August Trends for Indie Businesses to Keep an Eye On

Though thoughts of Autumn are creeping in sometime in August, this tends to be the hottest month of weather for most of the states. So August presents itself as a unique time to really capture trends and allow indie businesses to play up the best of summer while preparing for cooler fall temperatures.

Whether your indie business is focused on handmade clothing, artistic lines of jewelry, or paper goods, here are some specific trends to prepare for to make the most of your August sales.

The Great Transition

Summer blends into fall in such a slow array of colors, events, and celebrations that it's a perfect time to focus on "starting new". It's back-to-school time, and even those without kids are still attuned to the shift that takes place. We're all primed for a clean slate, a fresh start, and new beginnings.

Starting with the obvious, there are huge opportunities in the back-to-school themes. Dorm décor, storage solutions, unique and personalized supplies, and locker goodies are always a good bet. Small businesses with a fashion focus can use this opportunity to display some of the coolest back-to-school styles, which includes lots of layering this fall. If you sew, think along the lines of personalized (from color to actual names) messenger bags, eco-friendly (recycled and repurposed) items like gym bags and reusable lunch sacks.

Going with the more subtle side of the transition, you can really play up on the idea of starting fresh before winter. All sorts of home organization solutions, products that will help other indie businesses run smoother or operate more efficiently, as well as easy pick-me-ups are perfect. Really focus your marketing text and images on cleanliness, new beginnings, and going from outdoor fun to indoor life with the most organization and beauty possible. This will be a great time for personal communication items like stationary and even luxury ones such as wax seals. Offer home items that are fresh colored - not spring time colors, but warm and inviting tones like purples, light browns, and fancy white (lace, eyelet, embroidered, etc.) are all good choices.

Finally, think of all the ways your customers can wrench out the last drops of summer goodness before fall actually arrives. This is the time of barbeques, camping, hiking, and late dinners enjoyed on the back porch.

The Bountiful Harvest

For many of us, the fall harvest has somehow become hardwired into our code. We eagerly anticipate all the goodness that the last days of summer brings, allowing us to stock up with our loving hard work for the winter months ahead.

Even the most city-dwelling consumer feels this pull. The change of season is a time of celebration that has been part of every culture for so long, we can't escape the need to notice it in some way.

Now is the time to embrace the harvest, and all the things that surround it. From the fruits of the vineyard to the lure of luxurious entertaining, customers are looking to really bask in the glow of the rewards a long summer brings. Think of the most decadent décor and accessories, and see where your product lines tie in.

Some specific ideas for a broad array of indie businesses:

• Wine baskets - Even a picnic basket could be perfect here, with a fine wine, two wine glasses, a pair of monogrammed napkins, and a poem on celebrating life at its most abundant.
• Hostess gifts - Of all sorts, but pay particular attention to gifts that truly scream quality and luxury, but can effectively be sold in the $15-$30 price range. No one wants to feel like they're being "cheap" on gifts, but the economy also dictates a little caution. This price range is comfortable for the widest range of customers.
• Table settings - From the flatware to the serving dishes, plates and cups, tablecloths and napkins, the later weeks of August invite families to really come together at dinner time. Family celebrations are just around the corner, as well, and getting geared up for them is something definitely worth taking the time to do now.

The Holiday Preparation

The busy holiday season just ahead is a time when most small businesses realize the largest portion of their yearly income. While you spend time playing up the decadence of moving back indoors, really start keeping your eyes open for ways to prepare yourself for the upcoming holiday rush. Starting now with careful organization, lists, and getting your best and most luxurious products ready for display will help you make the most of the season to come.

Now is also the time to think about ways you can really promote your products during the holidays. Start saving up a small extra budget for marketing online, in magazines, or investing in new signs and banners. Consider free shipping or price discounts during the height of the holiday rush, and get the specifics in place now.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• August 2nd: Friendship Day
• August 15th: Woodstock Music Festival
• August 20th: Chinese Valentine's Day, also known as The Daughters Festival
• August 21st: National Senior Citizens Day
• August 22nd: Ramadan begins
• August 24th: US Open Tennis Tournament