Pond-jumping Trends?

 
 
 
 
 
You’re a firm believer in indie trends, here are two from the U.K. you may want to keep an eye on.

In January, Debenhams department store launched a divorce gift registry. The premise: When a couple separates, each is faced with the task of replacing items “won” by his or her ex in the settlement. Why not invite friends and family to pitch in and make an event of it?

Jolly good idea? The jury is still out, but Debenhams expects divorcees to be interested in many of the same items typically found on a wedding registry — small appliances, cookware and bed linens, with the occasional gaming system or spa treatment.

Moving to apparel, London’s The Sun recently reported that Tesco has begun posting signs in its stores prohibiting people from shopping in their pajamas. The signs read: “To avoid causing offense or embarrassment to others, we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store.”

Sorry folks, no more trolling the frozen food section trying to assuage a late night ice cream craving or racing to the store to buy milk for breakfast until you’ve changed out of those plaid flannel pajama bottoms!

This trend is not likely to catch on stateside. Any U.S. retailer issuing such a ban would effectively lock out the under-25 set – many of whom have made pajama bottoms, UGG boots and a comfy sweatshirt almost uniform daily apparel.