We contacted leading retail chain buyers and conducted extensive research to show you where the hot areas of product innovation are in 2009.
Toys and Games
This is always a popular category to consider breaking into. Many manufacturers plan to expand their product lines to include more outdoor play items and backyard toys such as inflatables, playhouses, sandboxes and inexpensive sporting goods.Boomer Goods
This will continue to be a fast-growing category as the first wave of baby boomers to turn 60 will number in the tens of millions. This group demands more relevant products to keep them looking and feeling young.’Organics
Think beyond food. Clothing, handbags and bath and body products are just a few examples of products that are made of organic materials. Retail buyers are intrigued with products made from ecologically sustainable materials.Low Cost/High Value
Buyers are hungry for low-priced items that have a high perceived value.Pet Products
Packaged Facts, a leading market research firm, says the pet products industry is growing and will surpass the $11 billion mark in 2009. Convenience items such as travel accessories for pets will make up a large portion of the growth. Natural products also will be in demand.Photo by jimpetr.