Emerging Trends in Global Markets March 2013

March brings an official change in season and a new frame of mind. Our central merchandising themes this month focus on spring, gardening, St. Patrick’s day, Mothering Sunday, and Easter. This emphasizes the seasonality of the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s important to remember that it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Maintaining seasonally appropriate options year-round is good practice for boosting international and overall sales.

Spring

With the official start to the season later this month, think in terms of bright spring colors, fashion, spring cleaning, outdoor activities, seasonal holidays and spring breaks.

Gardening

It's spring planting time. Consider indoor, outdoor and urban gardens, tools, containers, vertical solutions, heirloom seeds and composting.

St. Patrick’s Day

Classic symbols of this holiday include parties and celebrations, the color green, shamrocks, Irish references and beer.

Mothering Sunday

The UK equivalent of the US's Mother's Day. Consider offering gift ideas for moms to account for both dates of this holiday.

Easter

With Easter Sunday falling in the last day of March, March is the ideal time to list your full line of Easter offerings for holiday shoppers. Think in terms of decor, clothing, accessories, and all the fillings for Easter baskets. Classic symbols of this holiday include rabbits, baskets, eggs, sweets, small toys, lambs, chicks, pastel colors, crosses and light, bright formalwear.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

March is known as: National Craft Month, National Poetry Month, and was named for the Roman god, Mars. March is also Prostate Cancer Awareness month in the UK.

February 28