The pandemic drastically disrupted retail trends in 2020, accelerating growth for some categories while slowing down others. As more people spent time at home, outdoors with nature, and focused on personal protective equipment, retailers had to quickly pivot based on these trends and improve their digital infrastructure for a seamless customer experience. Retailers have remained resilient and determined, and we’re excited to see how they adapt to some of 2021’s biggest retail trends.
2021 Retail Trends
Dressing for Success
Unsurprisingly, apparel sales were down in 2020 as more people stayed at home. Clothing sales fell by 25% in the UK, while the US saw many retailers such as Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney, and J. Crew filing for bankruptcy.
However, as populations become vaccinated, we will likely see a gradual shift of workers going back to the office and rising clothing sales.
Hybrid Work Attire
Transitioning back to the office doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort! Super soft and wrinkle-resistant, these shirts from Untuckit combine professional wear with casual comfort.
Pictured: Untuckit women’s shirt | Untuckit men’s shirt
Revival of Heritage Brands
Moving away from fast fashion to focus on well-made pieces, fashion heritage brands such as Carhartt, Converse, and New Balance have seen a resurgence in interest from various market segments. Celebrities such as Rihanna and Kaia Gerber have been spotted wearing these brands, boosting the “cool” factor for these tried-and-true companies.
Pictured: Carhartt Duck Insulated Vest | Carhartt Lightweight Twill Shirt | Champion Ringspun Cotton T-Shirt
Cultivating a Cozy Home
Sales for at-home lifestyle products, home furniture, and decor significantly increased in 2020 as people prioritized making their homes more comfortable during the pandemic. We’ve rounded up some of the trends to watch for this season.
Scents for Every Mood
Can’t make it to the beach this year? Get a feel for the tropics with Yankee Candle’s customer-favourite scents such as Coconut Beach and Pink Sands. Other summer scents to create a cozy, welcoming home include Lilac Blooms and Midsummers Night. Yankee Candle uses premium-grade paraffin wax and has a long burn time, making them one of the best candles of 2021.
Pictured: Yankee Candle Coconut Beach | Pink Sands
Bringing Greenery In
Gardening has been popular in the past few years, but being at home during the pandemic has fueled the interest for greenery indoors. Modern Sprout has made it easier than ever to experiment with hydroponics or terracotta pots to grow your perfect plant.
Pictured: Modern Sprout Tiny Terracotta Grow Kit | Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Garden Kit
Retro Design meets Modern Technology
Nostalgic for designs of the past? Retro design meets modern technology with Crosley’s and Marshall’s turntables and speakers, adding a retro touch to your home. Many of Marshall’s speakers also come with Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to wirelessly connect to devices.
Pictured: Crosley Cruiser Deluxe | Acton BT II – Bluetooth Speaker
Exploring the Outdoors
Outdoor activities such as walking, running and hiking saw increases in 2020, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2021. As people headed outdoors during lockdown, sales for apparel such as hiking boots, new bikes, and camping gear skyrocketed. Make the most of the outdoors this year with some of our brands below.
Active Apparel
An active lifestyle needs activewear that moves with you. Layer light jackets and vests to keep warm, wherever your adventure takes you.
Pictured: Champion 1/4 Zip Jacket | Columbia Full-Zip Fleece | Spyder Puffer Vest
Backpacks for Every Adventure
Whether for work, school, or outdoor adventures, a good backpack will comfortably support you anywhere and carry all the things you need. Herschel is perfect for the everyday, whereas Gregory’s packs are built for high-intensity activities such as biking and skiing.
Pictured: Herschel Computer Backpack | Gregory Nano 14 Backpack
On the Go Hydration
Whether you’re running, hiking, or biking, remember to stay hydrated! Whether you’d like a bottle that is more covert or bold, we have numerous options made with different materials to suit your style.
Pictured: CamelBak Eddy | ASOBU Orb | Miir Bottle
Regardless of what 2021 brings, Boss Promotions is here to support you on your next promotional item branding project!
Looking for more inspiration? We’ve rounded up all the noteworthy retail brands available to have branded with your logo in our Retail Brands Catalogue.