GIFTS: New features, nostalgia mark offerings in framed art, plaques and more

BY SHERRY MORRIS, marketing manager, Carpentree

A preview of the new year offers a host of fresh and fun looks in gifts. Retro patterns, new shapes, textures, a fresh color palette and unexpected embellishments are just a few of what buyers can expect to see this spring.

In framed art, expect to see everything from photography to wallpaper looks to traditional art styles. With high-end looks, framed art trends include dimension-creating channel cuts, innovative decorative mat cuts and deckled edge mats. Watch for vintage patterns and design elements. Patterns like the chevron, ikat (a dyeing technique) and polka dots will add visual texture.

Individual elements like crowns and angel wings, found in general market designs, are a match made in heaven for the inspirational market. Barn-wood looks and wallpaper florals will add a touch of nostalgia to this spring’s gift lineup. Glittered prints and jeweled art on canvas and burlap are forecast to shimmer with glitzy eye appeal. Fun typography products, reminiscent of hand-drawn calligraphy, extend a homemade or crafty feel to framed art and other gifts.

Burlap and canvas will continue to hold a place in consumers’ hearts as a lower-cost gift alternative. Usually featuring trend-forward designs, younger customers will relate to these items.

Color trends include unusual pairings like gray and tangerine or yellow, which is a nod to gray as one of the new neutrals. Spring’s palette promises choices from romantic to theatrical or muted to bold and daring. Distressed paint will be on everything from metal to wood.

New colors and styles of metal products also make their debut this spring. Metal embellishments melded with framed art products create something entirely new.

Distressed metal flowers can be found on plaques, framed gifts, chalk or magnetic boards and photo frames. Hammered or galvanized metal forges ahead as a new finish that retailers will see going forward. Expect to see plaques in unusual shapes that will update a familiar wall-decor gift item.

A survey of general gift market publications indicates that interest in Made in America products will continue to be on consumer’s minds. Retailers may want to offer signage or special store sections to tout Made in America gifts.

From trendy to traditional, the forecast for spring looks bright with sales potential. Retailing energy comes from inspiration. Inspiration comes from new products that invite customers to shop. Spring trends will offer plenty of both.

Carpentree was presented with a 2012 Retailers Choice Award for its Prince of Peace wall décor.

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