2020 Retailer Buying Trends Remain Strong in 2021
At Harper Group, we saw a significant shift in retailer buying trends and patterns across our account base, with home, tabletop, fragrance, games, children and PPE product categories seeing stronger growth this year.
As we look ahead to 2021, we see our retailers capitalizing on shifting consumer buying patterns and we believe Harper Group’s collection of brands is uniquely positioned to meet retailers’ needs.
Based on Harper Group’s proprietary sales data, these are trending categories every discerning retailer should consider in their assortment planning for the New Year.
Trend # 1
Kids Activities & Learning
Virtual learning, distancing from friends and missing out on group socializing has been one of the most challenging aspects of the pandemic for our children and their families.
Parents are looking for innovative and interesting ways to make virtual learning fun and boredom busters are in high demand. Making learning fun and including activities that can bring the arts, science, writing and other STEM skills into the mix are what your customers are looking for in these long winter days ahead.
Your Harper Group Territory Manager can help you stock your shelves with activities and educational products from: Abrams, Chronicle Books, Gibbs Smith, Hachette Book Group, Penguin Random House, Quarto Books, Sterling Publishing, Twin Science and Workman Publishing (pictured).
Trend #2
Puzzles & Games
With winter upon us and customers spending more time indoors with family, puzzles and games are more in demand than ever. This renewed interest has driven rapid expansion of these categories by many of our brands. The selection is vast and creativity in design is exciting. Puzzles and games for all ages and design tastes will keep your customers coming back for more hours of entertainment.
Speak to your Harper Group Territory Manger about the amazing games and puzzles available from: Chronicle Books (pictured), Design Works Inc, Gibbs Smith, Hachette Book Group, Penguin Random House, TeNeues and Workman Publishing.
Trend #3
Home Fragrance
Home Fragrance has always been a successful category but, in 2020, we saw candle sales, in particular, reach huge new heights. With customers spending a lot more time in their homes, an affordable luxury such as a candle helped to create the perfect sanctuary. We helped many retailers add multiple new brands within this category and we are excited by all of the new releases we are seeing for 2021!
Reach out to your Harper Group Territory Manager about our wide selection of Home Fragrance offerings: Agraria, Antica Farmacista, Archipelago, Barr Co., Calyan Wax, Capri Blue, Cereria Molla, Hillhouse Naturals, k. hall designs, LAFCO, L’or de Seraphine (pictured), Mer-Sea, Mixture, Musee, Paddywax, Panier des Sens, RareEssence, ROOT, Simpatico, Thymes, Tocca and US Apothecary.
