Although it seems that summer is barely over, like it or not, the festive season is nearly upon us. Whether you’re ‘ho, ho, ho’ or a big Christmas no, none of us in the workplace supplies industry can deny that it represents a sales opportunity we all appreciate!
The festive season offers some unique opportunities for dealers to sell to their customers and to capitalise on the biggest trends for the Christmas period. But what’s hot and what’s not in the industry for 2023?
Trending Christmas palettes
A study by Christmas World identified three global Christmas trends:
Hearted and minimal: This trend embraces neutral colours and eco-conscious choices, inspired by nature. Ribbons made from organic cotton and natural textures like mushrooms are part of this trend.
Mystic and originate: Adding glamour with gold, silver, and earthy colours, this trend uses patterns and materials reminiscent of nature, even incorporating scented paper.
Local and vital: This trend adds pops of colour to the traditional Christmas palette, giving traditional motifs a modern twist.
Studies show that coloured envelopes are nine times more likely to be opened than plain white ones. India Broad, marketing manager for Blake Envelopes, suggests embracing non-traditional colours, such as quirky pinks and bright blues, along with holographic textures to infuse a trendy touch to festive materials.
Catering to flexible working
The return to the office is gaining momentum, and as the festive season approaches, offices are adapting to accommodate the hybrid work trend. Elisabete Wells, regional marketing manager for ACCO, notes a surge in office refurbishments with a focus on hybrid-friendly spaces. This presents an opportunity for resellers to provide products that cater to this need, from open layout furniture to automation tools. As the financial year-end approaches, budgets will be allocated to equip the new hybrid-friendly office with the necessary tools, creating opportunities for resellers.
Sustainability in focus
Sustainability remains a prominent theme for this Christmas. Consumers increasingly prefer eco-friendly options like cardboard and paper over plastic packaging. India Broad emphasizes the role of sustainable packaging in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. A TwoSides study revealed that most customers favour eco-friendly options and actively avoid retailers not doing enough on waste reduction.
Sustainability values are now impacting the supply chain, with strong demand for sustainable products. ACCO is experiencing double-digit growth in products like Leitz Recycle, aligning with the rising demand from consumers for sustainable items. This trend is expected to grow as customers increasingly align their spending with sustainability values.
Navigating supply chain challenges
Dealers face challenges in the form of supply chain disruptions, including cardboard box shortages and shipping backlogs. To address these challenges:
Boost the trust factor: Create transparency within the supply chain to identify bottlenecks promptly.
Have a plan B: Identify alternative suppliers for high-demand products and negotiate with suppliers from different regions to have backup plans.
Know your market: Leverage data from previous Christmases to predict best-selling products and optimize inventory.
Collaborate for success: Partner with other suppliers to respond more efficiently to changes in supply and demand.
While supply chain challenges appear to be easing, it’s crucial for businesses to prepare well in advance to avoid unforeseen disruptions.
As the holiday season approaches, embracing these trends can enable dealers to maximise opportunities and provide customers with products and experiences that resonate with the spirit of Christmas.
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