Trend Predictions Drive New Products Launch

December 2006

Leading garden hard landscaping manufacturer Bradstone has enhanced its product portfolio in response to trend predictions for 2007.

Research carried out with stockists and landscapers – the people who know what the consumer is looking for when it comes to developing their garden – revealed some strong trends, as well as those that will be taking a back seat in 2007.

The traditional look has always been popular in the garden and is predicted to continue to be strong for 2007. Bradstone is introducing Milldale, a product which has been well received by both landscapers and consumers. The product has a slight riven profile, making it the ideal choice for an attractive patio, and is available in three shades and six sizes.

Stockists advised that customers like choice and are keen to mix colours and sizes to create a more random and interesting outside space.  As a result, the range will also include two circles, random circle accessories, a patio feature kit and an octagon.

In 2006 Bradstone introduced Old Town paving in Conservation shade, made using up to 85% reclaimed and recycled aggregates. For 2007, this is being extended to include the Old Town Chelsea Cobble.

Feedback has revealed that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact they are having on the environment and if they can find a competitively priced alternative, will consider it.

The Old Town Chelsea Cobble is inspired by Bradstone’s stunning 2006 Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winning garden and takes its appearance from the volcanic rock formations found in Lanzarote.

The product, which has already won the New Product Award at the 2006 Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) awards, carries an Old Town profile and resembles individual cobbles. The irregular edges mean the product can be neatly placed together with the joins becoming invisible, meaning it gives the illusion of being a large cobbled area. The product will be available in two shades, Grey Green and Weathered Limestone.

Urban chic has been growing over recent years and is set to become a key look for 2007. In the past the style has been confined to towns and cities but is now spreading its wings with the clean lines and sharp edges sitting well in most styles of garden.

Stockists have noticed a real interest in this look from customers who are looking for an up to date, quick fix to a dated garden. In response to this demand, Bradstone is extending its popular and practical textured range with two additional sizes and a new shade, Blue/Black. A circle in Buff is also being introduced.

Marketing controller, Paul Wagstaff, says, “The feedback from stockists, landscapers and their customers is essential when it comes to developing our portfolio. It means we can anticipate future trends and create new ranges or extend existing ones as appropriate.

“We’re confident the 2007 product portfolio satisfies the needs of the market, offering the consumer style and choice.”