Retail Trends: Rise in consumer demand for Artisan, Handmade Goods

Growing demand for artisan-made goods

Handcrafted goods makes up a large global sector that reached a value of US$ 526.5 billion in 2017 and has only continue to grow in the years. To understand this trend, it is important to understand that consumers today care more and more about where their products come from, who produced them, under what conditions were they produced. The last decade has brought with it a great and wide shift in the mindset of consumers all over the globe. These includes trends towards sustainability, ethical consumption, small batch production, and looking for unique, expressive pieces to incorporate in their homes. It is no surprise that in recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for hand-crafted, artisan home goods that serve both aesthetics and function. Especially during last year, the infamous 2020, many have come to a realization that our homes need to be a place where we feel safe, cozy, relaxed, and familiar. We want to stray away from uniformed homes that don’t tell a story on their own. Artisan home products reflect the cultural and social traditions of various communities. From pillows, rugs, blankets, throws, and much more you can completely supply your home with handcrafted goods. Nobody wants to live in an off-the-shelf environment anymore, and it seems like artisan home goods are becoming a new staple!

 

  

Why Artisan Goods continue to be important?

Vast impact on world economics

We ought not to look over the influence artisans have on the economy. Even at times of great crisis such as the economic crisis in 2008, as well as the global pandemic in 2020, the demand for artisan goods continues to rise. This evolution of customer preferences has been influenced by many factors such as a greener mindset aimed towards minimizing the carbon footprint, at the same time as a response to fast-fashion. On the other hand, buying artisan products contributes to better treatment of the workers, limiting waste production and promoting sustainability, giving jobs to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and supporting local economies. Hence, it is safe to presume artisan goods will continue to make up an even greater portion of the market and have an even larger positive effect on the economy.

Filled with distinctive designs 

Every handcrafted piece has a uniqueness to it and tells its own story! Whether you opt for an ethnic design or a more contemporary piece, you still wouldn’t be buying a one-size-fits-all that probably millions of people have as well. Buying from artisans, you create your own story, your home doesn’t look just like somebody else’s home, providing you a great sense of individuality. This is something you can’t find in mass production, no matter how much effort is put in nowadays to replicate the feel of a hand-made product. Even the latest trends for home decor go hand in hand with globally inspired themes that are found in cultures and nations around the world specifically India, all around Africa, and Asia where most artisan products originate from. For example, Indian handicrafts differ from region to region, and they are globally recognized for their countless types of fabrics and unique pattern designs. 

Artisan goods involve care and attention to detail 

Having in mind that all of these products are hand-made, instead of machines, every knot, and every stitch is done by talented artisans who have been preserving and perfecting their crafts through many generations. Every handcrafted piece that you eventually buy is dedicated much more time making in order to ensure top-notch quality and long service life. Moreover, the people who make your mugs, throws, and jewelry make their living from their craft which is why they dedicate much more care to creating their product. The underlined quality allows you to buy a product that will remain useful for years and won’t be so easy to replace. 

 

Sustaining time-honored techniques 

When buying from artisans you are directly contributing to keeping that craft alive! For a long time, huge corporations have been making it hard for small business owners to survive on the market, especially by providing a very low price. On the other hand, what many people are coming to realize these days is that the low selling price also means a cheap production price, which leads us to the conclusion that people who are making these items are being paid astonishingly low wages, and that the quality of your product won’t turn out as good. Giving your money to local artisans you provide them with enough to rise above the poverty line and continue to practice their preserved craft! 

Handcrafted goods are more sustainable and eco-friendly

Mass production corporations always shift towards lowering the product price so that profit increases, putting aside the impact it can have on our environment. Manufacturing plants and factories that release harmful smokes, use extensive amounts of water and energy. Oppositely, crafters make their products fully or partially by hand and in that way present a much more sustainable option. Big productions know that they can make a profit directly from their product being made cheaply and lacking quality. This is because they know you will need a new one soon enough, encouraging in that way mass consumerism and all of the harmful effects it has on the environment.

You can get a unique, customized product 

What is also important when it comes to artisan home goods, is that you can get a bespoke piece. Answering any need you may have and incorporating it into your final product. Especially if you are looking for a valuable gift for a loved one for various occasions, whether it be a housewarming, moving in with someone, or a wedding.

 

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Casa Amarosa offer retail buyers & independant stores a large range of artisan-made, handcrafted goods. In addition it also offer bespoke opportunities for retail partners for its  entire range of products and more.