What trends do you see in the design of wall décor? "The color story for fall 2009 will be a mix of warm spicy and cool eco-echoing tones, the most notable of which will be blue in a variety of shades. Decorating texture trends embrace iron and metallic tones such as copper, gold and brass. Look for frames with texture and interesting profiles. Iron remains a strong décor statement consumers buy for its high perceived value and affordability."

How can Christian retailers best keep up with these trends? "Retailers need to buy into new trends, but also maintain a base of product that reflects last season's trends and styles. While many consumers readily adopt new trends, some consumers are just noticing what became a trend last season. Savvy buyers order backlist items that have sold through and mix it with new items, too. Vendors are trend watchers and offer new trends each season to help retailers meet early trend adopters' needs."

In terms of pricing, what are Christian retailers buying for their stores these days? "Retailers should watch their inventories carefully and make sure they have a good mix of products. It's important to have value-oriented gifts and décor under $25 retail that meet customers' needs for both price and eye-pleasing quality, but some customers will still be looking for value-added items that are on trend and in style. Every retailer's average sale in art is different, but a good strategy is to make sure you have the bulk of your items that fall into this average range of sales. Though their numbers may be fewer, some customers want a value upgrade. Display high-end decor prominently on an easel in a high-traffic area or otherwise show it off to those looking for special gifts or home décor."

What recommendations do you have for merchandising/display? "Visual merchandising is even more important in an economic downturn. The least effective way to move product is to place it flat and up high on walls. Even on a slat wall, vignettes can be created around a theme such as music or Mother's Day. Use larger art to create a focal point, then fill in product around the focal point in odd number groupings. Use a small, fabric-covered table or easels to layer tabletop lower price point items around the focal point. Got a problem area? Send a picture to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and our award-winning booth designer will offer tips and suggestions on how to fix it."

What is Carpentree's most popular wall décor piece? "The numbers fluctuate between a couple of different items in both iron and framed art. In iron, the first and greatest top seller is #93111, Believe. The second is like unto it: #93031, Journey. In framed art, a new item producing fabulous sales is #22790, Ten Commandments for Marriage, an updated look for the highly successful #22440, also a Ten Commandments for Marriage piece."

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