SimpliCity is a framework for design, encompassing a surprising array of styles and niches. One of them is the rapidly evolving category of juvenile products and accessories.
America’s kids are having a huge influence on their parent’s purchasing decisions about everything from minivans to sofas. In fact, they are often determining on their own what their parents are buying. With an eye on this market, companies are launching new “sophisticated and hip” collections geared to children and the teen-plus age group.
In the end, parents often allow the children a large degree of freedom when choosing their beds, dressers, and window coverings.
Whose is buying ?
Baby Boomers who are buying for their grandchildren
New parents who are above the traditional parental age
Young parents with above average incomes/wealthy young parents
Luxury consumers who prefer “exclusive” products and do not hesitate when it comes to spending money on their children
Still, with all this talk of meeting the wants of our kids, it is important to consider the parameters we put on the buying decision. Fortunately, a tight budget is often not an issue. Many Americans have delayed having children, so they have progressed in their careers and have the disposable income to splurge on their children’s furnishings.
At ICFF many of the green introductions also coincided with the boom in infant and juvenile furnishings, indicating that Gen X and Gen Y parents are ready and willing to search out, and in some cases, pay extra for low toxicity, low environmental impact nurseries.
So, why should window covering designers and workrooms care about juvenile trends? Trend spotting is not only about spotting the next hot product, but in creating opportunities. If business is slowing because the housing market is flat in your area, or you feel like you have exhausted all the usual suspects for customers, look to this profitable niche for window fashions and soft furnishings
How?
Well if the grandparents and older, wealthier Gen Xers are spending their disposable dollars on baby or grandkids rather than on draperies for their dining room, switch gears and look to selling window treatments and soft furnishings in the nursery niche. Function like sound absorption and room darkening; and safety are high on the priority list. Crib sets, custom comforters, bassinette skirts, monogramming even christening blankets can be great high margin products. Believe me, I recently had the chance to personally see what is available in baby bedding. Outside of the character licensing, there is a huge wide open area for sophisticated baby. If Hollywood celebrity is any indication this trend cycle has a long curve life. Keep in mind that kids themselves have opinions about motifs and patterns. Designers should start from the viewpoint of making products specifically for children. This means color and design trends that are more on target because of the specialty focus.
America’s kids are having a huge influence on their parent’s purchasing decisions about everything from minivans to sofas. In fact, they are often determining on their own what their parents are buying. With an eye on this market, companies are launching new “sophisticated and hip” collections geared to children and the teen-plus age group.
In the end, parents often allow the children a large degree of freedom when choosing their beds, dressers, and window coverings.
Whose is buying ?
Baby Boomers who are buying for their grandchildren
New parents who are above the traditional parental age
Young parents with above average incomes/wealthy young parents
Luxury consumers who prefer “exclusive” products and do not hesitate when it comes to spending money on their children
Still, with all this talk of meeting the wants of our kids, it is important to consider the parameters we put on the buying decision. Fortunately, a tight budget is often not an issue. Many Americans have delayed having children, so they have progressed in their careers and have the disposable income to splurge on their children’s furnishings.
At ICFF many of the green introductions also coincided with the boom in infant and juvenile furnishings, indicating that Gen X and Gen Y parents are ready and willing to search out, and in some cases, pay extra for low toxicity, low environmental impact nurseries.
So, why should window covering designers and workrooms care about juvenile trends? Trend spotting is not only about spotting the next hot product, but in creating opportunities. If business is slowing because the housing market is flat in your area, or you feel like you have exhausted all the usual suspects for customers, look to this profitable niche for window fashions and soft furnishings
How?
Well if the grandparents and older, wealthier Gen Xers are spending their disposable dollars on baby or grandkids rather than on draperies for their dining room, switch gears and look to selling window treatments and soft furnishings in the nursery niche. Function like sound absorption and room darkening; and safety are high on the priority list. Crib sets, custom comforters, bassinette skirts, monogramming even christening blankets can be great high margin products. Believe me, I recently had the chance to personally see what is available in baby bedding. Outside of the character licensing, there is a huge wide open area for sophisticated baby. If Hollywood celebrity is any indication this trend cycle has a long curve life. Keep in mind that kids themselves have opinions about motifs and patterns. Designers should start from the viewpoint of making products specifically for children. This means color and design trends that are more on target because of the specialty focus.
Trendtracking
*Multi-functional is an important factor in juvenile product purchases these days. Busy parents with lots of baby gear want products that do more than the obvious.
*Space saving
*Fashion
*Licensing
*Natural and organic products are leading to innovative and sophisticated products.
In the spirit of SimpliCity, manufacturers are coming up with new and innovative ways to put on a modern spin to make old products new again in every product
