The vagaries of what we as consumers want, and what we as producers produce, run in cycles.
The fashion industry understands and leverages this well. On a larger and less vacuous level, societies’ values/moral codes swing between conservative and liberal too.
A cycle change seems to be happening now with some products and services, which opens up great new opportunities for smaller specialised businesses. Here are two I have noticed recently.
- Increasing interest in custom/hand-made furniture over mass-produced items. Pieces that are customised to suit a particular lifestyle. Pieces that are designed to become classic heirloom items. Pieces that are made with thoughtfulness and care.
- The appearance of anti-restaurants – people who cook at home for a small number of paying strangers. Set menu, home-cooked meals, informal friendly atmosphere. Jamie Oliver recently did a show on these underground supper clubs in New York.
