SUSTAINABILITY - Why it matters in retail now
In 2017 one of the biggest retail trends (as identified by Mintel and others) is a growing consumer demand for more sustainably produced items.
This year, more than ever, retailers will look at how they can provide better quality products that are ethically produced and have a low environmental footprint. Consumers have moved past disposable fashion and are demanding better made products that will stand the test of time.
H&M and Zara have already started to make progress. Both have released sustainable ranges and are being open with their supply chain and environmental standards. Zara wants its “products to become increasingly more sustainable”.
On the home and interiors front IKEA are leading the way with their sustainability events and we predict many more interiors brands will follow suit.
At Gadsby we believe that we have an absolute duty to behave ethically and responsibly in this world.
Willow also lays claims to being a high sustainable and hard wearing material. This fast-growing crop can deliver 4-5 tons of willow shoots per acre and its farming is low impact on the environment around it. Once harvested and woven wicker is incredibly strong and hardwearing. Just take a look at eBay and you’ll find a vast selection of antique wicker baskets for sale.
Buying from Gadsby means that you can be confident that your hampers, baskets and retail displays meet the very highest ethical and sustainable standards.
The Rise of the Basket-Bag
Take one look at Instagram at the moment and it seems like everyone’s carrying a basket-bag.
Big luxury brands from Fendi, to Prada and Dolce Gabbana have all included a basket-bag in their spring / summer 2017 collections. The high street has followed suit with The White Company, Top Shop and Primark featuring their own versions. There’s never been a better time to be seen with wicker!
The basket-bag screams summer. It’s understated yet full of fun. Whether packed to the brim with provisions for a day at the beach, slung on your wrist for a trip to the market or for a relaxed brunch date, the basket bag is a holiday staple that’s never been so popular.
The basket-bag was made popular by Jane Birkin in the 1970’s with her husband even running her favourite over in his car as an act of revenge. Strong and practical with more than a nod to tradition they’re the perfect accessory for summer 2017. A girl who knows her trends, Alexa Chung, was spotted at London Fashion Week this February with her very own version.
With over 150 years of experience weaving and supplying wicker baskets, we’ve always been a fan of this iconic bag. A basket-bag has been a cornerstone of our collection since the very beginning. Whether you use them as shopping baskets in store, fill them with cosmetics as an alternative gift hamper or just sell them for your customers to take home and enjoy these bags are as versatile as they are pretty.
Our 2017 collection contains 8 basket-bags. These range from the traditional “Hollander” basket to the high sided round Double Weave basket which offers a more contemporary fashion look. Common to all are high standards of ethical and sustainable production along with a considered design which make these baskets hugely attractive in a retail environment and a great investment for your customers.
View our entire 2017 Basket-Bag Collection
LAGOM - the new Scandi retail Trend
2016 was the year we were all snuggling under cashmere blankets, drinking hot chocolate by candlelight and grasping desperately for the Scandinavian utopia of Hygge. This Danish concept of “cosiness” was everywhere, with books explaining how to do it flying off the shelves. Every glossy magazine was littered with articles on how to achieve the “Hygge Look”.
Well move over Hygge – your time is done. This is the year of Lagom.
Yes, another baffling Scandinavian lifestyle trend has hit our shores and with over 140,000 mentions of the phrase on Twitter since January this is big news for retailers everywhere. So, what is it, how can you tap into the trend and most importantly how on earth do you say it!
Lagom (pronounced [ˈlɑ̀ːɡɔm]) is the Swedish concept of “just enough”. It means living in moderation and balance and having a light touch on the earth. When it comes to retail, this means buying products that are well made, functional and above all sustainable. If you needed convincing about the trend, then just look to IKEA who are currently running their LAGOM LIVE event where they’re promoting all of their most sustainable products to the world.
The trend can be applied to everything from clothes, to food retailing to interior design. The message is clear, buy ethically produced sustainable products that won’t wear out in six months’ time.
The great news for is that this sustainability is at the heart of everything we do here at Gadsby. Wicker is super tactile and taps in perfectly to that Scandi look and feel.
So, if you fancy running your very own Lagom event or just including a few of these items to bring your retail offering bang up to date we can help. From log baskets, to storage hampers, trugs & bike baskets, we’ve picked out a selection of our most Lagom-ish products.
