The Future's Bright @ Department 56
Just as the Minnesota shadows begin to stretch longer, the days at Department 56 begin to feel shorter. Creatives and Brand Managers are suddenly hat jugglers, racing to synchronize thousands of individual touchpoints to ensure we have an on-time and thrilling launch for 2025. Sculpts are being critiqued, finishes are being customized, bottom stamps are being scrutinized, and electrical components are being checked. Stories are being written, samples are being photographed, catalogs are being paginated, and packaging is being detailed. Showrooms are being planned, marketing is being strategized, and introductions are being rationalized to ensure the best edit for launch.
One of those launches I’m thrilled to share with you today is our initiative to move to USB power beginning in 2025. Gone are the days of batteries and adapters and tangles of different power supplies, replaced by clean, simple cords that give you the option to power by plugging into a traditional outlet or into a standard USB port. USB power can see energy savings of up to 75% over our traditional cords, and our new USB standard cord even provides a dimmable option, allowing you to set the mood to the glow you like best!
The cords could not be easier: you either get a standard light cord with a USB adapter block (not unlike the adapter blocks you already use for your smartphone), or you get just the adapter block if the lighting is built into the house. That’s it – a cord + adapter block, or just an adapter block, in either black or white color options. No more batteries, no more changing bulbs, no more fitting adapters, and cost savings you can put towards extra cookies for Santa!
We’ll still be maintaining our traditional cords through Replacement Parts, so don’t fret; you’ll be able to order nearly any part you need for some years to come. The change to USB will only be on new 2025 introductions and any carry forward items will still have their original power source. We share this exciting advancement in Village lighting with you early because you’ll undoubtedly have questions, and we want to be prepared with answers.
Another exciting development made possible through our move to USB power are our updated post lights. Whereas previous Village lights were wired together, the new post lights each come with a male USB tail and a female port, enabling you to daisy chain 3, 5, 10, even 20 lights together on one power supply! Many of you asked for this type of technology when I met with you at the Golden Glow last year, and I’m proud to share that we’re bringing it to you with a fresh, fun new lamp post design by Master Artist, Tom Bates, in 2025.
Fiber optics will be making a re-appearance in our 2025 lineup too. I’m humbled at how well received the FULL MOON BACKDROP has been received. It’s one of our top sellers, and I believe it is for good reason. It looks so good sitting behind any of your houses, and as some of you have found, with a quick coat of white paint and a dusting of glitter on the base, it’s the perfect backdrop for your Christmas series, too! Based on your positive feedback, we’re launching two new backdrops in 2025 – one for Christmas and one for Halloween – both inspired by the Northern Lights you can often see from our doorsteps here in Minnesota.
For our long-time collectors, you know what a privilege it is when we create a piece in honor of someone. You can count on two hands the number of people who have influenced and supported Department 56 enough to have a piece named in their honor. Ed Bazinet, Nielan & Barbara Lund, Ms. Lit Town, and Rick Jackson all come to mind. This year, I have selected to honor past NCC President, avid Village collector, TheVillageChronicler.com mastermind, and all-around amazing human, Richard Puckett, with a lit house and figure.
When I came into my role as VP of Product Development for Enesco, Richard was one of the first collectors to reach out to me. He’s long offered thoughts and ideas – and a healthy dose of constructive criticism – to our team here at Department 56. And when I began onboarding, he was quick to offer advice and guidance on anything I needed by way of history on the Villages. His unwavering support of Department 56 and his tireless service to nurture and support collectors are just two of the reasons many know Richard as the last man to ever let you down. I hope you will agree that the pieces we’re developing in his honor are well-deserved and well-fitting of such an incredible Department 56 influencer!
From new lighting to new lights to a beacon of light, we hope that you will find our 2025 lineup bright for all the right reasons. We’re all buzzing with the thrill of Village season right around the corner, and we’re working hard to ensure your 2025 displays are extra brilliant, too!
Until we gather again …
