outlook_G48_banner.jpgThe Good Tidings team has been shopping the globe to bring our customers the best in holiday trends and merchandise. Recently the sourcing team traveled to Hong Kong in October to source new products for the 2014 season. There were a few new innovations for trees – the trend seems to be leaning toward PE with indexed silhouettes and there were a couple of new lighting techniques for trees. LED lights on indoor trees continue to improve but, in general, most consumers still prefer the incandescent lights on their trees. Good Tidings will be offering a few trees with lighting which changes from clear to multi, and also trees with twinkling lights. White trees are very strong and we will have several new styles in the showroom. We will be also be featuring several new styles of half trees which are great for displaying ornaments.

In lighting, LED is still gaining some ground but incandescent still outsells LED in America. It is interesting to note that our neighbors to the north in Canada sell more LED. LED lights are really effective in outdoor decor and they do save energy. We found some upscale additions to our Outdoor Décor program which we feel will be good for the garden centers – it will give them a higher quality product than what is available in the mass merchants.

Themes for 2014 are featuring a lot of white: trees, ornaments, foliage and florals. Arctic Frost is an icy group with snowflakes, polar bears, and penguins, all in white and accented with pale blue. Vintage Noel showcases a silver tinsel tree with vintage style ornaments in lime, red, and silver. Our Simply Red collection concentrates on red and white with a slight Nordic feel. Urban Chic is our natural collection, incorporating a little glamour to it this year with gilt added to rustic components.

Birdhouses are making a comeback while snowmen and owls are still strong. The natural look is still very popular with an emphasis on forest creatures such as: squirrels, raccoons, and foxes in our Forest Life theme. Traditional themes are still very much family oriented with “handmade” looking ornaments and trim. Burlap is a very strong trend – don’t miss our burlap ornaments and trim in our Into The Woods Group. Wreaths and garlands will also have burlap elements this year.

You’ll get to see all this and much more at our brand new showroom opening January 3, 2014. Make your appointment today online, email Dottie or by calling 410-360-6614. We strongly urge you to schedule your appointments during our early buy period from January 3 to March 7 for best product selection and pricing.