Last year we saw Target double-down on the home and gift categories with its exclusive line of home and lifestyle goods that launched in November. Called Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, the line is designed exclusively for Target by celebrity designers Chip and Joanna Gaines -- the duo behind Magnolia and the hit HGTV show “Fixer Upper” -- and features more than 300 pieces spanning tabletop, home décor and holiday gifts.

Indeed, as more Millennials are becoming homeowners, retailers are looking for more unique items to help them truly make this space their own, and among the 70 buyers attending ECRM's Home & Gift EPPS April 8 to 10 in Itasca, Ill., below are some of the key categories in the segment for which they have indicated particular interest, based on their comments on the session's prep site.

Indoor Décor: This covers a wide range of items, such as wall clocks, frames, lighting and lighting fixtures, floral (including artificial flowers), candles (jar, LED, tea lights, holders), home textiles, rugs, decorative pillows, window accessories (curtain rods, roller blinds, tie backs and window panels), bath accessories, and other decor items like signage and Knick knacks.

Outdoor Décor: Products for the front door, patio, and garden, including mats, sculptures, and planter pots, as well as lighting and other accessories for backyard entertaining.

Gifting: This includes small novelty-type gifts, as well as products used in gift-wrapping and presentation such as wrapping paper, colored tape, bows, and decorative gift bags and boxes. Two additional segments within this category include holiday gifts, as well as those they can offer customers as a “gift-with-purchase” item.

Impulse: Products that can be merchandised on shippers, power wings, and clip strips, or at the checklane for incremental sales.

Holiday & Seasonal Décor: Indoor and outdoor decorations and lighting related to holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as seasonal decorations.

Home Fragrance: As we noted in a post from last year’s Home & Gift session, home fragrance is an extremely popular category within home, and buyers are looking for items such as scented candles and wax melts, diffusers, and incense, along with related accessories.

Party Supplies: All of those products necessary for throwing a great party, whether in the home or backyard, including signs and banners, party toys and games, themed decorations (birthday, anniversary, etc), and paperware such as cups, plates, napkins, as well as plastic utensils and serving trays.

Miscellaneous Accessories: Among those specifically mentioned by retail attendees are belts, hats, bags, wallets, sunglasses, scarves and related items.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ECRM’S 2018 HOME & GIFT EPPS