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CONSUMER TRENDS

31/1/2012

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Posted on 31 January 2012 20:38


It’s a good idea for anyone starting or running a business to keep an eye on the latest emerging consumer trends, as these may offer inspiration for coming up with your very own ‘Eureka’  product or service.   
 
Ideas which are being put into action abroad or    in another part of the country can possibly be transferred to your local area with profitable results.

 I recently heard about some Trends which are well worth a mention. 

 1.  ‘POINT & KNOW’.  
 
Apps are taking the world by storm. There are 1000's of examples, but this is fun:  the ‘Roamler’  App for iphone lets users  (in the Netherlands) earn between 2 and 4 Euros (and points) for carrying out small tasks in the local area.  
 
Roamler’s clients specify what tasks they need done and where, and the work is offered to the App users nearest to the required location at that moment. Appazing!  
 
Sticking with Apps, an example of the 2012 trend for ‘DIY Health’ is the new ‘skin scan’ . This app scans and monitors moles and alerts the user to any suspicious changes over time.  
 
2. ‘RE-COMMERCE’
 
continues to be a big trend for 2012 – ‘trading in’ is the new buying - with exchange schemes, brands buying back used goods to recycle them, and consumers making the most of online market places to release value from unwanted items. 
 
3. The ‘RED CARPET’
 
is being rolled out around the world with tailor made services and products aimed at wealthy Chinese visitors. 
 
4. DEAL-HUNTING
 
is a growing trend, with consumers avidly searching for bargains not only to save money but for the thrill of the ‘find’ and the ‘smart’ status they will gain in the eyes of their peers. 
 
5.'GROW YOUR OWN'.
 
Urban gardening is a growing trend (sorry!), and  UK-based 'Allot in a box' sells limited-edition boxes, filled with organic seeds and helpful products for growing vegetables at home, in space-challenged areas. 

 
Food for thought?
 

How can we creatively incorporate 2012 consumer trends into our business offerings or come up with new ones which cater for customer's appetites? 
 
 

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DESIGN YOUR OWN WALLPAPER

25/1/2012

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Posted on 25 January 2012 18:11

 
If you have ever fancied designing your own wallpaper (the kind which is pasted onto the wall, rather than your laptop screen), now is your chance.
 
It's nearly time for the Ideal Home Show 2012,  and under the creative eye of Interior Design guru Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen anyone can submit their wallpaper design for judging, with the winning entry being manufactured for sale online at wallpaper.com.
 
The competition last year involved submitting designs for a room refurbishment, and was judged by Linda Barker.  I entered the design from my recently refurbished house (all done on a shoestring budget!), thought no more of it, and was shocked and pleasantly surprised to be awarded 'Ideal Interior of the Year'.  The attractive trophy (in the shape of a small house made of engraved solid glass) takes pride of place on my hall table.  
 
My parents had taken me to the Ideal Home Show annually as a child, and despite having very little money they managed to be very 'house-proud' and worked hard at keeping the decor stylish and current.  I entered the competition really as a tribute to them more than anything.  Winning the trophy was a bonus. 
 
This is a photo of the 'after' version of the kitchen  (I'm too embarrassed to show the 'before' version, but let's just say that Linda Barker was suitably impressed with the difference to award me first prize!)
 
So,  go on - exercise your 'creative muscle' and enter a wallpaper design.
 
What better way to kick-start your interior design career?
 
Click here to go to the Ideal Home Show website and find out more details.
 
 
http://tiny.cc/IdealHomeShow


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    Hello, I'm Ann Leslie,  Creative Business Consultant.

    I help creative businesses to gain more leads, customers and sales - and have fun doing so! 

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Photo used under Creative Commons from Iman Mosaad