10 Business Fads to Keep Your Eye Out For

Collectively followed with enthusiasm, a short product life cycle and complete consumer obsession is none other than a fad. Fads come in with a bang, but quickly go out of style. Several popular consumer products and businesses are actually fads- they will not be around forever. So catch 'em while you can!

These business ideas are going strong right now, but are they here to stay?

1. Cupcakes: Cupcakes stores, cupcake companies, cupcake competitions, cupcake obsessions! Looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further. Cupcake shops are popping up on every street corner. Flavor of the day, customizable individual cakes and bright icing attract kids and parents alike. Here to stay? Not so much- although cupcakes are a yummy dessert, spending $4-$6 on one single cake is not going to stick around forever.
2. Silly Bandz: Silly Bandz are the rage of the year. Kids everywhere have their arms half-sheltered by these bright stretchy bracelets, which sell for only $5 for a pack of 24. Silly Bandz bracelets are shaped like animals and other fun figures, so that when kids take them off, they can trade one another for different shapes. Kids swap them like they did Pokémon cards 10 years ago, which may be foreshadowing that Silly Bandz will not last forever.
3. Angry Birds: This Smartphone application is being used at an all-time high. Although it sounds childish and it presents cartoon characters, it has proven to be an addicting game for thousands of users. "Angry Birds" makes you use a catapult to fling birds and knock down evil green pigs. Sounds fun, right?
4. Fine Featherheads: Purple, pink, black, blue- take your pick. Add a feather extension to your hair to have a little extra flair! Young girls to professional adults are rocking the new feather extensions for a small kick to the normal hair-do. Even celebrities are sporting the new featherhead look. Cute? Yes. Are girls going to have them in 5 years? Probably not.
5. Snuggie: An oversized fleece blanket with sleeves- who would have known it would be such a hit? With the original sales from TV advertising, Snuggies have gone viral. The Snuggie is a simple concept that captivates diehard couch potatoes. People aren't too scared to bear their Snuggie in public either. Snuggies have been spotted in sports games, movie theatres and even political rallies.
6. Shake Weight: For only $19.95 and 6 minutes a day, you will have significantly stronger arms with the Shake Weight! What was once ridiculed at first for being a silly workout gadget, the Shake Weight has made a name for itself. Demonstrated on popular television shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, this arm sculptor has gain popularity nationwide. But will the fad last?
7. Frozen Yogurt: Needing something that is lighter and more refreshing than ice cream? The frozen yogurt industry has got your back. Once a popular trend in the 1980's, the second round is back. Storefronts such as Pinkberry and Red Mango are crowding the streets. But here's the catch- the frozen yogurt industry is becoming such a crowded market that some stores are already going out of business.
8. Triathlon/Running Stores: The push to get up and get moving towards a more active lifestyle is growing. 5K, half-marathon and marathon registrations are higher than ever. With this movement, upscale triathlon and running stores are booming with the trend. Selling innovative products such as Vibram 5 Fingers and water belts, you will find more groundbreaking gear here than your average sports store. However, prices are much higher and people must stick with training if we don't want these active stores to shut down.
9. Sushi: A popular place to grab a cocktail and some unique food nowadays is none other than a sushi restaurant. Although sushi has been a Japanese staple for centuries, the restaurant industry has put a new twist on it. Sushi restaurants all over the states are known for their hip and cool atmosphere while offering an Asian fusion. What better way to enjoy happy hour, a business lunch or a date night than grabbing some sushi?
10. 3-D Movies: Every time you walk into a movie theatre, ushers seem to hand you a pair of glasses for a 3-D experience. If you don't want to sport the colorful specs they give you then you are out of luck unless you want to watch a blurry screen. Will this technology trend stay?

So there you have it- the business fads of 2011. Enjoy them while you can. It was fun...while it lasted!