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Experts Predict Big Things For Christmas
Listed under: News
Published: Monday, September 22, 2008
Craft insiders have predicted a number of significant growths in key areas of the industry this Christmas despite the recent pessimistic reports regarding the state of the economy.
Scrapbooking, decoupage and card making are all likely to be big sellers this year, with jewellery making becoming particularly popular.
“Although the craft sector has had a bit of a hit in the last few months due to the economic climate, I think the festive period will boost the sector once more,” says Deepa Mehta of Papercellar. “As one of the biggest card making holidays of the year, Christmas is a time when crafters will want to buy new and exciting things. Therefore, sales of card making components are likely to rise dramatically during this time. Anything glitzy will do particulary well, as long as the price is right.”
Sarah Costin of Trimcraft adds “Scrapbooking also remains a big growth area and overall we’re seeing more crafts fashioned from traditional materials such as vintage fabrics, buttons and fibres. Scrapbook pages are generally containing fewer pictures and more handcrafted embellishments. Decoupage is also currently having a revival.”
Deborah Dempsey of Dempsey Designs Limited, has her own predictions. “I think sales this Christmas will be on a par with last year. However, we will see consumers buying lower ticket items more than higher priced ones. During recessions, the craft trade usually does well because people have less income to spend on luxuries, so well designed products which offer value for money will do particularly well. Internet sales will be strong this Christmas and I predict sales on the high street and local independent shops will improve too, as people will not want to travel too far with the high price of fuel.
“One area which will perform very well this Christmas is jewellery making,” Deborah continues. “Card making is still hugely popular. There has also been a resurgence of interest in ceramic and glass painting, which is likely to grow further in 2009.”
“Although the craft sector has had a bit of a hit in the last few months due to the economic climate, I think the festive period will boost the sector once more,” says Deepa Mehta of Papercellar. “As one of the biggest card making holidays of the year, Christmas is a time when crafters will want to buy new and exciting things. Therefore, sales of card making components are likely to rise dramatically during this time. Anything glitzy will do particulary well, as long as the price is right.”
Sarah Costin of Trimcraft adds “Scrapbooking also remains a big growth area and overall we’re seeing more crafts fashioned from traditional materials such as vintage fabrics, buttons and fibres. Scrapbook pages are generally containing fewer pictures and more handcrafted embellishments. Decoupage is also currently having a revival.”
Deborah Dempsey of Dempsey Designs Limited, has her own predictions. “I think sales this Christmas will be on a par with last year. However, we will see consumers buying lower ticket items more than higher priced ones. During recessions, the craft trade usually does well because people have less income to spend on luxuries, so well designed products which offer value for money will do particularly well. Internet sales will be strong this Christmas and I predict sales on the high street and local independent shops will improve too, as people will not want to travel too far with the high price of fuel.
“One area which will perform very well this Christmas is jewellery making,” Deborah continues. “Card making is still hugely popular. There has also been a resurgence of interest in ceramic and glass painting, which is likely to grow further in 2009.”
