Top 10 Top Business Trends 2002

1. Physical Security

From security guards through sophisticated alarm systems, businesses related to people's physical security will boom this year. There will also be government contracts to be won, as the security at airports, transportation routes, and the border is beefed up considerably. Look also for security-related business opportunities, such as those that shred paper for businesses, to increase.

2. Information Security

Companies of all sizes will be pumping up their information security personnel and hiring information security specialists to evaluate and overhaul their information systems. Companies that produce software related to real or perceived information security threats will also do extremely well in 2002.

3. Emergency Preparedness

In the wake of September 11, people will no longer shrug off being prepared for all manner of disasters creating many disaster related business opportunities. Kits for everything from earthquake survival through water purification will fly off the shelves, and basics such as first aid kits and bandages will be big sellers. There will also be an upsurge in all kinds of emergency-related training, such as learning CPR through disaster management.

4. Comfort Foods

Low-fat foods will lose popularity; in 2002, people will opt more for old-fashioned comfort foods rather than for deprivation. Donuts, éclairs, milkshakes, real ice cream, and all those decadent, high fat treats will be big (no pun intended) in the fast food and retail food markets. Baked goods and high-end specialty foods will also provide excellent business opportunities.

5. Victoriana

All kinds of businesses related to a Victoriana theme will appear as people try to recapture the feelings of what they think of as an innocent vanished age. Tea rooms and high tea will be popular. Victorian antiques and collectibles will be sought after, and memento mori, such as mourning brooches, will be especially popular. You'll also see the Victorian theme in home furnishings and decorating.

6. Home Care Services

As governments are less and less able to deal with the sheer numbers of seniors needing care, there are more and more business opportunities for providing services to those who can pay for them. There will be a larger market for grocery, meal, and medication delivery services, gardening and cleaning services, and "light" medical services delivered to the homes of the elderly than ever before.

7. Catering Services

In light of the general trend towards cocooning and everyone's increasingly busy lives, there will be an increased demand for catering services in 2002. Busy urban couples will start using catering services weekly rather than just for special occasions, and the trend will spread to suburban areas.

8. Home Entertainment Services

We've already seen this business trend developing, as video game machines, DVD players, and TVs were all hot sellers over the holiday season. Rather than petering out, the appetite for technological devices related to staying home and being entertained will increase voraciously in 2002. Besides the devices themselves, there will also be a continuing market for renting videos, games, and DVDs.

9. Home Renovation

More people than ever before will be willing to invest in making their home a castle in 2002, creating a real boom for home renovation services and the supplies for the do-it-yourselfers. The business trend for redoing kitchens will continue, with a move away from the industrial stainless steel look and back to a more "homey" style. "Calming" colours will outsell sterile beiges and creams.

10. Personal Services That Pamper

Pampering will be big in 2002. Whether it's business coaching, or old-fashioned pampering at a beauty salon or spa, people will spend more money on personal services than they have since the early eighties. Personal shopping services and "rent-a-wife" services will skyrocket. Pampering services such as spa treatments done in the client's home will be especially hot business opportunities.