The Change Mariner

Top Trends for 2004

GoErie.com:

Trends come and go.

Bell-bottoms and leg warmers. Chat rooms and sushi bars. Apartments done art deco and sports gear gone retro.

And with trends -- much like the mantra in the hipster remake of "Ocean's 11" -- you're either in or you're out.

Here's a glimpse at what's shaping up to be 2004's hot trends:

1) Compact Concert

Instant Live is a revolutionary service that allows concertgoers to purchase a high-quality recording of a performance and take it home just minutes after the show.

2) Friendly Connection

Friendster.com, one of the Internet's fastest-growing Web sites, bills itself as an online community that connects people through networks of friends.

After only eight months, the online cocktail party now has more than 2 million users and a growth rate of 20 percent a week.

3) Going to the Dogs

Four-star restaurants in several major cities have started serving up high-end hot dogs.

The trend started after Hot Doug's restaurant in Chicago was mentioned a few months ago in Gourmet magazine, sparking an unofficial national competition for the country's best hot dog.

4) Driving force

Fuel-sipping gas-electric hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, are about to take over America's roadways.

5) Ringing endorsement

The smart phone, soon to become as common as the basic cell phone, is nothing short of a small computer with an antenna.

6) Reel Moms

Thanks to Reel Moms, parents can take in a big-screen showing of "Seabiscuit" instead of "Brother Bear."

Reel Moms, launched a year ago in New York City, has spread to many major U.S. markets, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, earning rave reviews.

The project is designed for parents who feel unwelcome at movies when their crying infants earn snide comments and rude looks.

Reel Mom movies usually begin at 11 a.m., parents are charged matinee price, and all you need to get in is a child younger than 2.

7) Dress up or down

Hot fashion trends include fabrics with spots, strappy sandals and the return of an old favorite: paisley.

8) Home is where the trend is

The remodeling industry is booming.

But the emphasis on home improvements has switched from adding value to your home (i.e. investment) to making your home a comfortable place to live (a.k.a. cocooning).

9) The big picture

A media revolution is coming — and its name is HDTV.

HDTVs also have dropped in price, down from several thousand dollars apiece to a more affordable $800 to $900

Posted by Bob King at January 1, 2004 10:05 AM | TrackBack
Related Categories: Quadrant - Social