WebPro: Track the trends

You’ve seen the “what’s in” and “what’s out” lists. Trite? Perhaps, but consumers see them in magazines, online and on TV. If you want to study up on the trends for an upcoming holiday or a new year, visit these sites. Note: There may be a fee for certain reports. A free summary is typically available. But if you want to buy the entire report, ask your professional organization to purchase it or pool your money with some colleagues.

* www.ccfc.org/trends.html

California Cut Flower Commission offers the American Floral Trends Forecast 2008-2009. “Floral styles are intimately connected with our broader lifestyle, taking their cues from world culture, music, media, fashion and home decor,” according to the CCFC. This trend outlook defines the top five trends in flowers, colors and moods that dominate the current marketplace. Cost: Free.

* www.floralmarketresearch.com

Prince & Prince provides management information to floriculture companies through research, analysis and consulting. Many of its seminars are available on CD. The firm also offers custom research. Cost: Varies.

* www.safnow.org

Society of American Florists produced a comprehensive report, “The Changing Floriculture Industry. A Statistical Overview.” It tracks industry sales, production levels and trends for each segment of the industry. It was updated and expanded in 2007. Cost: $49.95 for members and $499.95 for nonmembers.

* www.gardenresearch.com

The National Gardening Association produces copious surveys such as “What Gardeners Think” and its annual “National Gardening Survey.” The national survey identifies the consumers for your products including age, education, occupation and income; and looks at the best markets for your products by region. Cost: $495 for “What Gardeners Think” and $695 for the national survey.

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