Take action now for a resilient 2023
We may have a new Prime Minister, and a new Chancellor of the Exchequer (cue Brenda from Bristol: “ANOTHER one???”), but nevertheless it’s a fairly certain bet that 2023 is going to be a challenging year, for attractions, destinations, high streets and of course for consumers. So, assuming Christmas planning is “done”, how can we give our business the best possible start in the coming year?
If you downloaded our promotional calendar then you’ll know that now is the time to be thinking about your Spring 2023 promotional activity, product offering, displays, marketing AND preparing your team. So where will you get your inspiration? Here’s our guide to where to go for guidance from the forefront of experiential retail.
Who to be inspired by:
This comprehensive list from Design Museum website lists their top ten most inspirational shops from around the world. And we concur with them all.
V&A, London
Design Museum, London
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen
Museum of Modern Art, New York City
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Rivoli, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris
Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Mütter Museum, Philadelphia
Casa Batlló, Barcelona
Where to visit:
Autumn trade shows have now taken place, but if you missed them, make sure you pop them in your diary for September next year and make sure you walk ALL the aisles…twice (once in each direction)!
Autumn Fair, NEC, Birmingham | 3rd - 6th Sept
Top Drawer, Olympia, London | 11th -13th Sept
Maison&Objet, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre | 7th -11th Sept
And be sure to visit these upcoming shows as many will be expecting buyers to place last-minute orders for the Spring season. This is an excellent way to meet potential suppliers and really get to know them before you order.
Top Drawer, Olympia, London | 15th-17th Jan
Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham | 5th - 8th Feb
Giving & Living, Westpoint, Exeter | 15th - 17th Jan
Maison&Objet, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre | 19th-23rd Jan
Another great resource to gain from visiting the shows are the excellent trend forecast seminars. These short talks will give you an excellent preview into next season's upcoming trends and how to apply them to your niche.
Who to follow:
Trendbible
This article details key colour inspiration for Spring/Summer 2023. It includes all decor trends to keep on your radar when developing your ranges.Gift of the Year
Each year, The Giftware Association (which is well worth joining) hosts its annual award ceremony which recognises the best in new products, talent and inspiration from the industry. The prizes are judged by over 60 industry professionals (including our own Stephen Spencer) so you can guarantee these products are well worth considering. Here are the most recent winners.Association for Cultural Enterprises
As many of you will know, this organisation exists to “help cultural attractions maximise commercial potential”. On their website you’ll find a wealth of resources about how to do just this. And on the 16th November, don’t miss their upcoming online Masterclass ‘Range Planning and Product Development’.
We hope this helps you to take action now for a resilient 2023! Our main piece of advice is to really think about your customers and what they need, and how to involve your team so that they own it, and deliver it, on your behalf. And remember that your shop is your event space; your themes and your ranges should immerse your customers in your values and heritage through all five senses.
If you need some help honing your sixth sense for 2023 our ‘Product Masterclass’ is the one for you. We can help with concept development, range planning, sourcing and everything in between. Use the link below to book your FREE 1 hour, no obligation discovery session to discuss how we might work together to maximise your ROI this Spring.