Earth colors and organic textures in floral and floral accessories will dominate this year, driven by what has been called the "lodge look" in home furnishings and a trend toward natural fibers with muted colors showing up in apparel.

Regardless of whether sales arise from stems, picks and garlands or from plants, memorials and arrangements, the "natural" trend in everything from apparel to home furnishings is expected to grow in importance within the artificial floral category in 1994.

Sales of sunflowers, both in Artificial Flower and as a motif in other products, was staggering last year and most retailers and suppliers do not expect sales to taper off until late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter.

Just when sunflowers' sales will begin to wilt and what will take their place in sustaining and driving sales is a subject of debate and speculation, but most people expect that the trend will not extend beyond 1994.

"I think the sunflower will still be strong in 1994, largely because a lot of women who designed their home around the sunflower are not going to suddenly change and will continue to want the product," noted Joseph Cute, senior buyer, floral and ribbons at Leewards, the growing specialty crafts chain.

The news come from www.bossgoo.com

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