Emerging Trends in Global Market Dec. 2012

December brings the holiday rush and a fresh look ahead to the new year.

We are delighted to introduce four new ways to shop: Fashion, Home and Garden, Kids, and Holidays.

Our central merchandising themes will focus on holiday gifting, winter, and looking ahead to the New Year. While emphasis will be placed upon the seasonality of the Northern Hemisphere, it’s important to remember that the Southern Hemisphere is preparing for summer. Maintaining seasonally appropriate options year-round is good practice for boosting international and overall sales.

Themes to Plan for

Holidays

The holidays consist of two central themes ― decor and gifting. Shoppers are already planning and searching for holiday-themed gifts: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Major gifting categories include price, recipient, and type of gift. Think in terms of the following groupings: under $25, under $50, under $75, statement gifts, women, men, teens, children, babies, coworkers, friends, the person who has it all, pets, personalization, eco-friendly, cards, calendars, gadgets, jewelry, fashion, one-of-a-kind, gag gifts, decor, DIY options, and parties & entertaining.

Holiday Parties

The season for holiday parties begins. Think invitations, hostessing, hostess gifts, table settings, accessories, food, cocktails, recipes, seasonal decor, lighting and favors.

Winter

Winter activities include home decorating, entertaining, food and recipes, seasonal activities, fashion, woodland motifs and nature’s symbols.

The New Year

The New Year theme includes New Year’s Eve parties and fashion, resolutions, fresh starts, getting organized, calendars and goal setting.

Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just two months away, now is the time to create and list your full line of Valentine’s offerings.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

December 1: Start of Summer, Southern Hemisphere

December 5/6: Sinterklaas (aka St. Nicholas)

December 5: Ashura

December 8-12: Fête des Lumière in Lyon

December 20-28: Hanukkah

December 22: Winter Solstice: Shortest day of the year

December 25: Christmas Day

December 26: Boxing Day

December 26