Technology is changing almost every aspect of our lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning, digital innovations are all around us: cell phones, smart watches, tablets, wifi, voice-activated appliances, digital doorbells, self-driving cars, and much more.
Closet companies are also feeling the impact of evolving technology. Here are some of the top trends we’re seeing in closet innovation.
Fashion Innovation Transforms Closets
The fashion industry is in the midst of a major technological transformation that’s affecting the closet industry. Widespread trends like social commerce, automation, artificial intelligence, and virtual try-ons are reshaping how people shop for new items to fill their closets.
Social commerce allows fashion brands to sell directly from social media, with customers viewing and purchasing items in fast and seamless social media experiences. It’s a concept that has grown more than 100% since 2020 and is expected to become a $1.6 billion business within 3 years.
Virtual try-ons are now available for everything from clothing to home decor. A shopper uses the technology to see how their fashion choice would look in an everyday context, then clicks to buy.
Along the way, artificial intelligence can learn about customers’ behavior and preferences. Some companies take technological expertise even further by using automation to fulfill customer orders. Automation is predicted to become one of the strongest trends in the future of the clothing industry and may reduce U.S. reliance on overseas manufacturing.
Many well-known fashion brands are now using tech tools to assess customer tastes and meet their desires. Customers use interactive apps to like/dislike or swipe left/right on item colors, fabrics, details, accessories, and matching outfits. Soon, their preferred selections are delivered to their doorsteps.
Accelerating Closet Installation Speed
When someone wants to install or remodel a closet in their home, it can now happen faster than ever. Over the past decade, closet installation speed has accelerated rapidly from months to weeks to days.
Online ordering is a powerful force in the closet industry. Online design tools like CLOSETPRO™ provide simple, intuitive options for designing entire closets and previewing them in 3D reality. Customers can easily see exactly what they want and request all the right parts.
Also increasing the speed of closet design is the trend toward independent outsourcing for closet parts and installation. Independent providers are free from many of the traditional boundaries of closet design, like production restraints and facility restrictions. They can overcome industry challenges like global supply chain issues with fast, localized manufacturing.
Stronger, Sturdier Closet Parts and Features
New closet innovations are making it easier and less expensive to acquire durable, high-quality closet components. A new closet system can be custom-fitted to the space and is designed to last decades.
Advances in closet parts manufacturing are leading to:
- Higher weight capacities
- Greater durability and longevity
- Stronger, more secure rods, clips, brackets, and mounts
- Smarter, more customized closet designs
- Adjustable and flexible layouts for lasting satisfaction
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
Closet industry collaboration is another powerful innovative force. Organizations like CIAMO, the Closet Institute of America’s Members-Only trade group, find inventive ways to address economic forces including inflation and resource scarcity.
As a closet design professional, you may find it helpful to join an organization like the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP). The ACSP focuses on collaboration and progress, staying ahead of emerging trends to keep you educated about what’s new.
Upgrade Your Clients’ Closets With ClosetParts
In a fast-paced world with constant technological change, ClosetParts works as your innovative closet design partner. We’ll help you find the parts you need to create high-quality custom closets.
