Consumers are getting a host of applicable solutions from the usual media outlets in the wholesale and retail business, including some additional input from smaller, more personalized stories on the blogosphere that lend ideas and concepts to wholesalers and retailers who need to tap into a fresh aspect of the home décor market.
Consumer spending certainly reflects enthusiasm in any segment of the industry, and home décor is no exception. Kohl’s Corp. posted a 28% jump in profit for its fourth quarter, with home décor being a major part of its offerings, besides apparel and accessories. Another point to consider is the increasing trend towards consumers buying high-priced goods, and expecting a higher return in terms of vale than before. While buyers are not purely motivated by name-brand, and the trend towards name-brand loyalty has been slipping downward, people are looking at luxury in a different way by not necessarily downgrading to suit restricted budgets, but simply taking into consideration all the deals that exist.
Post-recessionary concepts are emerging already, and there are a number of companies that look further down the road, in order to solidify and leverage their positions with buyers by making themselves well-recognized during economic hardship as suppliers that offer options, flexibility, value, and prices that are in line with a value-driven buyer.
Nothing seems to be far from reach in this new culture of value buying, either. Arts and antiques have seen a remarkable increase in sales, despite the fact that statistics show declines in individual earnings for most consumers. The pinch is putting a freeze on price hikes for merchandise that isn’t moving, and that has historically been the time when collectors have been able to make the most of their money.
The bottom line: homeowners are choosing to renovate and remodel instead of just moving to another home, and that has boosted sales in the area of home décor, putting an emphasis on options for both the consumer, and the ones doing the selling. Even outdoor and lawn-specific crafts are taking a big stride, all in the name of making sure there’s no place like home, especially when the yellow brick road is closed for construction.