A quick look at the top GM trends for 2018

Drug Store News has assembled a list of top trends positioned to impact retail in 2018 that general merchandise companies can get in on.

• Home decor: Trends to look for include geometric patterns; typography messaging on home goods; such natural elements as hard-carved wood being featured in lamps, bowls and pots; fringe on pillows and blankets; hand-painted metallic elements; and iridescent accents and accessories.

• Florals: Such floral flavors as lavender, rose and hibiscus being used in granola, latte and sweets. And according to officials at Whole Foods, look for elderflower to gain in popularity in 2018.

• Technology: Small, portable and highly customizable personal 3-D printers are a growing area of interest for consumers

• Charging accessories: For many, smartphones are a necessity, but it is no secret they are power drains. Portable power banks solve that problem and come in a variety of styles, colors and capacities.

• Fandom items: Fan wearables are always hot, whether promoting a sports team, hobby, lifestyle or TV show. Key products include mugs, T-shirts, stickers, car decals, mouse pads or totes.

• Lab-grade equipment: Formerly only available to professionals, high-tech devices such as spectrometers will soon be available to the public. For anyone looking to better understand what is in a product this will be the must-have item for 2018.