Here’s a question: How does trend watching play into your product development? In the case of fashion jewelry trends for the souvenir market, these are critical to selling and selecting the right mix of souvenir fashion jewelry. It’s no secret that the right appearance in your presentation will make the sale, nor is it a mystery when relating to your target customers on a personal level will give valuable intelligence reports from the field, especially the information that is generated within the ad streams of mainstream media and retail outlets. Fashion shows and trade exhibitions also yield results, if you know what to look for.

An effective method used by industry professionals is simply to watch the stars, and make note of what celebrities do and say under more apparently impromptu situations. One example of this that still holds true today is from back in 1996, when Jason Priestly (the teenage heartthrob of Beverly Hills 90210 fame) made some comments while being interviewed by Jay Leno on the Tonight Show. Jay inquired about a unique necklace that Jason was wearing, and the star responded by telling the host that Puka shells were “back in, and very cool… if you were cool you would know that they were back.” Within days of Priestly’s comment, the resulting wave of orders for the Puka shell necklaces was overwhelming, to say the least.

European runway shows are a source to be noticed as well, particularly for ideas about colors. Fashion-forward designers who put their creations on display are showcasing their lines via runway shows about six to eight months before the retail outlets are offering the goods, which is a great way to anticipate the latest trends and color combinations that will be hitting mass production. Although runway models generally wear little in terms of accessories, it’s important to ask what accessories and combinations would be effective with the apparel on display.

There’s a lot of truth to the idea that history repeats itself, especially in the fashion accessory business. Vintage and long-lost Peace Signs from circa 1968 which were made in silver tones can demonstrate quite a deviation in design, especially with the rhinestone-studded versions of 2010.  An old “church key” design worn on shoe strings in the early 1970s is now a Tiffany-inspired gold and diamond ball chain key necklace that carries a lot of sophistication with it, not to mention some nostalgic appeal as well.

Consideration of your location and the demographics is necessary, but you don’t have to be a marketing genius to figure out that a dolphin neckalce lends itself rather nicely to the local aquarium gift shop, especially when a good number of tweeners create daily foot traffic during the summer months. However, offering the right dolphin necklace can be the challenge. The correct length, color, and materials can make or break the sale, and ultimately make the difference between selling a few pieces per week, to making the registers sing as your product is moved out the door, and weekly re-orders show strong support of your choice. Keep the current trends in mind when making your selections, and also keep the price point comfort-level of your target market in sight as well.

It’s a full-time job, and keeping yourself on top of the trends can be a challenge. Establish strong relationships with your suppliers, and avoid common pitfalls like ordering too much too soon – or too late – by maintaining clear lines of communication with these partners. Their level of experience might include a vast network of customers from all across the country or beyond, and they can often hold some crucial information that you could use to refine your search for the right goods at any given time. A good vendor knows that the security of a long-term relationship and a sterling reputation is at stake, so often these dealers will actually work on your behalf to find the items that fit you best.

–> portions of this article excerpted from content provided by Cooljewels.com