With the carnival and Mardi Gras season just round the corner, Mark Brett, UK agent for Dutch supplier Boland Party, shares his thoughts on the latest trends.
Are you seeing more retailers stocking carnival product across Europe?
“In the UK I am finding more retailers who are interested in carnival. There are of course carnivals in the UK (especially in the South West), yet as with many ‘costume’ products, the consumer is turning to accessories. I know this also true in Europe. Yes the core of carnival attendees still wear, purchase and make very flamboyant, intricate and exciting costumes many of the onlookers are turning to accessories.”
Are there any lines or product which you expect to be popular?
“Carnival is much like Halloween in that it is no longer possible to predict what will be popular. It’s the consumer at the last minute that determines what is popular. It can be a bit of a headache for us suppliers, but this is the marketplace and it keeps us on our toes and stops complacency.”
What new and exciting product do you have in your portfolio for this year?
“In Europe both llamas and sea creatures are becoming very popular especially with kids and Boland sees these new items being very strong for carnival 2020.”
