We are living in a golden age of consumer culture. With the rise of online stores, shoppers have never had it easier to buy new products. This convenience, coupled with the growing expectation of on-demand solutions, means that it has never been a better time to open a digital storefront.
However, with so much competition out there, how can you make sure that you’re going to get your audience’s attention?
Simple – by offering the hottest items online.
Thankfully, we’ve compiled the top 29 products that can help you maximize your profits and website traffic. They are even organized by type so that you can find your niche that much easier.
Clothing
Everyone needs clothes, right? However, while certain garments like t-shirts and pants are universal, you need to capitalize on products that will both drive traffic as well as order sales. Here are the top clothing items you should carry.
Shapeware
According to recent research, shapewear is going to become a $5.6 billion market by 2020. As with any products you want to sell, the best thing to do is get ahead of the curve rather than follow behind.
Why is shapewear so desirable? Because it allows women to look their best without the pain and struggle of working out or surgery. As you already know, we live in a camera-focused society these days, so anything that can help shape those curves or hide those lumps will be in high demand.
So, if you want your customers to flaunt what they got, be sure to stock your digital shelves with the latest shapewear designs. Some options can be worn as clothing, while others work similarly to a corset. Thanks to advances in fabrics, these items are both practical and extremely comfortable.
Denim – Jeans and Jackets
The fashion world can sometimes fall victim to flashy trends that never really go anywhere, as anyone with a faded pair of bell-bottoms can tell you. However, one thing that never seems to go out of style is denim, both as jackets and jeans.
While denim is something of a constant around the world, recent data suggests that it’s on an upward trend. However, you shouldn’t need too much convincing to keep denim in stock at your online store. After all, if it’s good enough to be included in so many different songs, it’s good enough to sell to your customers.
Backless Strapless Bras
One of the persistent problems that women face is wearing a top that exposes your back. It never looks good with a bra on, but you still need support in the front. Fortunately, backless strapless bras are the answer.
As a retailer, it’s vital to note that demand for these pieces is cyclical. Typically, women search for them during the summer and winter months. Summer because it’s hot and they like to dress down; winter because it’s time for holiday parties and elegant dresses.
So, be sure to capitalize on these trends and let your promotional material address these particular needs.
Athleisure Wear
Casual clothing has been pretty common for the past few decades, ever since wearing a fedora or bowler became passe. However, modern consumers are taking it a step further by wearing what’s called “athleisure clothes.” This term covers a relatively broad spectrum of garments, including sweatshirts, sweatpants, and leggings.
Interestingly, denim jeans are technically part of the athleisure umbrella, so there are now two reasons to make sure that your customers can find a great pair of pants on your website.
When picking athleisure wear, remember that it’s popular with both men and women, and graphic options (i.e., sweatshirts with logos or words) are always a treat.
Fashionable Baby Clothes
No matter what else is going on, baby clothes will always be in style. However, as you’ll recall, we’re living in a camera-forward society, so what babies wear matters more than ever. Obviously, the infants themselves won’t pick their clothes, but their fashionista parents will.
There are already a plethora of mommy blogs out there, and each one is ready to start promoting the right baby clothing. However, if you want to capitalize on this market, follow these tips.
- Graphic Tees and Onesies – the cuter, the better
- Gender-Neutral Clothing – many new parents don’t want to force gender norms on their kids
- Outfits and Ensembles – don’t just sell a onesie, sell booties and a knit cap for the little ones
- Adjustable Clothing – new parents want value, so clothes that grow with the child are always a good idea
Jewelry/Accessories
Although clothes make the man, the right accessories can add flair and personality. While there aren’t too many trending items in this category, it’s still beneficial to sell the ones that are.
Minimalist Jewelry
These days, women don’t want to flaunt their necklaces and bracelets as much. Instead, a tastefully simplistic design can deliver the right message of chic and practical. Not only are these designs less noticeable, but they’re also perfect for everyday wear. Versatility is part of the appeal, so make sure to include that with your online promotion.
Minimalist Watches
Women aren’t the only ones dialing it back (pun intended). Men are looking for a simple and elegant way to show off their style, and a watch is a perfect accessory. While there is still some demand for flashy products in gold and silver, many men prefer muted colors like black or slate gray.
Overall, the minimalist movement is about accentuating without overdoing it. It’s the perfect blend of style and class that will last a lifetime.
Pets
Many millennials are waiting longer and longer to have kids. Instead, they are getting pets and spending more money on fur babies than human ones. While this trend could change within the next few years, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these pet-related products.
Grooming
As you may have noticed, many of these products are in-fashion because of the rise of social media. Shapewear helps women tuck in those bumps, and minimalist watches help men look good without putting too much effort into it.
