Published: December 31, 2009 05:16 pm      

Trends for 2010

Fashion, appliances and autos change to fit lifestyles

Foursquare.com, steam washing machines and the Ford Fusion hybrid all have one thing in common — they’re expected to make a splash in the coming year.

When it comes to new trends in consumer products, social media, fashion and cars, several Dalton business owners shared facts on new inventions as well as observations on what they believe will be some of the most popular products and practices in 2010.

Here are a few:



Household technology

Steam is a rising phenomenon in household appliances. Larry Langford, owner of Langford Appliances on Glenwood Avenue, said he began selling some washers, dryers and dishwashers featuring steam cleaning in the middle of 2009, but he expects sales to pick up in 2010 as consumers become more educated about the products.

“It takes a while for people to kind of see the benefit, but on the steam washer, if you have real stubborn stains, the steam on the washer will help remove any stains on your clothes.”

Langford said steam dryers help remove wrinkles and can even remove some odors without placing them through a washing machine. Appliances with regular technology typically cost $350-$500, he said, while steam cleaning technology cost about double that. However, Langford said the appliances can pay for themselves after a few years because they save on energy and water.

Home security is another issue one local business owner believes will take precedence in 2010. Bob Griffis, co-owner of Dalton-based G-Tech Security Solutions, said more people are becoming concerned about protecting their homes and belongings with security systems.

“As an economy decreases, crime increases,” Griffis said. “As unemployment rises, people tend to be desperate and do things that they really ought not do.”

Griffis said a four-camera system with ample data memory costs about $2,500 for equipment and installation while monthly maintenance packages average about $99.



Hair and fashion

Hair styles and colors will feature trends that are “fitting our lifestyles more than ever,” according to Pat Vaughn, a stylist at Studio 312 on Crawford Street. Vaughn and several stylists at the studio said darker hues like rich browns, darker reds and more natural-looking highlights are expected to be the most popular colors.

Hair styles for women will be very feminine. “Spiked, gelled hair has gone by the wayside for the most part,” she said.

“As styles in our clothing changes, so will our hair and makeup. We will always have trends, but we need to always remember that our personality has to pull it off,” she said. “Great healthy hair always puts the finishing touch to any style you choose.”

Clothing stores for women are stocking up on skinny jeans, leggings and long tops to go with them.

While clothing trends change every season for men and women, trends for young children are holding relatively steady, said April Blackwell, owner of Butterfly Kisses and Davies Gifts on Thornton Avenue, who said she sees a lot of leggings and long dresses for girls. However, trendy peace signs and tie-dyed items from the 1980s are making a strong comeback in jewelry and clothing, she said.

The store carries traditional and trendy clothing for infants, toddlers and girls up to a size 6X and infant sizes for boys.



Social media

If you think social media are just fun and games, think again. James Kelley, social media and Internet marketing specialist for Dalton-based advertising and public relations firm h2bcreative, says he witnesses the power of Facebook, Twitter and the like every day — and he expects it to strengthen in 2010.

Many of the firm’s clients, from Planet of the Grapes to the Bradley Wellness Center are seeing the benefit of maintaining a presence on the social networking sites. Kelley said one of his friends recounts a story of a customer who Tweeted about having slow service at a Home Depot. A customer service employee tracking Internet posts about Home Depot saw the comment and quickly called the store to have them open another register.

“They immediately checked that person out and possibly saved a customer,” Kelley said.

Foursquare.com could be the next big trend in social media, he said. Kelley said the relatively new site allows users to post about which restaurants, museums and other places they’ve been to and what they think about them. It’s based on place, and only a few major cities are currently equipped for it. Atlanta is the closest.

“Out of all the social medias, I feel that will be the one that really takes off,” he said.



Cars

New car buyers can look for new models and new designs and standard features on existing models in 2010.

Allen Brooker, general manager of Dalton’s Brooker Ford Lincoln Mercury, says the popular Fusion will be available in a hybrid for the first time in the 2010 models.

“There’s definitely a strong market for that,” he said.

Brooker says the Taurus has been redesigned and has a new engine.

“It looks like a completely different car,” he said. “Every one that we’ve gotten in so far has sold almost immediately. We’ve gotten real good customer response.”

Eric Fowler, sales consultant at Dalton’s Al Johnson Volkswagen-Volvo, says several Volkswagen 2010 models will come with standard touch screen radio and Bluetooth.

The Rabbit has been redesigned and renamed the Golf.

He says Volkswagen will also produce a special edition, convertible Beetle called the Final Edition. He says only 1,500 of these will be produced.

Staff writer Charles Oliver contributed to this story.