[dropcap style=”letter” size=”52″ bg_color=”#ffffff” txt_color=”#f23e15″]L[/dropcap]ighting showrooms, interior designers, home décor dealers, and those in the architectural community are wrapping up a great year when it comes to steady sales and bringing profitability levels up. Here comes 2016, but uh-oh, it’s an election year…and we all know what that means. Now add the refugee crisis occurring overseas – and its impact on U.S. immigration numbers – and it’s easy to get nervous about 2016.
The good news is that our industry has been enjoying a return to steady growth for the past two years. Riding that wave, the recent Fall High Point Market was full of patterns, colors, and bold styling — all positive indicators of consumer confidence.
We have to stay the course and continue to bolster consumers’ good feelings about nesting and redecorating their homes. After all, our homes are our refuge – a fact that becomes especially important when other aspects of our daily living can seem wildly chaotic. Our message to consumers should be positive and should cater to that desire of creating a personal and super-comfortable sanctuary.
In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks on Paris and the threats of more violence to come in public places all over the world, many people are understandably hesitant to venture out and enjoy public events. If there ever was a peak in the cocooning trend, we might surpass that height in the months to come.
People don’t want to live under the shadow of “What If?” or stop doing things they have enjoyed in the past like dining out, going shopping, or attending a concert or festival (nor should they). But I do believe that, given recent events, “home” as a “safe place” is going to be vital to consumers of all ages going forward. They will be looking for fresh looks to brighten up their living environments – whether it is an apartment, a starter home, or their third house. Manufacturers have been bringing out the cool, new styles that consumers want. Keep sending the message that your store should become the place where consumers can accomplish that goal.
I wish you all a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year and look forward to seeing you in 2016.
Hi Linda, Very good points regarding the effect of world events on a sense to pull inward but as even Parisians showed us the same weekend of the attacks, they were back out and about. Life want back to normal but we’re all showing the world we aren’t afraid. We know these things will continue to happen but we won’t change. Except for the better. To a great 2016 for us all. Cheers.
Thanks, Mike! I appreciate your writing in! Wishing you and everyone a happy, healthy & profitable 2016!
Linda, I’m a big fan. But immigration has always grown the US economy, not shrunk it. Don’t all new immigrants need to get housing and lighting? No one questions that rising population contributes to economic growth. Immigration is one form of population growth. Happy holidays.
Hi David! Good seeing you at ALA! The intention of my Editor’s Note was not about immigration and whether immigrants are entitled to get housing & lighting. It was about the various FEARS consumers may have over terrorist attacks, economic uncertainty in an election year, and the refugee situation overseas that can influence consumers’ spending habits regarding whether they stop shopping at malls (where numerous shootings have occurred, which had nothing to do with immigration but everything to do with robbery and creating mayhem) or whether consumers will shy away from attending other public events for fear of a violent episode of some sort occurring. I regret if my message was unclear, but appreciate your writing in!