaching new product development, and without insights into your consumer, you risk becoming irrelevant.

Are there any characteristics that longer-lasting design and lifestyle trends have in common?

Daniel Seehoff CEO, Sophistiplate

Is consumer/ lifestyle trend an important consideration in your company’s new product development? Absolutely, consumer and lifestyle trends form an integral part of Dash’s new product development strategy as they help us understand the evolving needs, preferences, and aesthetics of our customer base. We constantly observe and analyze lifestyle trends through market research, customer feedback, and social media analytics, which allows us to create innovative and stylish appliances that resonate with our customers and fit seamlessly into their everyday lives.

Many enduring trends these days have evolved into lifestyle moments. This is awesome, and very important for Nancy Fire Designs and other firms who work with both manufacturers and retailers who need to be on the same page when it comes to product. This makes the trends more realistic and focused on enhancing everyday living, which in fact is what the consumer is looking for.

Is trend always important—even in times of economic uncertainty?

Beautiful and trend-forward products make people excited to host, entertain and make memories. From setting a stunning table or assembling a show-stopping charcuterie board, design and trend matter. Products need to be gorgeous, on trend and unique to be inspirational, desirable, memorable and Instagrammable.

Will craftsmanship in home furnishings continue its current broad influence on Home and Housewares trends? Demand for handcraftsmanship in home furnishings is a continuing trend and shows no sign of fatigue, and actually continues to broaden its influence on Home and Housewares trends. Craftsmanship is the new luxury and will add a distinguished warmth, longevity and inherent value as we crave that connection to place and provenance as a counterpoint to technology.

What role do trends play in product development and design at Lifetime Brands? Staying trend-aware is a critical part of innovation, it can help us direct development toward what matters most to our consumers. That means looking at trends on every level: lifestyle, design, material innovation and even pricing. Trends must be viewed through a lens of our brand mandates for consistency and value.

In the next 2-3 years, which trend will deliver the greatest opportunity for meaningful sustainability advances in the home and housewares industries? Education and information. Without a doubt consumer awareness and commitment to eco-conscious home products will continue to expand. In fact, in response to that trend and the demand it’s created, the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) provides home furnishings retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and designers with education and tools to incorporate sustainable best practices into their business models. That commitment has made the SFC the leading sustainability education resource in the home furnishings industry.

What role should trend play in creating retail assortments?

Trend plays the role of catalyst. It stirs things up, creates excitement, instills optimism and propels change.

Linda Levine President, Godinger Silver Board of Directors, NY Tabletop Association

What role does trend play in the the relationship between your sales team and the accounts they serve? Trends, whether consumer, lifestyle, material or color play an important part in Godinger’s continued success. Trends are part of our ongoing conversations with our retail partners—every account is unique, so trends help us differentiate assortments as well.