Trend forecasting agency Scarlet Opus will be helping visitors to this year's Exclusively Housewares and new Exclusively Electrical show by identifying products they feel are good examples of forthcoming trends.
Mid-way through the year is a good time for retailers to take a fresh look at their stores, start thinking ahead to the busy Christmas sales period and get their eye in on what trends will be dominating the coming seasons," says show director Simon Boyd.

"We've asked the Scarlet Opus team to review all the products our exhibitors are putting forward for the show preview, and all the gift ideas they've come up with for our Christmas shopping promotion, to identify those products they think are good examples of on-trend items.

"Their selection will be highlighted by our new On Trend icon, so that our visitors can share their view."

Scarlet Opus has already come up with some tips for exhibitors. For example, its advice for Christmas 2015 is to explore ways to combine natural qualities with luxurious qualities for a 'nature luxe' style.

"This will include elements with reference to historical glamour and archive designs, textures and shapes found in nature, artisanal skills and craft techniques, blonde wood tones and lace patterns and marbleised effects," said Scarlet Opus founder Victoria Redshaw.

"The colour palette focus for this time of year is dusted-off pastels including blush and peach tones, and stucco greys. The aim is to achieve a balance between rawness and refinement."

The tips for spring/summer 2016 centre around the forthcoming Olympics. Scarlet Opus is encouraging suppliers to "explore the flavours of Rio. It's a melting pot of cultural influences - Copacabana beach scene, the carnival spirit and the lush Amazonian rainforest of Brazil. Colours should be used in upbeat, lively combinations, a colour rush, for example, rich red and hot pink or Amazon green and toucan yellow."

The Scarlet Opus team will create a display of trend mood boards at the shows, incorporating relevant product shots. There will also be a trends presentation.