The same visual-centric mentality holds true for our pets as well. Getting your dogs or cats to look Instagram-worthy means investing in household grooming products. While most millennials will send their pets out for cleaning and shampooing, nail clippers and fur trimmers are in growing demand.
Pet Beds
All pets need a place to sleep, and many pet parents want their furry ones to rest in style. Pet beds can range from simple to luxurious, and all varieties are ripe for the online sales market.
For the most part, dog beds are more popular than those for cats, but both options are having a bit of a moment right now. It’s hard to tell how long this trend will continue to rise, but as long as young couples choose Sparky over raising a baby, it will be a while before it declines.
Dog Bowls
Just as pets need a place to sleep, they also need a place to drink. Dog bowls may not seem like a trending product, but the fact is that some models are flying off the shelves. One unique offering is the fold-up bowl, which allows dog owners to help their furry friends stay hydrated while on the go. These portable products are perfect for dog parks and other places where it would otherwise be hard to ensure that Fido gets enough to drink.
Another thing to keep in mind is that simple designs seem to be in demand, more than those with funky patterns. Stainless steel is a mainstay, so focus your attention on practicality over novelty.
Food/Beverage
When it comes to selling food over the internet, more and more consumers are warming up to the idea. Yes, you need to be more strict about shipping and handling standards, but assuming that you work with reputable suppliers, you can make a ton of money with the right products.
One thing to consider is the value of trendy diets like Paleo or Keto. While these diets are relatively popular now, they may wane in the coming years. Thus, you might want to avoid overstocking on these products so that you’re not stuck with inventory you can’t move.
Matcha Tea/Powder
Green tea has always been a mainstay of the tea-drinking crowd, but Matcha powder and teas have been steadily growing in popularity. Part of its appeal is its weight-loss benefits, and many consumers view it as something of a superfood.
You can find matcha added to a variety of products, from ice cream to smoothies. By selling both the powder and the tea, you can maximize your selling power and promote it to different markets.
Diet Supplements
When it comes to losing weight, many people want the results without the effort. Diet supplements (particularly those related to Paleo and Keto diets) are on the rise, thanks to their fast and efficient addition to one’s daily regimen.
That being said, be sure to vet suppliers before stocking your digital shelves. Supplements are not regulated, so many of the claims may not have evidence to support them. Overall, these products are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle, but they can’t make someone get fit or in shape.
Food Delivery/Subscriptions
We’re at an interesting time in modern culture. On the one hand, customers want easy access to high-quality meals. On the other hand, they don’t want to have to go out and source ingredients and cook it.
Not only that, but since food waste is a massive concern, many consumers are turning to meal-delivery services like Green Chef or Blue Apron. There are a variety of options available, and you can serve as an intermediary between them and your audience.
Personal Hygiene/Grooming
Once again, we find ourselves inundated with products designed to help consumers look good in photos. Makeup has always been popular, but these days, men are starting to get in on it, too. Let’s see what products could help your site get more traffic.
Beard Oil
Gone are the days of metrosexual men with a clean-shaven face. Beards are in, and many men are running with the idea. However, to make a beard selfie-worthy, customers have to utilize a variety of products, most notably beard oil.
One interesting fact surrounding this product is that popularity spikes during the holiday season. So, when promoting your store’s beard oil, be sure to capitalize on this trend by highlighting how it can make an excellent gift for the lumberjack in your life.
Avocado Oil
It seems that many millennials have an insatiable love affair with avocados. They put it on toast, salads, veggie bowls, and now, their faces. Avocado oil has become the must-have beauty product, thanks to its practicality and eco-friendly production. Also, several high-profile actresses swear by it (like Lupita Nyong’o), making your job even easier.
Coconut Oil
This product is exciting because it works as both a beauty and a cooking product. Coconut oil can rejuvenate skin and leave you feeling refreshed. It can also add healthy fats to your diet, which is essential for anyone on Keto or Paleo.
As an online retailer, this duality is perfect, as you can sell it to two different demographics. Illustrate the benefits of coconut oil both on and in the belly, and you’ll start raking in dollars.
Korean Skin Care Products
While people all over the world use various creams and lotions to look good, Korean companies take it a step further. Korean beauty regimens are generally much more involved than other countries, which makes these products all the more desirable. In fact, South Korea is the fourth-largest exporter of cosmetics, despite not having the population or industry of other, larger countries (i.e., China or the United States).
Hair Removal Products
Almost everyone has hair in places that they would rather not, but now technology makes it easier than ever to remove it. Shavers and other devices enable consumers to remove unwanted hair painlessly and effortlessly, which is why these items are trending upward.
