Features

Storytelling Differentiates

Especially during the holiday season, “storytelling is key for companies,” emphasized Peter Friedmann, vice president of product & marketing, DEMDACO. “This can be about fair trade manufacturing or artist stories or giving back to the community. All companies realize that storytelling is a key differentiator.”

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What’s Hot

If you want to tweak tradition, look to color and dimensional elements, said Vanissa Harnik, co-owner, Notes & Queries. “I’ve been rather surprised by some of the new colors for Christmas including neon orange and coral pink. We’ve also seen a growing trend in 3D holiday popups — a gift in a card! We are finding a huge increase in sales in our counter cards, with 3D pop ups leading that trend! In addition, we’re finding a growing interest in advent cards and calendars, in both contemporary and traditional formats.”

Color Trends to Watch

“Metallic tones and shimmer are always big for holiday. Anything that really speaks to a festive tone,” explained Lindsey Hughes, PR, Grace Management Group. “Votivo has some exciting things coming for Fall 2019. Stay tuned!”

Tried and True Elements

Beautiful printed heavy foil treatments on cards and giftwrap; religious imagery; traditional reds and greens. “Aesthetically, products are more streamlined with less rustic woods,” commented Friedmann. “Farmhouse has been big, but we are starting to see the introduction of Scandinavian influence expanding into the general market and taking over.”

Thematically speaking, “anything that recalls childhood memories or nostalgia is always lasting,” observed Hughes. “We find the fir fragrances set the mood for all winter occasions as well as warm, cozy scents.”

“Look for products (and) companies that have a clear story. Your customers can buy commodities, even quality gifts and décor, from national retailers. To compete we all need to have a clear story and purpose for consumers. Otherwise, we’re all just selling forgettable stuff.” — Peter Friedmann, DEMDACO.