Gift Shop Plus Winter 2022

Early Holiday 2022 Preview By Debbie Eisele

With a record fourth quarter wrapping up, retail holiday sales are predicted to repeat next year. The inventory and shipping shortages of 2021 will prove to be a cautionary tale for everyone in 2022. Retailers can get a jump on holiday merchandise with careful planning and an eye for the hot trends.

TRENDS

“Soft browns, golds and beige are very popular — this matches any décor,” Jamie Adler, marketing manager for Kurt S. Adler, explained. “People are investing in high quality merchandise (and) people are really taking pride in their holiday décor and want it to look as nice as possible.”

According to Kacie Carswell, marketing manager for burton + BURTON, varying textures and patterns such as “puffy white wool, ribbed wood and reflective metals will be a focus for the 2022 holiday season.”

“Gifts and décor for the holiday season that have a purpose and a treasured message will resonate with all generations … such as decorative containers, entertainment serveware and uniquely shaped mugs,” explained Carswell.

“Lighted items continue to be incredibly popular. As dark December evenings descend on us, there is nothing more inviting than twinkling lights and shimmering candle glow,” noted Ingrid Liss, vice president product development and innovation for GANZ Midwest-CBK. Also trending into 2022 is a mix of modern and glam and GANZ Midwest-CBK is offering a Holiday Glam collection that illustrates both of these characteristics.

Holidays always seem to elicit that warm, cozy feeling — of loved ones gathered and a sense of peace — and Liss said that this feeling is being embraced in decorative accents designed in the style of hygge. “The cozy comfort style of ‘hygge’ is an important trend in everyday and holiday decorating. This trend is reflected well in GANZ’s collections that blend natural woods, knitted and wool fabrics as well as yarn. Additionally, gnomes will continue to be popular — even Santa gnomes — according to Liss.

Marje Reed, senior director of product development/licensing for Roman, noted trends that merge tradition and technology are on the rise. “Technology is here to stay and mixing the two just makes the season more magical,” Reed described. Reed noted that blues — from navy to an almost white “icey” hue — will be important, and the familiar bright red Christmas color will be used in a more “fun whimsical direction.” Darker red hues, such as cranberry, mixed in with both matte and shiny metals, will also be used this year. “Adding new colors to family heirlooms with new ornaments for trees or one-of- a-kind pieces brings freshness to these treasures,” Reed said.

Across categories, diversity reigns as you will see in these inspirational finds that can help retailers curate a glamorous mix in 2022.

See more of the holiday merchandise previewed in the following categories, simply click the link to view  more options…

Comfy Cozy

Some Blues & Reds

Traditional & Whimsical Looks