Faire Forecast: Emerging Seasonal Retail Trends & Quick Wins

The retail landscape is shifting fast, driven by cultural movements, social media and evolving customer priorities. Our partner Faire, the online wholesale solution for independents, has shared highlights from their latest forecast, revealing what shoppers are craving right now. For retailers, success comes from acting on these insights using clever timing, irresistible last-minute till add-ons, and the unique character of your store as your ultimate secret weapon. 

Gen Z and the At-Home Era 

Gen Z is reshaping leisure culture by embracing the home as a place of creativity, connection and comfort. Rather than being associated with staying in, home life is now aspirational. Searches for dinnerware have increased sixfold compared to last year, showing that hosting has become a lifestyle choice. Interest in mocktails has risen by 57 percent, reflecting the growth of non-alcoholic living and the desire to make every detail of socialising feel special. Even everyday items like cutlery and utensils are taking on new personality, with bold, artsy designs turning functional products into expressions of style. For retailers, this is an opportunity to position stores as destinations for thoughtful home comforts that feel both practical and creative. 

Hibernation Mode for Autumn/Winter 

As cooler months approach, shoppers are entering what can only be described as “hibernation mode.” This is about comfort, ease and texture in both lifestyle and wardrobe choices. Chunky knitwear searches have grown by 200 percent, fleece jackets are up 184 percent, and even noodles, the ultimate cozy food, have seen an 85 percent uplift. Together, these shifts show that a larger number of people are actively seeking products that make slowing down more enjoyable. This is a great opportunity for retailers to respond with displays that emphasise tactility, layering and indulgence, creating collections that feel like an invitation to pause and recharge. 

Romanticising Everyday Life 

The TikTok phenomenon of #romanticisingyourlife, now with more than half a billion views, has moved from a trend into a cultural mindset. Shoppers are no longer waiting for big occasions to enjoy beauty and creativity; they are finding ways to elevate the everyday. This is reflected in fashion through lace, puffed sleeves and vintage-inspired silhouettes, and in lifestyle categories through stationery, lighting and décor that add dreamlike touches to daily routines. Retailers who curate aspirational collections and tell stories with their merchandising can capture this mood and speak directly to younger audiences who crave meaning in the small details of life. 

Nostalgia with a Twist 

Nostalgia remains a powerful driver of purchasing decisions, but today’s customers are seeking it with a fresh angle. Searches for vintage-inspired themes are on the rise, showing that shoppers want the comfort of familiarity but reinterpreted for now, especially when it comes to the festive season. Keywords like “nutcracker” are outperforming traditional favourites such as “snowman,” and tartan patterns, retro-inspired décor and heritage-style accessories are trending. The appeal lies in timeless designs made relevant again with playful details or modern styling. For retailers, nostalgia is an effective way to connect emotionally with shoppers, while a twist ensures collections still feel new and exciting. 

The Rise of Little Treat Culture 

One of the most striking shifts in consumer behaviour is the rise of the “little treat” culture. Backed by social media, shoppers are indulging more often in small, joyful purchases, with 18 percent now buying more than five little treats per week. For independents, this is more than an interesting stat, it is a powerful merchandising strategy. By placing affordable, eye-catching products at the till, styled with playful props or bold packaging, retailers can encourage spontaneous purchases that lift average basket size and leave customers with a feel-good experience. Even small adjustments can transform the till into one of your most powerful tools. 

What These Trends Mean for Retail 

These insights reflect wider shifts in consumer behaviour. Home life is becoming aspirational, comfort is being actively sought, social media is shaping aesthetics, and nostalgia is proving more influential than ever. Layered on top is a growing appetite for everyday indulgences that retailers can harness in-store. 

For independents, the opportunity lies in adapting quickly and keeping the customer at the center of every decision. Whether that means curating collections around cozy living, embracing romanticised aesthetics, or rethinking point-of-sale strategies to capture the little treat culture, the goal is the same: to create experiences that resonate with what your audience want right now and keep them coming back for more.