Trend is a word that is commonly used to describe something that is fashionable, hip or popular at a certain time. A trend can be seen in a number of areas, including fashion, food, movies and music. Identifying trends can give businesses a competitive advantage. Being able to spot new trends as they are developing can help people avoid wasting money on fads that will soon pass by. This can be a challenging task, but knowing what traits a true trend has can make it easier to identify.
Trends are the distillation of a novelty–a novelty plus time. Unlike a fad, which may appear to have widespread appeal but is actually limited in application, a trend appears to have broad appeal, yet still has some limitations. Whether it is an upcoming fashion style, technology or invention, or an overall consumer mindset, a trend can be predicted through research and observations. It is possible to see a trend coming, but it takes practice and a keen eye.
In fashion, for example, a new trend is identified by the popularity of a particular style, usually based on cultural background and historical events as well as social influences and technological advancements. Trend forecasters study all of these factors and then create reports identifying styles that are likely to be popular in the future. These reports are then spread through the fashion industry so that designers and labels can incorporate these must-have trends into their upcoming collections.
A business may also use trend analysis to determine which products are most profitable or which marketing strategies will bring in the best results. A company conducting trend analysis may gather information on its sales, revenues and other financial metrics to determine if it is growing or shrinking. It might also conduct surveys of consumers to understand what their attitudes and preferences are regarding a particular product or service.
Another way that a business might use trend analysis is to identify which stocks are most likely to rise in value. This can be done by analyzing a stock’s performance over time and comparing it to other companies in the same industry. Investors can then choose which stocks to buy based on this information.
The term trend can also be used to describe the general direction of a road, river or coastline. It can mean a general tendency, inclination or drift sometimes amounting to an impelling force, or it could refer to a continuous and steady course of action. The word tenor is often used in place of trend to emphasize a clearly perceptible and consistent course of action, whereas drift or current implies a winding, irregular or variable path. The word ‘trend’ is most commonly associated with change, however. It is a constant force in the world of fashion, technology and culture, and can be viewed as the driving force behind all innovation and progress. It is this drive for change that keeps us all moving forward, even in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
