Winter 2021 - 94

collection for 2021. The key chain has been redesigned
" to be practical yet functional. " Foster predicted this
will be a category that continues to grow and will feature
leather and a more industrial look. She also said high
functionality in men's apparel is also in demand.
As the men's category expands in style, it too expands
in terms of color Foster said. " This year bright colors are
the trend for dress! A 'neo-neon' design is what we have
seen on trend for spring, which is why you will see most
of our men's button downs are full of bright and vibrant
colors, " she said. Colors in bright corals, blues, and lime
greens are on tap.
Jacob Zepf, owner of Freehand Goods shared that
leather goods and minimal designs are also popular. " Men
are getting away from the huge, bifold wallets overstuffed
with cards, receipts, bills, etc. that they don't need
everyday, " he said. He also noted that for apparel, comfort
is just as important than the design itself.
Top image: Guild & Gentry, a
mensware store in downtown Laurel,
Mississippi, features a decidedly
masculine atmosphere and product
mix. Left image: Men's Leather
Wallet and Cardholders from retailer
Freehand Goods come in an array of
color and style options.
Freehand Goods noted nontraditional colors are popular
for wallets. " Emerald, oxblood and navy have sold more
than the traditional black, tan, natural color, " explained
Zepf. " We've also started using wood accents in some of
our products like our watch faces and knives that have
been really well received. "
Casual attire is also popular. " We saw a bump in all
men's pajamas and boxers, in part, because everyone was
(and still is) working from home at higher rates than ever!
I guess pajamas are the new dress code, " shared Travis
Hoopes from LazyOne. Although Hoopes noted color and
material trends are constantly evolving, LazyOne has seen
cream as a very popular trend this year.
Courtney Kline, director of product trend strategy for
Primitives by Kathy, emphasized a wide range of sock styles
are great options for any gift giving occasion. A distressed
stonewashed look paired with " clever sentiments that send
a fun message " is also on tap. Kline said that socks, hats
and shirts - especially " soft poly/cotton blend t-shirt in a
heathered gray " - are amongst the popular items for men's
gifts, along with humorous shirts that initiate conversation.
DM Merchandising said not to overthink this category,
instead remember: " Gifts are either useful and good quality,
or fun and unique. If you can do both with one product,
don't hesitate to add it to your shelves. "
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Simply Southern Men's Collection. Circle 282.
94 WINTER 2021 GIFT SHOP® PLUS
In light of the pandemic, the outdoors is now the
" new " indoors where people gather. With that comes an
opportunity to appeal to grill aficionados and those who
enjoy drinkware/barware and food product categories.
Paul Caruso, owner of PicnicTime, noted gift trends
are more item-based rather than experienced-based for
2021. " Many people have invested in upgrading their
indoor/outdoor spaces...we see popular gifts being those
that enhance those upgrades. Items like barbeque and bar
accessories will most likely be hot items, " he shared.
Winter 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Winter 2021
