The smart home is bringing unprecedented change to the homewares industry as it is gaining ground quickly with consumers becoming more receptive to smart home technology. What’s working in the world of smart home products, where are we going and what is needed to get there?
Find the answers in our latest digital edition, which is all about Home & Living. As retailers, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest industry trends, and so besides our product pages showcasing the latest products, we also focus on the colours that will dominate the gift and homewares industry this year. Lee Eiseman of the Pantone Colour Institute says the key to inspiring consumers is to find the right tone to match current trends or combining it with other popular colours. Read more on what colours to look out for on page 6.
Print walls are one of the big trends this year and Hunting for George is showing you on page 8 the tricks of the trade for perfecting the print wall, which you can share with your customers.
3D printing is a new way to make three-dimensional items from digital models such as furniture. So will this be the end of traditional furniture as we know it? We asked Vast Furniture & Homewares founder and CEO, Ross Clayton, this question as well as what’s next for this popular technology. Read what he thinks on page 20.
Many retailers only have small stores and it can be tricky to make the most of the space without going overboard. On page 18 we discuss 8 design ideas for small retail spaces including the use of lighting and how to create good vibes.
While word of mouth used to be the best, and cheapest, form of marketing, the rise of social media has certainly changed this. Homewares brands and retail stores are recognising the power of social media influencers who will spread the word about your brand. While it’s not for free, the benefits might well be worth the money. Read more on page 22.
This issue also has the latest news in home & living as well as some great window displays from gift and homewares stores across the globe as seen on Instagram, and some great stats and figures on the US retail landscape.
Click here to read the latest digital issue.
