ATLANTA / LAS VEGAS – International Market Centers (IMC) expands its proprietary trend forecasting program, FIRST LOOK, to cover national trends in its Winter 2023 presentation. The launch of a new FIRST LOOK East, exploring trends at Atlanta Market, joins the celebrated FIRST LOOK West, which has highlighted influential product at Las Vegas Market for more than a decade, to offer a coast-to-coast view of new and next in gift and home furnishings. The unique, interactive programs will showcase these trends through product available at the markets through displays, programming, guides and more at the January 10-16, 2023, Atlanta Market and January 29-February 2, 2023, Las Vegas Market.
“With the expansion to Atlanta Market, FIRST LOOK becomes the first of its kind – an actionable nationwide trend program that gives buyers the tools to source must-have products in real time,” said Dorothy Belshaw, IMC executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. “The connectivity to Las Vegas Market has long been the draw of FIRST LOOK for retailers and designers and we are proud to extend this engaging programming to our Atlanta Market.”
The national trend to be shared across both markets is Amplify. Messages carry unprecedented meaning at a time when a tweet sways political discourse, a gripping post launches a movement and a dance move becomes a cultural phenomenon. In Amplify, featured products have something to say. Whether whispered in small script or writ large, the words, phrases and even symbols that appear on products are as diverse as the categories represented. The message/mood focus of Amplify is upbeat, hip, irreverent, uplifting, sincere, simple, rousing, festive and persuasive. Relevant products are home furnishings, gifts, textiles, tabletop, personal accessories and seasonal products with written words, badges, messages, motifs and symbols.
Trends specific to Atlanta Market are:
Care – More than mere pampering and relaxation, Care is about the attention we give to our loved ones, our homes, our pets, our communities and ourselves. Devotion to family and friends, environmental responsibility and healthful living come together in a dining and lounge space that is comforting, reassuring and bountiful. Relevant products are dining room, upholstery and accent furniture; decorative accessories; lighting; cozy textiles and area rugs; tabletop; pet products; personal care; candles with scents that nourish and revitalize; and treats, snacks and packaged goods with healthful ingredients.
Explore – New travels, new adventures, new hobbies… EXPLORE tracks consumers' pursuits in a vignette that features everything from furnishings inspired by travel and beloved destinations to favorite pastimes and acquisition of new skills. Go forth and EXPLORE! Relevant products are comfort-forward seating; accent tables; media consoles and writing/laptop desks; cozy textiles; plush area rugs; games and crafts; housewares; gourmet; on-the-go accessories and more.
The two trends specific to Las Vegas Market are:
Nuance – Neutrals and contrasts rule at the beginning of 2023, especially combinations that group matte finishes in black, dark gray, and cocoa with golden hues such as wheat, sand and washed-wood finishes. Bouclé fabrics, woven materials and designs whisper sustainability with comfort features that exclaim livability. Relevant products are dining room, bedroom, upholstery and accent furniture; decorative accessories; lighting; wall decor, textiles and area rugs; tabletop; candles; personal accessories and more.
Venture – Stargaze at El Capitan. Rock climb in Telluride. Reach the peak at Angel’s Landing. Kayak a Class V on the Colorado River. FIRST LOOK is ready for adventure in 2023. Seeking a less strenuous journey? Garden accessories, scenic vistas and new floral trends are on view in Venture, too. Relevant products are furnishings that blend high-end Lodge with Southwest-inspired flourishes; on-the-go gear and accessories; activewear; sunblock and hydration products; garden accessories and garden-inspired gifts; candles; and snacks.
FIRST LOOK curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media, a trend expert and former magazine editor with 26 years of experience, said “The expansion of FIRST LOOK allows us to explore how trends can differ across the nation. IMC’s unique positioning with both east coast and west coast markets provides the opportunity for FIRST LOOK to consider how regional differences impact styles and tastes while discovering the macro influences that unite American consumers.”