Window Boxes Gaining in Popularity Online

This article takes a look at the trends in the window box industry over the last 5-10 years and what direction it is moving. New materials are gaining in popularity as well as window boxes in general.

Since 2004, window box searches have increased 8-fold, doubling almost every year for the past three years. 2008 is expected to set a record for online searches for window boxes and flower planters. This is due partially to the increasing demand for curb appeal during a housing recession, but due more directly to the fact that new materials such as vinyl and PVC have helped make window boxes low maintenance and rot free. No longer do homeowners have to replace their window boxes every 3-5 years. Window boxes have also become less seasonal over the last few years. In 2004, almost all online google searches occurred during two months of spring. In 2007, the trend has expanded to cover three out of four seasons with winter searches being much smaller except for right before Christmas.

Window boxes have been most popular in the northeastern portion of the United States with strong showings in Cincinnati, Boston, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis. Atlanta, GA rounds out the top five for cities who most search for window boxes on the internet. The trend is not just isolated to the United States. In the United Kingdom and Canada as well, the trend follows a similar consistent rise. In Europe, window boxes, flower boxes, and planters litter the streets everywhere you look. More companies are adding curb appeal to appeal to customers and set themselves apart. Many landscapers are incorporating window boxes into different projects, both commercial and residential. Gardeners and enthusiasts across the nation are beginning to discover window boxes. The trend doesn't show signs of slowing down and look to see continued growth throughout 2008 and 2009.

Vinyl emerged as a popular no rot, low maintenance choice in the last couple decades and PVC quickly has been introduced as an upgrade over vinyl that allows for paintability, the look of wood, and a solid structure. Fiberglass window flower boxes were introduced a few years back as a different alternative to wood, however, they can be expensive, heavier, and harder to install in a safe manner than PVC. They also don't capture the look of real wood. Starting to emerge are composite window boxes made from a variety of materials such as recycled woods, plastics, and others. Look to see window boxes continue to gain in popularity, especially throughout the housing recession. Also, look to see PVC window boxes take the limelight as the most affordable no rot alternative to wood over the next few years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR