Trend Q&A: The Holiday special

Gifting in the cost-of-living crisis, festive home styling trends and how to offer a more inclusive shopping experience. That and more on today’s episode.

Want to know what’s next? Listen to the show where our experts from around the globe unpack your biggest challenges. This week, WGSN’s Executive Editorial Director Bethan Ryder takes us to Los Angeles, New York and São Paulo for our Holiday episode. Hear from the friendly faces of our Insight and Interiors teams.

Watch the full episode below or read on for highlights of this episode:

Q: As we near the winter Holidays, how are consumers approaching gift giving, especially amid the cost-of-living crisis?
“Cornell University found that doing things makes you happier than owning and that’s a mantra for this Holiday season. Brands that can create gifts out of services and experiences will win, and there’s an opportunity for all industries, from beauty to food and drink. Look at subscriptions, which offer a dose of dopamine to customers every time they’re delivered.”
– Andrea Bell, Vice President of Consumer Insights
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Q: What are some of the key trends for Holiday home styling this year?
“Consumers are looking to create ultimate comfort. This looks like cosy touches, such as quilted stockings, tree skirts and velvet bobbles, as well as a continued investment in nostalgic themes. From funky retro icons to idyllic vintage illustration styles, everything including tabletop and party-ready garlands are having roots in the past.”
– Cassandra Gagnon, Analyst, WGSN Interiors
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Q: How can retail brands help make the Holiday shopping experience more inclusive?
“Holiday shopping can be very stressful, and around 15% to 20% of the global population are on the neurodivergent spectrum. Improve the in-store experience for them by limiting the sensory overload and introducing quiet hours, incorporating strategies such as dimming lights, lowering music and reducing scents.
“In the US, 41% of Gen Z identify as gender-neutral and in the UK, 62% of women and 32% of men believe targeting a specific gender is old-fashioned. Introduce new naming categories that appeal to people who shop across genders and think of alternative ways to merchandise a store, moving away from gender categorisation.”
– Deborah Mello, Digital Asset Coordinator
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