One thing to keep in mind is to focus your attention on a particular buyer persona. For example, do you want to sell to men who desire a hair-free chest? What about women who want a quick and easy way to remove hair from their underarms? Focus on a particular niche to move your products more efficiently.
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Overall, consumers are becoming far more eco-friendly with their purchases, which is a primary reason why bamboo products are becoming more popular. The best thing about toothbrushes is that they have to be replaced regularly (up to four times a year), so you can easily get repeat business.
Electronics and Gadgets
One of the best side-effects of living in a technological world is that high-tech devices will only become more affordable in the future. Smartphones used to be prohibitively expensive, but now it seems like everyone and their mother has one. Here are the top gadgets to include in your digital storefront.
Bluetooth Speakers
If you go to any tech trade show, you will be inundated with wireless speakers. At first, it may seem that the market is oversaturated, but demand only continues to increase. If you want to focus on a particular niche, we highly recommend outdoor speakers for those who like to listen while hiking or camping. These products are built to withstand the elements, ensuring that customers won’t come home with a broken piece of equipment.
Flying Drones
While drones hit their peak in 2016, they are still in high-demand for a variety of reasons. Photographers love them because they allow access to remote areas. Families like them because they can be fun to play with (and they’re suitable for the whole family).
The great thing about drones is that the technology is still developing, so chances are that there will be some incredible options within the next few years (or decades). Also, keep in mind that drones don’t have to fly – there are underwater options as well.
LED Lights
Although incandescent bulbs are still around, the standard has mostly shifted over to LED. That being said, you will want to focus on a particular demographic, such as mood or accent lighting. Another option could be solar LED lights that enable consumers to illuminate patios or other outdoor areas.
Decorative lights can be another selling point, and not just for the holidays. String lights are an easy DIY way to add fun and whimsy to a child’s room, or they can be used to add personality to other places in the home.
LED Ring Light
Yes, this product would technically fall under the umbrella of “LED lights,” but it’s unique enough to warrant a specific mention. These items have been growing in popularity, thanks to the rise of Youtubers and Instagram influencers. A ring light provides ample illumination for selfies, ensuring that the subject always looks flawless.
We highly recommend selling both standalone models and those that attach to camcorders as well. This way, you can capitalize on both niches (beauty and vlogging).
Travel Adapter
The world is only getting smaller as our means of communication become more instantaneous. However, more and more people are traveling, particularly millennials and retirees. When these people visit other countries, they will still need to recharge their devices, which is where this adapter comes in handy.
Although this product has a highly specific purpose, it’s growing in demand (at least, according to Google Trends). Not only that, but it’s something that people are always going to need until a universal outlet standard becomes the norm.
Car Vacuum
As far as gadgets go, a vacuum for your car may not seem like the hippest option. However, with the rise of ridesharing services like Uber, it makes sense that drivers will want to take better care of their vehicle interiors.
Typically speaking, car vacuums run off of the 12-volt adapter, but some models may be battery-powered. That being said, vacuums that plug in are always going to be better, since you can leave the car running and don’t have to worry about recharging the battery.
Another avenue for promotion could be for families that want to clean up after their kids. It’s so much easier to handle messes when you have a vacuum right there in the car.
Smartwatches
As with drones, this technology peaked a few years ago, but as technology continues to improve, so will smartwatches. Also, Apple, the company that pioneered this tech, is still funneling vast amounts of money into research and development, so the smartwatch is here to stay.
We predict that this product is a little ahead of its time, meaning that it could become the standard wearable tech within the next decade. Again, you want to get in on a trend before it blows up, so now is an excellent time to sell smartwatches and pay attention to any future changes.
Kitchen Products
Our final category finds us in the kitchen, mixing up a batch of creative success. While so many cooking gadgets are flashes in the pan (pun intended), some of them can be a win for your online business.
Portable Blender
While blenders are a mainstay of kitchen products everywhere, portable varieties have started to become more popular.
Convenience is always a driving factor with new technology, and the ability to blend a smoothie while on the go seems appealing to many health-conscious consumers. You can market this product to both athletes and dieters as a quick and easy way to make a meal.
Personalized Mugs
Ceramic mugs have been around since at least the Roosevelt administration, but they are having a resurgence lately. That being said, the best option is to offer personalized or catchy mugs with witty sayings on them. These products are desirable because they are social-media worthy and can grab attention from friends and family and strangers alike.
Silicone Cups
Yes, glassware and ceramics are suitable for most occasions, but what about when you want to drink outside? Silicone cups are not necessarily new, but they are highly practical and portable. Thanks to more and more young people attending concerts and outdoor festivals, these cups will only continue to grow in demand.
