7 minute read
BCA Insider - Fall Edition 2025
COLOR MY WORLD
The announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year opens up a treasure chest of creative possibilities for those in the billiard industry.
The choice of Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown with hints of taupe, presents an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate product lines and enhance the aesthetic appeal of billiard establishments and homes alike.
Retailers and manufacturers are already finding innovative ways to weave this evocative color into their offerings, creating an atmosphere of indulgence, comfort and contentment for billiards enthusiasts.
Amra Beganovich, a product development and customer engagement specialist, notes there are definite implications for billiard retailers that are interested in embracing trendy merchandise like Mocha Mousse to grab attention and prompt a sale.
“Mocha Mousse is most successful as a low-key dramatic design refresh,” she says. “Billiard retailers can bring it in through pool accessories like cue cases, ball racks and table felts to provide a modern but relatable update. Updating only a few
key pieces allows customers to embrace the trend, without feeling out of touch with the traditional styles they already know and love.”
For in-store design, Beganovich advises retailers use Mocha Mousse as a pop of excitement at retail, showcasing it in limited-edition collections or with customizable upgrades like cue sticks to match, and customizable trim, which can help to make the trend feel exclusive and special.
UNDERSTANDING MOCHA MOUSSE
Mocha Mousse is more than just a shade; it encapsulates the essence of warmth and familiarity. It evokes feelings of relaxation and sophistication, making it perfect for social and recreational spaces, such as billiard rooms.
“This color connects with consumers on an emotional level and reflects a broader desire for cozy environments in the wake of challenging times,” says Lori Evans, a licensed designer in Florida. “Recognizing how this color can transform spaces will be crucial for billiard retailers seeking to stay ahead in a competitive market.”
Jehann Biggs, president and owner of In2Green, which specializes in curating luxurious, eco-friendly products that blend modern design with quality materials, feels billiard manufacturers and retailers can apply Mocha Mousse to provide a warm and sophisticated finish.
“It is a welcoming, earthy color that will complement both timeless and contemporary billiard room décor,” she says. “Combining this color with table felt, cues or even wall accents is a way that companies can appeal to purchasers interested in a sophisticated yet understated appearance that feels pleasant.”
A prime example is designing special, limited-edition billiard tables with Mocha Mousse as the predominant color.
“Combining it with a wood or metallic finish will enhance the design, giving a rich and appealing touch to wealthy buyers,” Biggs says. “Manufacturers will draw buyers searching for distinct, fashion-forward items by designing custom pieces in this particular color.”
Retailers can also market Mocha Mousse as part of seasonal collections, especially in the fall and winter months. This color fits well with cozy interiors and the desire for comfort during colder weather, helping to drive sales at key times of the year.
INFUSING COLOR INTO BILLIARDS GOODS
At the core of any billiard retailer’s offerings is the pool table itself. Manufacturers should consider introducing new models and finishes that prominently feature Mocha Mousse in their designs. This could be achieved through the use of high-quality veneers or painted finishes that embody the soft brown hue.
For instance, a blend of Mocha Mousse with complementary colors, such as soft greens or creams, can create a stunning focal piece that elevates the aesthetic of any game room.
Billiard accessories such as cues, balls and table covers can also benefit from this warm palette. Retailers should leverage the color through unique designs and patterns. For example, cue sticks can be designed with grips and inlays in Mocha Mousse, while billiard balls can feature limited-edition prints that incorporate the shade. Customizable felt options in this beloved hue can attract customers looking to personalize their tables.
In addition to tables and accessories, retailers should look to complementary furnishings such as sofas, bar stools and lighting. Offering home decor that aligns with Mocha Mousse will entice customers to create a cohesive and inviting game room environment. For instance, plush seating in soft textiles
that match or complement Mocha Mousse can enhance comfort while contributing to the overall aesthetic continuity of the space.
THEMATIC DESIGN
To fully embrace Pantone's Color of the Year, billiard retailers should also consider designing immersive marketing experiences.
“Creating spaces where Mocha Mousse is the star can inspire customers to see the potential of their own billiard areas,” Beganovich says.
Billiard retailers can utilize their showrooms as a canvas to showcase the versatility of Mocha Mousse as well.
“By painting walls in this color and incorporating tables, accessories, and furnishings that are harmoniously selected, retailers can create inviting atmospheres that suggest the comfort of a cozy pub or the elegant feel of an upscale lounge,” Beganovich says.
Evans feels the best way for billiard retailers to incorporate Mocha Mousse this year is by creating a beautiful envelope to set their existing billiard tables in.
“Contrasting a billiard green or even a neutral billiard table with a Mocha Mousse room that is drenched in color shows clients that your existing products work with the new and trendy colors,” she says. “It also signals to them that you know what’s going on in the design world and are part of it. Every year there will be a new color and a new trend and a new style that’s hot but showing that your existing products can work nicely and seamlessly with those new trends I think is the key.”
VIRTUAL REALITY
With the Color of the Year changing every year, it might not be practical to make big changes in a store each time a new color is named.
With technology increasingly shaping the shopping experience, billiard retailers can incorporate virtual reality (VR) to allow customers to envision how Mocha Mousse can transform their play spaces.
“By creating interactive environments where users can customize their ideal billiard room featuring Mocha Moussethemed designs, retailers can bridge the gap between desire and purchase,” says Paul Mayer, a VR design specialist from Larchmont, New York. “This is an exciting way businesses can employ VR and really show their customers unique ideas.”
MARKETING STRATEGIES
To effectively engage potential customers, retailers can utilize strategic marketing campaigns that play on the emotions connected to Mocha Mousse. By focusing on themes of relaxation, indulgence and social connection, billiard retailers can craft messages that resonate deeply with audiences.
Engaging floor spaces in retail can be mirrored in online presence through social media campaigns. Billiard retailers can launch photo contests inviting customers to showcase their game rooms that employ Mocha Mousse. Featuring user-generated content can also drive community engagement while simultaneously displaying practical applications of the color.
Retailers can also create blogs, videos and tutorials that provide styling tips for home billiard spaces using Mocha Mousse. Content that discusses complementary colors, decor styles, and accessories would not only position retailers as thought leaders but also inspire consumers to embrace the color.
COLLABORATIONS WITH DESIGNERS
Collaborations with interior designers and lifestyle influencers can further amplify the color’s appeal. By showcasing how
Mocha Mousse fits into contemporary design trends, retailers can tap into broader lifestyle marketing that extends beyond the billiard niche.
More than just a retail experience, billiards represents a community – a gathering place for friends and family. By fostering this social aspect in alignment with Mocha Mousse, retailers can take their business beyond just selling products.
Building a sense of community can involve creating loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with exclusive access to new Mocha Mousse-themed products. This can enrich the customer experience while deepening brand loyalty.
As the billiard industry heads into the end of 2025, the warm, rich tones of Pantone's Mocha Mousse offer a unique opportunity for retailers to reinvent their product offerings and marketing strategies. By thoughtfully incorporating this evocative color into pool tables, accessories, furnishings, and creative environments, retailers can enhance consumer appeal while facilitating an atmosphere of comfort and indulgence.
As the billiard community continues to evolve, embracing the colors that resonate with consumers can create pathways toward growth and innovation in a vibrant and engaging market. Retailers willing to seize this trend will find themselves leading the pack in a colorful year.
