Fall 2023 - 75

Along with these seasonal changes comes
new interest in specific categories or
products. Heather Swanepoel, owner,
founder and CEO of Rinse Bath &
Body - a handmade bath and body
company in Monroe, Georgia - said
that consumer demand has shifted
since last year.
" Due to the economy, people
are more cost-conscious but also
trying to be healthy, " Swanepoel
said. " People want their products
to work and provide a service
rather than just smelling good or
being frivolous. "
Since last year, sales of the company's
Body Bliss Oil surpassed all other, more
traditional lotions and moisturizers. The
suggested retail is $12.
Faith Freeman, co-founder of Primal
Elements - a bath and skincare collection in
Huntington Beach, California - said that customers
were seeking more hygiene-related products last year.
" Today, we're seeing interest in whimsical and
efficacious products, " she said.
TRENDSPOTTING
At Rinse Bath & Body, the natural skincare and
body products categories as a whole are on the
rise. Swanepoel attributed this to more consumer
knowledge about what they put on their skin and into
their bodies.
" We've been in the natural bath and body space for
over 20 years, and there's been a significant increase
in people and demographics interested in natural
products, " she said.
Similarly, Nicole Swapp, director of marketing
at European Soaps, is seeing demand increase for
natural ingredients.
" More than ever, we're seeing consumers move
toward organic and natural soaps, " Swapp said.
European Soaps, a division of Andover Brands,
is a wholesale company based in Seattle. Swapp
said its soaps are crafted with fine ingredients that
hail from France and are quad-milled to remove
all imperfections.
Rinse's " staple
scents "
continue
to resonate
with customers. Its collection includes lavender,
peppermint, thievery and eucalyptus. Swanepoel has
also noticed an uptick in demand for Soap Sticks - a
travel-friendly, twist-up tube of handmade soap.
Best-selling items include Shower Bombs -
aromatherapy for the shower (the suggested retail is $6);
Skin and body products with natural ingredients are in
demand. Photo courtesy of Rinse Bath & Body.
Essential Oil Roll-ons - aromatherapy on-the-go
(pure oils are made with squalane oil ($12); and Body
Bliss Oil - a multipurpose moisturizing oil for body,
bath or massages ($12).
Other top-notch sellers include Dead Sea Mud Soap -
a 100% natural, handmade item ideal for remedying skin
issues, removing makeup and beyond ($7.50). There's
also the Peppofoot Stick - a moisturizing foot lotion
that comes in a stick. Beyond smoothing rough spots, it
helps relieve sore muscles with a blend of essential oils
and menthol - perfect for teachers, nurses, athletes and
anyone who is on their feet ($16.95).
IT'S PRIMAL
At Primal Elements, customers are enjoying bold and
bright fragrances.
" They're looking for products that are effective as
well as aesthetically beautiful, " Freeman said.
Although more customers are seeking high-quality
ingredients at affordable price points, they yearn for
items that deliver on the promise of a positive experience.
Demand remains high for most of the categories
that Primal Elements is immersed in - especially its
handmade vegetable glycerin soap - as well as bath
and skin products. And the company's best-selling
items have certainly withstood the test of time.
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 75
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Fall 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fall 2023
