74 Shoppers will be looking for more adventure-inspired accessories, opulent vintage pieces, natural goods and playful nostalgic items this year. That’s according to the Faire Forecast which examined data from millions of product searches on Faire to identify four trends we think are guiding consumer and retailer behaviour right now: ‘Intentional Detours’, ‘Victorian Noir’, ‘Neutral Good’ and ‘Everyday Hopecore’. For example, we discovered an increasing demand for items that allow people to unplug and reconnect; a growing appetite for bold, indulgent décor and accessories; a desire for more handmade, eco-friendly products; and a stronger pull from shoppers to reconnect with their childhood and rediscover their ‘inner child’. I know from chatting directly with retailers almost every day that kind of insight is invaluable when it comes to guiding them to make smarter buying and selling decisions, which is why the report was a key point of discussion for all the people I met at Spring Fair. But honestly, identifying trends like these is one thing, actually translating trends and integrating them into your business is another. The best retailers approach trends with a clear strategy in mind to ensure they still feel natural for you and your customers. HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THIS RIGHT: Put your customers at the heart: The Faire Forecast highlights four very distinct trends so your business might not align with all of them. You know your customers better than anyone so think about what they’re looking for when they come into your store and what’s most likely to resonate. I think every shop, in every season, has a colour story, so when it comes to weaving new trends into your store, choosing the right colours is key. It’s about ensuring they complement your palette and brand identity. If your shop leans towards a timeless, sophisticated feel, then the rich tones of Victorian Noir could be a perfect fit. Or, if your shop has a younger, more playful energy, then the bright hues of Everyday Hopecore might bring the perfect pop of neon colour. But beyond aesthetics, colour should communicate what your brand stands for and create a real connection with your customers. Take a step back and think about the story you want to tell, and how colour can help you tell it. Make the trends work for you: You also need to think about your purchasing strategy, your budget, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking on before adopting a new trend. Look at your existing range and consider how brand new products will fit alongside your existing bestsellers or whether they’ll need new merchandised space. Then think about your tolerance for risk when it comes to trying something completely different. That’s often influenced by your financial security, past experiences, both good or bad, and customer behaviour. Sticking to tried-and-tested bestsellers might feel like the safer option, but if you know your customers love newness and have found that testing new brands and products encourages repeat spend and attracts new customers, taking a calculated risk could pay off. New trends need a new strategy: New products won’t sell themselves so you will need a plan to build awareness. Start by thinking about the channels that will work best for your customers and the product, whether that’s in-store Charlotte Broadbent, General UK Manager at the online wholesale marketplace Faire spoke at Spring Fair about how to maximise this year’s key retail trends STAYING ON TREND IN RETAIL “New products won’t sell themselves so you will need a plan to build awareness.”
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